comparison of national anthems

[earthlingmike]

Is it true that the national anthems of Canada and America correspond closely to the actual nature of these countries? America's national anthem is entirely about war and conflict, and, oh yeah occasionally they remember to mention what the reason is for all this fighting; freedom. It's also focused on a piece of cloth

Comments

[boolean263]

Oddly appropriate that you'd bring this up on Canada Day. (:

Our anthem has a French version/verse as well. I'm not sure what most of it is about, but there's mention of "your arms can hold a sword, they can hold a cross". That part at least is suitable, since French Canada is rather more conservatively religious than the rest of Canada.

[earthlingmike]

Yes I thought is was appropriate to bring it up on Canada day. And Independence Day in America is July 4th.

I had assumed the french version was just a translation of the English version, but I guess not.

[luckycanucky]

Speedy googling gives a history of the American Anthem:

http://www.gbjann.com/anthem/history.htm

I knew it had started with a poem, and that the tune used to be a drinking song or pub crawlesque thing. There used to be different lyrics to go with the tune, I mean. It's an interesting article.

[earthlingmike]

I think it's an interesting phenomenon, I'm wondering why there's this correlation, and if the correlation does exist to the extent that I think it does. I wondering how much the songs themselves influence people's conception of the identity of their countries.