A Country’s Anthem: Changing for the Worst or for the Better?

In recent times, the discussion about national anthems has gained new dimensions. One fascinating topic that often arises is whether a country has ever changed its national anthem solely because it was 'awful'. This article delves into the history and provides insights into such instances, exploring the subjective nature of music and national identity.

Historical Context of Changing National Anthems

The decision to change a national anthem is not taken lightly; often, such changes are influenced by political or social factors. However, in some cases, the change is driven by the belief that the current anthem is 'awful'—a term that is subjective and open to interpretation.

Countries That Have Changed Their Anthems Due to Awfulness

Australia and Germany

For Australia, the current national anthem changed in 1984, partly due to its perception as an 'awful' anthem compared to modern standards. The current anthem, 'Advance Australia Fair,' is considered a significant improvement over the previous one, 'God Save the Queen.' Germany, on the other hand, reverted to its previous anthem 'Deutschland über Alles' during the reunification in 1990, replacing the more recent 'Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit' with new lyrics. The new anthem is perceived as more rousing and fitting for the nation.

Russia

After the fall of Communism, Russia also reverted to its historical anthem, which had been modified during the Soviet era. The original anthem, with slight revisions, was restored with the same melody but new lyrics that resonated more with the new political climate.

Comparing the Awfulness of National Anthems

The perception of an anthem as 'awful' varies greatly among different countries and cultures. In the 1930s, the Netherlands changed its national anthem, 'Wilhelmus,' due to its controversial lyrics such as 'Whose veins with Dutch blood doth flow, free from foreign stains.' This change was a significant event, reflecting the need for a more inclusive and socially acceptable anthem.

Subjective Nature of Music and National Identity

The subjectivity of music plays a crucial role in the choice and perception of national anthems. A melody that may be considered aesthetically displeasing in one country might be celebrated in another. For instance, the United States' national anthem, 'The Star-Spangled Banner,' is often criticized for its challenging melody, which extends across a wide range and can be difficult for even professional singers to perform without harmonic adjustments.

Example: The U.S. National Anthem

The United States is a prime example of a country where the national anthem is often cited as 'awful'. 'The Star-Spangled Banner' was not always the official anthem. Before its adoption, the anthem was 'Achy Breaky Heart,' a country song, which was admittedly awful. However, it is widely recognized that 'The Star-Spangled Banner' is far more difficult to sing, especially for amateurs. The melody leaps from the lowest to the highest notes, making it challenging even for trained vocalists to perform without deviation.

Analysis of the Lyrics and Melody

Both the melody and the lyrics of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' have been criticized. The melody, which was borrowed from an English drinking song, is not catchy and does not resonate well with modern audiences. Additionally, the lyrics are often nonsensical and linguistically awkward, evoking response such as the description by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.: 'Gibberish sprinkled with question marks.' This criticism highlights the importance of not only the melody but also the lyrical content in creating a national anthem that resonates with the populace.

Alternatives and Future

Many believe that the U.S. could opt for alternative anthems such as 'My Country 'Tis of Thee' or 'America the Beautiful,' which are more melodious and immediately appealing. Kurt Vonnegut Jr., known for his sharp critique, also advocated for more fitting alternatives, stating that there are 'many obvious alternatives' that would address the current issues with the anthem.

Conclusion

The decision to change a national anthem is rooted in the need for a song that represents the country's spirit and values effectively. Whether a change is made due to the perception of the anthem as 'awful' is a deeply subjective matter. As nations evolve, so too do their anthems, reflecting the changing sentiments of their people and their aspirations for the future.