God Save the King

"God Save the King" is the national anthem of the United Kingdom. When the ruler is a woman, it is called "God Save the Queen." This song is also one of the two national anthems of New Zealand and is used as the royal anthem in places like the Isle of Man, Australia, Canada, and other Commonwealth realms.

We do not know who wrote the song, though some people think it might be the work of a composer named John Bull. The first verse of the song stays the same, but many different versions of the rest of the song have been made over time. Usually, only one verse is sung, but sometimes two or even three verses are used.

The tune of "God Save the King" has been used for many other important songs in different countries. For example, it is the basis for the national anthem of Liechtenstein, called "Oben am jungen Rhein," and for the royal anthem of Norway, called "Kongesangen." In the United States, the same melody is used in the patriotic song "My Country, 'Tis of Thee." It was also used for important anthems in places like the Kingdom of Prussia, the German Emperor, the Russian Empire, and Switzerland.

History

The words of "God Save the King" first appeared in England in the late 1500s in a play by William Shakespeare called _Richard III. Over time, the song began to sound like a traditional dance tune. The first version that looks like the song we know today was printed in 1744. It became popular during a time of conflict when people showed their support for King George II. Different people have been suggested as possible creators, but no one really knows for sure who wrote it.

Use in the United Kingdom

Like many parts of British life, "God Save the King" has its special status because of tradition, not because of any official rule or law. The version of the lyrics used in the UK is the oldest one and it forms the basis for all other versions used across the Commonwealth countries.

England does not have its own official national anthem. When England takes part in sports events, "God Save the King" is usually used. However, there are some exceptions, like in cricket where "Jerusalem" is used instead. There have been suggestions to choose a special song just for England, with "Jerusalem" and "Land of Hope and Glory" being popular choices. Wales uses "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau" (Land of My Fathers) as its anthem. Scotland uses different songs like "Flower of Scotland" for official events and sports. In Northern Ireland, "God Save the King" is used as the official anthem.

In 2001, it was noted that some fans would add extra words before the main part of the song during football matches.

Since 2003, "God Save the King" has not been used at the Commonwealth Games. Instead, athletes from Northern Ireland hear the tune of "Danny Boy" when they win gold medals. In 2006, winners from England heard "Land of Hope and Glory", but after a survey in 2010, "Jerusalem" became England’s anthem for the Commonwealth Games. When the UK competes together, like in the Olympics as Great Britain at the Olympics, the anthem is used for anyone from the United Kingdom.

Lyrics in the UK

The phrase "God Save the King" has been used for a very long time, even appearing in old books. It has been sung at every coronation since the year 973. In 1745, a song called "God save our lord the king" was published, and it is thought that this might be the first time the song was performed publicly.

There are different stories about where the words came from, but the version we use today has been around for a long time. When the monarch is a king, we use the words “King” and when the monarch is a queen, we change it to “Queen”.

There isn’t just one official version of the lyrics, but the two verses mentioned above are often considered the standard version. Sometimes, an extra verse is added, especially on special occasions like the opening of big events or during important ceremonies.

Performance in the UK

The way the anthem is performed in official events was decided by King George V. He gave instructions on how it should be played, like the speed and the instruments to be used. These instructions were followed until recent years when the tempo has sometimes been played faster.

In the past, people were expected to stand when the anthem was played after a show in theatres or cinemas. This tradition has mostly disappeared now, except in some special events like Wimbledon, the Royal Variety Performance, and the Edinburgh Tattoo.

The anthem is still played at the end of some radio and television broadcasts, and before important royal messages or announcements.

Use in other Commonwealth countries

"God Save the King" spread around the world because of the British Empire. As the Empire changed into the Commonwealth of Nations, the song was used less in most countries that became independent. But in New Zealand, it is still one of the official national anthems.

In Australia, "God Save the King" became the royal anthem on 27 October 2022. It is played when the monarch or a royal family member is present. Before 1974, Australia used "God Save the Queen" as its national anthem, but it was later changed to "Advance Australia Fair".

In Canada, "God Save the King" is the royal anthem by tradition. It is often sung along with the national anthem, "O Canada", at events organized by groups like the Government of Canada and the Royal Canadian Legion.

New Zealand also uses "God Save the King" as one of its anthems, especially when the monarch or royal family members are present.

Use elsewhere

The tune of "God Save the King" has been used in many other countries for their royal or national anthems, sometimes with changed words.

In the 1800s, it was the official anthem in Sweden, Iceland, Imperial Russia, Greece, Siam, and the Kingdom of Hawaii. Today, it is still the royal anthem of Norway.

In Germany, several kingdoms like Prussia and Bavaria used this tune. After Germany united in 1871, it became the anthem of the German emperor, though it was not chosen as the country's official anthem. It is still the national anthem of Liechtenstein and was used in Switzerland until 1961.

In Latvia during the 1800s, Latvians used this melody for a patriotic song called "Dievs, svētī Kurzemi/Vidzemi!" meaning "God bless Kurzeme/Vidzeme!" depending on the region.

Musical adaptations

Many composers have used the tune of "God Save the King" in their works. Famous musicians like Ludwig van Beethoven and Joseph Haydn have arranged and played with the melody in their pieces.

The song was also used in popular music. For example, the band Queen played a version of the anthem, and Jimi Hendrix performed an improvisational version during his concerts.

The anthem was even one of the first pieces of music created using a computer, programmed by a scientist in 1951.

Reception

Some famous people have praised "God Save the King". In 1796, a philosopher named Jeremy Bentham said the tune was beautiful and easy for everyone to enjoy. The famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven also admired the song.

There have been discussions about whether the United Kingdom should have a new national anthem. Some people feel the current song is old and does not fit modern times. Others wish for a song that does not focus on war or the monarchy, especially since England does not have its own special song for sports, unlike Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales, which have their own unofficial anthems like "Flower of Scotland", "Londonderry Air", and "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau".