What song should replace The Star Spangled Banner

[RussBLib]

As our national anthem, if we even need one?

I've thought about it and keep coming up blank. Too many songs reference god, which eliminates them for me.

[raging moderate]

1. America, the Beautiful!

"Oh beautiful, for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain, for purple mountains' majesty, above the fruited plain!
America, America, God shed His grace on thee! And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea!"

There is that later verse (three, I think):
"Oh beautiful, for patriots' dream, that sees, beyond these years, thine alabaster cities gleam, undimmed by human tears!"

[raging moderate]

4. OR, "Lift Every Voice and Sing!"

I don't really know that song, but it is also beautiful.

[RicROC]

26. humming this morning

So funny that you should mention this 'hymn'. I've been humming it all this morning because I didn't know the words. Last sung it at a MCC church in San Francisco.

[stopbush]

5. A good choice...if we can remove the references to the imaginary god...

[Delmette2.0]

27. I thought of that too

Just not until we can clean up our rivers, streams and air. Brotherhood doesn't exist much either.
Undimmed by human tears, we need to make that happen for everyone, not just a privileged few.

We have a lot of work to do before we live up to that song.

[raging moderate]

30. That is exactly what the song says: We have to work on our dreams.

America the Beautiful talks about the dream of patriots looking into the future beyond these years, hoping for a future in which cities gleam undimmed by human tears, and striving to live up to the dream by mending our flaws, developing self-control and brotherhood, being inspired by some who have gone before us, who loved their country more than self, and who loved mercy more than life.

[Delmette2.0]

41. Ok. I admit I missed that.

Thanks for correcting me.

[Politicub]

40. Can we leave god out of it, please? While this is a pretty song,

it is biased against non-believers. And all of the alabaster, gleaming cities without people crying are biblical claptrap about the afterlife.

My vote is for This Land is Your Land.

[Blue_true]

48. This Land is Your Land would be an excellent choice. nt

[riverwalker]

53. Yes.

America The Beautiful.

[jmg257]

2. Something with a cool guitar solo. Something long like Stairway to heaven or

Bohemian Rapsody.

Then when we win gold medals at the olympics it’ll be like 8 minutes long every time.

http://www.cc.com/video-clips/palbps/uncensored---national-anthems

[Takket]

16. i love this LOL....

i'm already picturing someone 16 year old barely 4 foot tall female gymnast mouthing along to "mama, just killed a man..." in front of the whole world as the flag gets raised........

[customerserviceguy]

68. Too funny! n/t

[Clash City Rocker]

3. This Land Is Your Land gets my vote

The Star Spangled Banner is about a battle the US lost, we’re supposed to just be happy the flag was still flying. Most people can’t sing it right, and the little-known third verse take pleasure in the death of slaves. Not a great national anthem.

[Ritabert]

8. I like that choice

I don't think there are any slave references in it.

[greymattermom]

9. And sing every verse too.

[dawg day]

15. Oh, that's a good one.

Woody Guthrie spoke of the country as a community.

[drmeow]

17. yes nt

[AleksS]

20. That's my vote. Quintessentially American.

It’s the perfect song about America, and Americans, by an American, to Americans.

[GeorgeGist]

21. It use to be ...

Native land.

[RussBLib]

29. Yeah, I thought of that

And it rather disqualified that song for me, but, you could stretch the definition of "your land" and "my land" to everyone, including the native Americans.

[Igel]

58. Not when composed.

Or registered.

Or published.

They have the originals for all three. No "native" to be found.

Perhaps a later unauthorized (or perhaps authorized) adaptation?

[RussBLib]

59. I think he meant that

this land used to be their land (the Native Americans).

That's how I read it.

[csziggy]

25. That would be my first choice!

This Land Is Your Land
Words and Music by Woody Guthrie

This land is your land, this land is my land
From California to the New York island,
From the redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters;
This land was made for you and me.

As I was walking that ribbon of highway
I saw above me that endless skyway;
I saw below me that golden valley;
This land was made for you and me.

I've roamed and rambled and I followed my footsteps
To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts;
And all around me a voice was sounding;
This land was made for you and me.

When the sun came shining, and I was strolling,
And the wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling,
As the fog was lifting a voice was chanting:
This land was made for you and me.

As I went walking I saw a sign there,
And on the sign it said "No Trespassing."
But on the other side it didn't say nothing.
That side was made for you and me.

In the shadow of the steeple I saw my people,
By the relief office I seen my people;
As they stood there hungry, I stood there asking
Is this land made for you and me?

Nobody living can ever stop me,
As I go walking that freedom highway;
Nobody living can ever make me turn back
This land was made for you and me.

https://www.woodyguthrie.org/Lyrics/This_Land.htm

[FelineOverlord]

39. That would be my first choice!

This is the first song that came to mind

Simple lyrics about the natural beauty of the land.

Easy to sing by everyone. And the country is for everyone.

|


Besides, Woody also wrote about Fred Trump:

|

[broiles]

34. My vote, too!

[Igel]

56. I can see why you don't like it.

You have facts wrong and so come to a wrong conclusion.

We didn't lose the Battle of Baltimore. Baltimore didn't fall. Todd's Farm fell. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Baltimore


The Battle of North Point we lost--but it was a success in that it did exactly what it needed to, both slowed and weakened the ground assault so that the British were defeated.

The vast majority of my life before I left for college was spent within a cannon shot of the British troops' route. Parents' home, elementary school, middle school, high school, friends' homes, stores ...

It's often been said that the second half of the war for independence was the War of 1812. The Barbary Wars weren't enough to unite us after a fractious war and depression, and it was the British attempt to redress a cosmic injustice. They weren't defeated until their revanchism was defeated.

[dawg day]

6. America the Beautiful has some wonderful lyrics about aspiring to be GOOD

America! America!
God mend thine every flaw
Confirm thy soul in self-control
Thy liberty in law!

O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!

The Ray Charles version should be an anthem-

[ChazII]

10. +100 n/t

[Clash City Rocker]

46. "Johnny got sent to the principal's office today

“They were singing the national anthem and he forgot to say “Now wait a minute!”

[FM123]

7. Lift Every Voice and Sing is just beautiful!

[dawg day]

19. Much more about "together" than our current anthem

And joyous, not "war-triumphant"

[luvs2sing]

22. It is already considered the Black national anthem.

One of my favorite choral arrangements, and boy did I work hard to memorize it.

[sarcasmo]

11. Pink Houses by Mellencamp

There's a black man with a black cat
Living in a black neighborhood
He's got an interstate running' through his front yard
You know, he thinks, he's got it so good
And there's a woman in the kitchen cleaning' up evening slop
And he looks at her and says:
"Hey darling, I can remember when you could stop a clock"
Oh but ain't that America, for you and me
Ain't that America, we're something to see baby
Ain't that America, home of the free, yeah
Little pink houses for you and me, oh for you and me
Well there's a young man in a T-shirt
Listenin' to a rock 'n' roll station
He's got a greasy hair, greasy smile
He says: "Lord, this must be my destination"
'Cause they told me, when I was younger
Sayin' "Boy, you're gonna be president"
But just like everything else, those old crazy dreams
Just kinda came and went
Oh but ain't that America, for you and me
Ain't that America, we're something to see baby
Ain't that America, home of the free, yeah
Little pink houses, for you and me, oh baby for you and me
Well there's people and more people
What do they know, know, know
Go to work in some high rise
And vacation down at the Gulf of Mexico
Ooo yeah
And there's winners, and there's losers
But they ain't no big deal
'Cause the simple man baby pays the thrills,
The bills and the pills that kill
Oh but ain't that America, for you and me
Ain't that America, we're something to see baby
Ain't that America, home of the free, yeah
Little pink houses for you and me, ooo, ooo yeah
Ain't that America, for you and me
Ain't that America, hey we're something to see baby
Ain't that America, oh the home of the free,
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Little pink houses babe for you and me, ooo yeah ooo yeah

[delisen]

12. A national competition could be launched

A suitable non profit could have a national competition

Some strict guidelines would be needed such as no god references and no impossibly high notes.

There could be prizes awarded.

The interest generated could help get it passed by Congress- until then artists could record and we could all just start singing

[Phoenix61]

13. Wouldn't that be a fun constest?

Come up with a new one that’s inclusive. Different music styles for the different people that have come hear. Absolutely Native American flute.

[niyad]

14. How about the Charlie Hill version of "this land is your land"?

[tavernier]

18. Fat Bottomed Girls.

Sorry. Just got on the scales after weeks of self isolation and it seemed appropriate.

[LeftInTX]

57. Good one!!!!

[dogknob]

23. Albert Brooks: Rewriting the National Anthem

Guy was truly ahead of his time with this one...

[underpants]

60. 👀

Gotta watch that later

[dogknob]

66. It's just audio, from his album

Here's a video of AB doing it on the Flip Wilson show, but he leaves one of the best bits out for time.

[Towlie]

24. American Idiot by Green Day

https://www.google.com/search?&q=lyrics+american+idiot+green+day

Present company excepted, of course.

[hlthe2b]

37. LOL Deserved right now, for sure.

[BigmanPigman]

28. You're a Grand Old Flag

My students were young but they loved to belt this one out at volume #11.

[marie999]

31. I thought our Nation Anthem was now

Государственный Гимн Российской федерации

[State the Obvious]

32. I've always liked "America the Beautiful"

...and crown THY GOOD with BROTHERHOOD, from sea to shining sea

We are a GOOD nation, and we are now learning the importance of BROTHERHOOD.

(It baegins softly, and ends in majesty.) Easy to sing.

[NeoGreen]

33. Welcome to the Jungle...

...https://m.

[Yeehah]

51. Actual LOL

Thanks for the laugh!

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

35. I like The Star Spangled Banner.

It's hard to sing because of its range but I can't think of anything I'd prefer.

[Walleye]

36. "Back in the USA" by Chuck Berry

[LuvLoogie]

38. We should just play this video

[Renew Deal]

42. It's not happening

[RussBLib]

50. nothing happens, until it does

Lots of things were considered impossible, until they became possible.

[raccoon]

43. "My Hometown?" Nt

[CanonRay]

44. Back in the USSR

[dogknob]

45. My first choice was "Compared to What"

I love the lie and lie the love
A-Hangin' on, with push and shove
Possession is the motivation
That is hangin' up the God-damn nation
Looks like we always end up in a rut (everybody now!)
Tryin' to make it real, compared to what? C'mon baby!

Slaughterhouse is killin' hogs
Twisted children killin' frogs
Poor dumb rednecks rollin' logs
Tired old lady kissin' dogs
Hate the human, love that stinking mutt (I can't stand it!)
Try to make it real, compared to what? C'mon baby now!

The President, he's got his war
Folks don't know just what it's for
Nobody gives us rhyme or reason
Have one doubt, they call it treason
We're chicken-feathers, all without one nut. God damn it!
Tryin' to make it real, compared to what? (Sock it to me)

Church on Sunday, sleep and nod
Tryin' to duck the wrath of God
Preacher's fillin' us with fright
They all tryin' to teach us what they think is right
They really got to be some kind of nut (I can't use it!)
Tryin' to make it real, compared to what?

Where's that bee and where's that honey?
Where's my God and where's my money?
Unreal values, crass distortion
Unwed mothers need abortion
Kind of brings to mind ol' young King Tut (He did it now)
Tried to make it real, compared to what?!

Tryin' to make it real, compared to what?

[Blue_true]

47. Some have suggested that "America the Beautiful" should replace it.

That request has been around for a long time.

[Jrsygrl96]

49. Woody Guthrie

This Land is Your Land

[Trumpocalypse]

62. Neil Diamond

[Happy Hoosier]

52. American Idiot, by Green Day. NT

[ChazInAz]

54. I know what we should avoid.

When I was acting in "Lugosi", a bit of "Hymnusz" was played. That's the Hungarian national anthem. Let's just say we should avoid anything like that!
Truly dolorous, it grinds on for what seems an hour or so, recounting past grievances, betrayals. Being chased into caves by swordsmen is featured in an early verse.
Makes ours seem upbeat and chirpy!
Let's not do that sort of song.

[Coventina]

55. At one time, "Hail Columbia" was a serious contender. n/t

on edit: got title wrong.

[ProfessorGAC]

61. None

Eliminate it.
It's just a trite tradition.
They don't need it at the Olympics either.
From any country.

[ElementaryPenguin]

63. "Trump Is My Fuhrer"

would be popular with deep red states.

Don't think it's been written yet, (perhaps Stephen Miller, Bill Barr, and Mike Pence could work on such a tune together)

[MagickMuffin]

64. This Land Is Your Land

It'd inclusive

[Paladin]

65. We have an AWFUL national anthem.

Preposterously wide-ranging tones (from an English drinking song, or something), memorializing a single obscure battle, in a seemingly endless series of questions. Most third world countries have better anthems, and France's glorious song puts ours in a muddy ditch by comparison.

It will never be replaced, not in my lifetime. But it damn well ought to be.

[maveric]

67. Free Bird by Lynard Skynard. n/t

[superpatriotman]

69. I'm Afraid of Americans by David Bowie

or American Idiot by Green Day or America, Fuck Yeah! from Team America World Police

[gulliver]

70. Leave it. The part we all sing is fine.

[kpete]

71. Easy Choice for Me

Patti Smith - PEOPLE HAVE THE POWER

I was dreaming in my dreaming
Of an aspect bright and fair
And my sleeping it was broken
But my dream it lingered near
In the form of shining valleys
Where the pure air recognized
And my senses newly opened
I awakened to the cry
That the people have the power
To redeem the work of fools
Upon the meek the graces shower
It' s decreed the people rule
The people have the power
The people have the power
The people have the power
The people have the power
Vengeful aspects became suspect
And bending low as if to hear
And the armies ceased advancing
Because the people had their ear
And the shepherds and the soldiers
Lay beneath the stars
Exchanging visions
And laying arms
To waste in the dust
In the form of shining valleys
Where the pure air recognized
And my senses newly opened
I awakened to the cry
Where there were deserts
I saw fountains
Like cream the waters rise
And we strolled there together
With none to laugh or criticize
And the leopard
And the lamb
Lay together truly bound
I was hoping in my hoping
To recall what I had found
I was dreaming in my dreaming
God knows a purer view
As I surrender to my sleeping
I commit my dream to you
Where there were deserts
I saw fountains
Like cream the waters rise
And we strolled there together
With none to laugh or criticize
And the leopard
And the lamb
Lay together truly bound
I was hoping in my hoping
To recall what I had found
I was dreaming in my dreaming
God knows a purer view
As I surrender to my sleeping
I commit my dream to you
The power to dream to rule
To wrestle the world from fools
It' s decreed the people rule
It' s decreed the people rule
I believe everything we dream
Can come to pass through our union
We can turn the world around
We can turn the earth' s revolution
We have the power
People have the power

*********

Another version:

[Sewa]

72. Song For America by Kansas

https://m.

[Polybius]

73. Proud To Be An American

I know, Lee Greenwood is a conservative but the song is still good.

[DavidDvorkin]

74. God Save the Queen.

[jalan48]

75. I'm Ok with the Star Spangled Banner if this is the only version.