Why does the U.S. national anthem still move me so?

[Boris Godunov]

Musically, the U.S. anthem is a rather overly-bombastic, banal piece. Perfect for chest-thumping, yes, but hardly a great tune. The vocal line is rather ineptly written, from a singing standpoint. Key obviously didn't know how to write for singers, considering the range is all over the place.

Still, it strikes an emotional chord through association, as I'm sure most national anthems do. But I can think of plenty of superior anthems, including Russia, Germany, France, etc.

[Boris Godunov]

Oh, and if you want to see what a great composer can do with the Star-Spangled Banner, just listen to what Puccini does with it in Madama Butterfly. Genius!

[Zevico]

If you like the sombre-sad type anthem, Hatikva (the Israel one, lit. "The Hope") wins out. for more cheerful stuff the French one is good. Australia has a horrible one, they should change it to Waltzing Matilda (even if it is about some guy committing suicide!)

[Ecthy]

damn Boris. how, just HOW can you be so unamerican?

[Verto]

Originally posted by JohnT
"I should hate my country for all the horrible things it has done, but I do not. "

Because deep down you love your country for all the good it has done, regardless of whether you want to admit it to yourself.

I think I'll coin a bumper sticker slogan for people like you: "It's OK to love the USA"

I'd like one of them bumper stickers!

[Spiffor]

I can understand one gets moved by listening to the Russian or the French anthems, for they are quite good tunes
But the American anthem ?! Come on, next time you'll say you're moved by God Save the Queen or by the Japanese Anthem

[MrFun]

I am usually moved by my country's national anthem as well.

[SlowwHand]

Originally posted by Ecthelion
damn Boris. how, just HOW can you be so unamerican?

The amazing part is it all comes natural, no effort required.
And Spiffor sucks, that's well-known.
Che sucks.
Well, the list just goes on and on.

[Spiffor]

Originally posted by SlowwHand
The amazing part is it all comes natural, no effort required.
And Spiffor sucks, that's well-known.
Che sucks.
Well, the list just goes on and on.

C'mon Slowwy, you generally have quite a good musical taste.
You just know a boring music when you hear one

[MrFun]

Originally posted by SlowwHand


The amazing part is it all comes natural, no effort required.
And Spiffor sucks, that's well-known.
Che sucks.
Well, the list just goes on and on.

[chequita guevara]

Originally posted by SlowwHand
Che sucks.

F*ck you, I had nothing to do with this discussion.

Personally, This Land if Your Land and American the Beautiful move me more than the national anthem.

[MrFun]

Chegitz, you will have to pardon Slowwy -- it's that time of the year for him again . . . .

[Drogue]

Originally posted by Spiffor
Come on, next time you'll say you're moved by God Save the Queen

GSTQ is crap, however 'Land of Hope and Glory' does move me somewhat. That would be our anthem but for the racism in it. Does anyone know what lines people object to in it, that get it branded as racist?

[SlowwHand]

Nobody rattled your cage, Fun.

Che, get over it buddy. Criminey but you're getting to be a poophead in your old age.


At least Spiffor retains a sense of humor.
"Foreigners" I wouldn't expect to me moved by the OUR National Anthem.

[MrFun]

Originally posted by SlowwHand
Nobody rattled your cage, Fun.

The problem is that you really seem to disrespect people who can think objectively about different aspects of their own country.

And take the trolls for what they are, instead of raising your blood pressure over them.