The National Anthem

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Watching the world cup over the past few weeks and listening to the national anthems of many countries, I couldn't help but notice how the Australian national anthem feels so stale and uninspired in comparison. With its thumping arpeggios and major scales embellished by a cacophony of cymbals and trumpets, it sounds as if it were written for the sake of being an anthem, rather than to stir the hearts of a nation. I mean, compare this with songs like [i]Waltzing Matilda[/i] or [i]I am Australian[/i], which are so beautiful they send chills.

What does everyone else think of our anthem?

[Yitzi_K]

As a Brit, I must say I've always quite liked australias anthem, and I don't understand why many aussies seen to hate it.

Also I don't get the fascination with waltzing Matilda. It does have a nice tune, but have you ever thought about the actual words? Would you really want a ditty about a sheep thief as a national anthem? (insert obligatory convict joke here). It'd make Australia an international laughingstock.

[EvangelionZeta]

I've been saying for years that we should change our national anthem to I Am Australian.

[Noblesse]

Change it to Poker Face IMO.

[Gloamglozer]

I think it's fine at the moment.  I mean, sure we won't ever use the word "girt" in our lives but the anthem we have now has history and significance.  We've sung it for so long since God Save the Queen (I think?)

[ninwa]

I mean, sure we won't ever use the word "girt" in our lives

I giggle on the inside every time it gets to that word. Hehe.

I actually wouldn't mind if our anthem was I Still Call Australia Home. I think it's a really pretty song.

[Kennybhoy]

The National Anthem is fine. I don't think I still Call Australia Home or Waltzing Matilda are that suitable in terms of what it sells Australia out to be. We are Australian on the other hand, is an excellent song and I can see how it would be a good National Anthem.

However, the real debate that should be going is the Queen and what she's doing on my money, as well as what Great Britain is doing on our flag.

[Glockmeister]

The current anthem was voted in.

[ZachCharge]

The National Anthem is fine. I don't think I still Call Australia Home or Waltzing Matilda are that suitable in terms of what it sells Australia out to be. We are Australian on the other hand, is an excellent song and I can see how it would be a good National Anthem.

However, the real debate that should be going is the Queen and what she's doing on my money, as well as what Great Britain is doing on our flag.

You say that as if we are our own country.

What is so great about Waltzing Matilda. A thief gets caught and drowns himself...yay Australia?

[Cthulhu]

The National Anthem is fine. I don't think I still Call Australia Home or Waltzing Matilda are that suitable in terms of what it sells Australia out to be. We are Australian on the other hand, is an excellent song and I can see how it would be a good National Anthem.

However, the real debate that should be going is the Queen and what she's doing on my money, as well as what Great Britain is doing on our flag.

You say that as if we are our own country.

What is so great about Waltzing Matilda. A thief gets caught and drowns himself...yay Australia?

Australia: Where corporal punishment is left up to the convicts!

[Kennybhoy]

You say that as if we are our own country.

The Queen doesn't do anything.

At all.

So why's she on my money? Why should we care about the royal family at all? Why isn't Australia a republic?

[m@tty]

Commonwealth games We get to win lots

[QuantumJG]

I like our current national anthem. I would NEVER vote for Waltzing Matilda as our national anthem, since we would be the laughingstock of the world. I still call Australia home I don't mind though.

[Kennybhoy]

Commonwealth games We get to win lots

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Commonwealth Games is for countries in the Commonwealth of Nations.

[EvangelionZeta]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qo0DpoH1268

I reckon that should be our national anthem.