United Kingdom National Symbols: National Anthem
"God Save the King"
Date of Adoption: 1745
Music by: Unknown
Lyrics by: Unknown
"God Save the King" was first publicly performed in London in 1745 before King George II, although it is believed to be considerably older. As early as 1545 the phrase "God Save the King" was used as a watchword at night. In the beginning of the 19th century, the now-official royal anthem was regularly called the country’s national anthem as well, although it has never been officially designated as such. The royal anthem is, however, used as the national anthem as a matter of tradition.
In 1838 the word “Queen” was substituted for “King,” and the lyrics were revised to accommodate Queen Victoria's ascension to the throne. Since then, the song' words have alternated between “king” and “queen” or "he" and "she" depending on the gender of the ruling monarch. On most occasions only the first of the song's three verses is sung. Many other verses that have been used over the years, and various claims to authorship of both the lyrics and composition exist.
"God Save the Queen" also serves as the royal anthem for most British Commonwealth countries. In addition, the anthem's tune has been borrowed by several other European royal and national anthems over the years. Prominent composers such as Beethoven, Haydn, and Brahms also incorporated it into their own compositions.
Lyrics
God save our gracious Queen,
Long live our noble Queen,
God save The Queen.
Send her victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us:
God save The Queen.
O Lord our God, arise,
Scatter our enemies,
And make them fall;
Confound their politics,
Frustrate their knavish tricks;
On thee our hopes we fix:
God save us all.
Thy choicest gifts in store
On her be pleased to pour,
Long may she reign.
May she defend our laws,
And ever give us cause
To sing with heart and voice,
God save The Queen.
Not in this land alone,
But be God's mercies known,
From shore to shore!
Lord make the nations see,
That men should brothers be,
And form one family,
The wide world over.
From every latent foe,
From the assassins blow,
God save the Queen!
O'er her thine arm extend,
For Britain's sake defend,
Our mother, prince, and friend,
God save the Queen!
Article written for World Trade Press by WTP Staff.
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