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For the Sex Pistols song, see God Save the Queen (Sex Pistols song). , 15 October 1745. The title, on the Contents page, is given as "God save our lord the king: A new song set for two voices".

"God Save the Queen", or "God Save the King", is an anthem used in a number of Commonwealth realms; it currently serves as the national anthem of the United Kingdom, one of the two national anthems of New Zealand, and the royal anthem of Canada and of Australia. The title of the song varies with the gender of the reigning monarch, and so it now uses "Queen", though "King" has been historically more common. In countries not previously part of the British Empire the tune of "God Save the Queen" has also been used as the basis for different patriotic songs, though still generally connected with royal ceremony.

The authorship of the song is unknown, and beyond its first verse, which is consistent, it has many historic and extant versions: Since its first publication, different verses have been added and taken away and, even today, different publications include various selections of verses in various orders.cf. the versions in the hymn books English Hymnal, Hymns Ancient and Modern and Songs of Praise and the version at the website royalty.gov.uk. In general only one, or sometimes two verses are sung, but on rare occasions three. One or two bars may also form a part of the Vice Regal Salute in Commonwealth realms outside the United Kingdom. The words of the song, like its title, are fitted to the gender of monarch, with "King" replacing "Queen", "he" replacing "she", and so forth, when a king reigns. In the United Kingdom, the last line of the third verse is also changed (see below).

History The origin of the tune is surrounded by uncertainty, myth and speculation. In The Oxford Companion to Music, Percy Scholes devotes about four pages to this subject, pointing out the similarities to an early plainsong melody, although the rhythm is very distinctly that of a galliard, and he gives examples of several such dance tunes that bear a striking resemblance to "God Save the King/Queen". Scholes quotes a keyboard piece by Dr. John Bull (composer) (1619) which has some strong similarities to the modern tune, depending on the placing of accidental (music) that at that time were unwritten in certain cases and left to the discretion of the player (see musica ficta). He also points to several pieces by Henry Purcell, one of which includes the opening notes of the modern tune, set to the words "God Save The King".

The first definitive published version of the present tune appeared in 1744 in Thesaurus Musicus, as a setting of the familiar first verse, and the song was popularised in Scotland and England the following year, with the landing of Charles Edward Stuart. It was recorded as being sung in London theatres in 1745, with, for example, Thomas Arne writing a setting of the tune for the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

Scholes' analysis includes mention of "untenable" and "doubtful" claims, as well as "an American misattribution". Some of these are:

Scholes recommends the attribution "traditional" or "traditional; earliest known version by John Bull (1562–1628)". The English Hymnal (musical editor Ralph Vaughan Williams) gives no attribution, stating merely "17th or 18th cent."Hymn No. 560 "National Anthem"

Use in the United Kingdom .

"God Save the Queen" currently acts as the national anthem of the United Kingdom, though it has never been officially adopted by Royal Proclamation or Act of Parliament, but, rather, has become entrenched by tradition alone. In general only one or two verses are sung, but on rare occasions three. The British variation of the lyrics to "God Save the Queen" is the oldest amongst those currently used, and forms the basis on which all other versions used throughout the Commonwealth are formed; though, again, the words have varied throughout the years.

British lyrics The phrase "God Save the King" is much older than the song, appearing, for instance, several times in the King James version of the Bible.1 Samuel x. 24; 2 Samuel xvi. 16 and 2 Kings xi. 12 Scholes says that as early as 1545 "God Save the King" was a watchword of the Royal Navy, with the response being "Long to reign over us".{{cite book]| year =| month =| publisher = Macmillan| location =| language =| isbn =| oclc =| doi =| id =| pages =| chapter =| chapterurl =| quote =| ref =-->"The Watchword in the Night shall be, 'God save King Henrye!' The other shall answer, 'Long to raign over Us!'" He also notes that the prayer read in churches on anniversaries of the Gunpowder Plot includes words which might have formed part of the basis for the second verse "Scatter our enemies... assuage their malice and confound their devices".

In 1745, The Gentleman's Magazine published "God save our lord the king: A new song set for two voices", describing it as "As sung at both Playhouses."The Gentleman's Magazine Vol. 15, Oct. 1745, p.552 Traditionally, the first performance was thought to have been in 1745, when it was sung in support of King George II of Great Britain, after his defeat at the Battle of Prestonpans by the army of the Charles Edward Stuart, son of James Francis Edward Stuart, the Jacobitism claimant to the British throne, whose forces were mostly Scotland Catholics. It is sometimes claimed that, ironically, the song was originally sung in support of the Jacobite cause: the word "send" in the line "Send him victorious" could imply that the king was absent. Also there are examples of early eighteenth century Jacobean drinking glasses which are inscribed with a version of the words and were apparently intended for drinking the health of King James II of England. Scholes acknowledges these possibilities but argues that the same words were probably being used by both Jacobite and Hanoverian supporters and directed at their respective kings.Scholes p.412

"Standard" British version There is no definitive version of the lyrics. However, the version consisting of the following three verses has the best claim to be regarded as the 'standard' British version, appearing not only in the 1745 Gentleman's Magazine, but also in publications such as The Book of English Songs: From the Sixteenth to the Ninteenth Century (1851), National Hymns: How They are Written and how They are Not Written (1861), Household Book of Poetry (1882),{{cite book | last = Dana| first = CharlesAnderson| title = Household Book of Poetry| publisher = | date = 1882 | pages = p.384|isbn=--> and Hymns Ancient and Modern, revised version (1982). The same version with verse two omitted appears in publications including Scouting for boys (1908), and on the U.K. Government's "Monarchy Today" website. At the Queen's Golden Jubilee Party at the Palace concert, Charles, Prince of Wales referred in his speech to the "politically incorrect second verse" of the National Anthem.

{| class="navbox collapsible collapsed" style="padding-left:20px;"|-! class="plainlinksneverexpand" | Standard version of God Save the Queen|-|

1God save our gracious Queen,1 Long live our noble Queen, God save the Queen: Send her victorious, Happy and glorious, Long to reign over us: God save the Queen.

2O Lord, our God, arise, Scatter her enemies, And make them fall. Confound their politics, Frustrate their knavish tricks, On Thee our hopes we fix, God save us all.

3Thy choicest gifts in store, On her be pleased to pour; Long may she reign: May she defend our laws, And ever give us cause To sing with heart and voice God save the Queen.* * When the monarch of the time is male, beyond the other alterations mentioned above, the last line of the third verse is changed to "with heart and voice to sing/ God Save the King". |-|}In the United Kingdom, the first verse is the only verse typically sung, even at official occasions, although the third verse is sung in addition on rare occasions, and usually at the Last Night of the Proms.

Around 1745, the anti-Jacobite sentiment was captured in a fourth verse, with a prayer for the success of George Wade's army then assembling at Newcastle upon Tyne. These words attained some short-term popularity, although they did not appear in the published version in Gentleman's Magazine:

Lord, grant that Marshal Wade, May by thy mighty aid, Victory bring. May he sedition hush and like a torrent rush, Rebellious Scots to crush, God save the King.

This verse was abandoned soon after, and certainly before the song became accepted as the British national anthem in the 1780s and 1790s. "A fourth verse was briefly in vogue at the time of the rebellion, but was rapidly abandoned thereafter: God grant that Marshal Wade...etc""The history of God Save the King": The Gentleman's Magazine, Vol 6 (new series), 1837, p.373. "There is an additional verse... though being of temporary application only, it was but short-lived......it was stored in the memory of an old friend of my own... 'Oh! grant that Marshal Wade... etc.'" Despite the short-lived currency of this verse, it is still cited as a reason for the anthem causing great offence when sung in most parts of Scotland, even though the motive for its writing drew on what was essentially a religious divide (the Protestantism of the Hanoverians vs. the Catholicism of the Jacobites) rather than one between England and Scotland.

Various other attempts were made during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries to add verses to commemorate particular royal or national events. For example, according to Fitzroy Maclean, when Jacobite forces bypassed Wade's force and reached Derby, but then retreated and when their garrison at Carlisle surrendered to a second government army led by King George's son, the William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, another verse was added. Note that the verse he quotes appears to have a line missing. Other short-lived verses were notably anti-French.For example the verse quoted in the book Handel by Edward J. Dent (see: text at project Gutenberg and at Fullbooks.com) However, none of these survived into the twentieth century.Richards p.90.

Alternative British versions There have been several attempts to improve the song by rewriting the words. In the nineteenth century there was some lively debate about the national anthem and, even then, verse two was considered to be slightly offensive. Notably, the question arose over the phrase "scatter her enemies." Some thought it placed better emphasis on the respective power of Parliament and the Crown to change "her" to "our"; others pointed out that the theology was somewhat dubious and substituted "thine" instead. Sydney G. R. Coles wrote a completely new version, as did Canon F. K. Harford.Richards p.91 In 1836, William Edward Hickson wrote four alternative verses. The first, third, and fourth of these verses are appended to the National Anthem in the English Hymnal (which only includes verses one and three of the original lyrics).

William Hixton's alternative version William Hixton's alternative (1836) version includes the following verses, of which the first, third, and fourth have some currency as they are appended to the National Anthem in the English Hymnal.{| class="navbox collapsible collapsed" style="padding-left:20px;"|-! class="plainlinksneverexpand" | William Hixton's text of God Save the Queen|-|

1God bless our native land! May heaven's protecting hand Still guard our shore: May peace her power extend, Foe be transformed to friend, And Britain's rights depend On war no more.

2O Lord, our monarch bless With strength and righteousness: Long may she reign: Her heart inspire and move With wisdom from above; And in a nation's love Her throne maintain

3May just and righteous laws Uphold the public cause, And bless our isle: Home of the brave and free, Thou land of liberty, We pray that still on thee Kind heaven may smile.

4Nor on this land alone, But be God's mercies known From shore to shore: Lord make the nations see That men should brothers be, And form one family The wide world o'er |-|}

Official peace version A less militaristic version of the song, entitled "Official peace version, 1919", was first published in the hymn book Songs of Praise in 1925. This was "official" in the sense that it was approved by the Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council in 1919.Scholes p.412 However, despite being reproduced in some other hymn books, it is largely unknown today. Article in the Black Country Bugle describes it as an "unusual and little known version of the national anthem...taken from the order of service for the blessing of Halesowen’s borough charter...on Sunday, 20th September, 1936."{| class="navbox collapsible collapsed" style="padding-left:20px;"|-! class="plainlinksneverexpand" | Official peace version of God Save the Queen|-|

1God save our gracious Queen Long live our noble Queen God save the Queen! Send her victorious Happy and glorious Long to reign over us God save the Queen!

2One realm of races four Blest more and ever more God save our land! Home of the brave and free Set in the silver sea True nurse of chivalry God save our land!

3Of many a race and birth From utmost ends of earth God save us all! Bid strife and hatred cease Bid hope and joy increase Spread universal peace God save us all! |-|}

Unofficial peace version An unofficial peace version was written in 1958 by Henry Young for the first Aldermaston Marches and is taken from his collection of poems From Talk to Action: The fight for peace.{| class="navbox collapsible collapsed" style="padding-left:20px;"|-! class="plainlinksneverexpand" | Henry Young's version of God Save the Queen|-| 1Please save our lovely land Gardens and meadows green Please save our land Flowers in spring are bold Fruit in abundance grows Corn turns the fields to gold Please save our land

2Share out the wealth to all Build houses small and tall And give us peace Was not our labours sweat And let our children get Safe sleep in their familiar bed Please give us peace

3River and lake and stream Let fish run clear and clean Please save our land Keep us from poisoned rain And let our children gain Birds, butterflies and bees retain Please save our land

4Though life's with danger filled Give us the strength to build Freedom and peace All men and women here Hold your hands high and fear No odds: hold hands for freedom dear And work for peace |-|}

Performance in the United Kingdom The style most commonly heard in official performances was proposed as the "proper interpretation" by King George V of the United Kingdom, who considered himself something of an expert (in view of the number of times he had heard it). An Army Order was duly issued in 1933, which laid down regulations for tempo, dynamics and orchestration. This included instructions such as that the opening "six bars will be played quietly by the reed band with horns and basses in a single phrase. Cornets and side-drum are to be added at the little scale-passage leading into the second half of the tune, and the full brass enters for the last eight bars". The official tempo for the opening section is a metronome setting of 60, with the second part played in a broader manner, at a metronome setting of 52.Percy A Scholes: Oxford Companion to Music, Tenth Edition, Oxford University Press In recent years the prescribed sombre-paced introduction is often played at a faster and livelier tempo.

Until the latter part of the 20th century, theatre and concert goers were expected to stand to attention while the anthem was played after the conclusion of a show. In cinemas this brought a tendency for audiences to rush out while the end credits played to avoid this formality.

The anthem was traditionally played at closedown on the BBC and with the introduction of commercial television to the UK this practice was adopted by some ITV regions. BBC Two never played the anthem at closedown, and ITV dropped the practice in the late 1980s, but it continued on BBC One until 8 November 1997 (thereafter BBC1 began to simulcast with News 24 after end of programmes). The tradition is carried on, however, by BBC Radio 4, which also plays the anthem at 0700 and 0800 on the actual and official birthdays of the Queen and the birthdays of senior members of the Royal Family. If scheduling and time allow, Radio Four often plays the anthem as a transition piece between the end of the Radio Four broadcasting and the move to BBC World Service. The anthem always prefaces the Royal Christmas Message, and important royal announcements, such as of royal deaths, when it is played in a slower, sombre arrangement.

Other United Kingdom anthems Frequently, when an anthem is needed for one of the Constituent country of the UK – at an international sporting event, for instance – an alternative song is used:

* At international test cricket matches, England cricket team has, since 2004, used "Jerusalem" as the anthem. * At international rugby league matches, England have used "Land of Hope and Glory", but in the 2005 internationals changed to "God Save the Queen". * In international rugby union, Ireland (a team representing both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland) uses "Ireland's Call", a song which attempts to unite the two traditions on the island. The song is sung at Ireland's home and away games.

Use in other Commonwealth countries "God Save the King/Queen" was exported around the world via the expansion of the British Empire, serving as each country's national anthem. Throughout the Commonwealth Realm#Historical development into the Commonwealth of Nations, the song remained in use in some of the states which became independent kingdoms in personal union with the United Kingdom, either as one of the official national anthems, such as in New Zealand, - Royal assent that the two songs should have equal status or as an official royal anthem, as is the case in Canada and Australia, to be played during formal ceremonies involving national royalty or vice-royalty; in Australia, the song has standing through a Royal Proclamation issued by Governor-General Sir Ninian Stephen on 19 April 1984.Commonwealth of Australia Gazette; No. S 142; 19 April, 1984 For modern Commonwealth Realms it has become analogous to the American presidential anthem, Hail to the Chief. Two or three bars form a part of the Vice Regal Salute played either for Governor-General, Governors, or Lieutenant-Governors.

Use in Canada In Canada "God Save the Queen" has not been adopted as the Royal Anthem by statute or proclamation, however it has come to be used as such through convention, and is sometimes sung together with "O Canada" at public events. The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces regulates that "God Save the Queen" be played as a salute to the Monarchy in Canada and other members of the Monarchy in Canada#Canadian Royal Family, though it may also be used as a hymn, or prayer. The words are not to be sung when the song is played as a military salute. Department of National Defence: The Honours, Flags and Heritage Structure of the Canadian Forces; p. 503

Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom stipulated that the arrangement in G major by Lieutenant Colonel Basil H. Brown be used in Canada. The authorised version to be played by pipe bands is "Mallorca".

Canadian lyrics As "God Save the Queen" is the Royal anthem of Canada, the first verse has been translated into French language for use in that country, as shown below.

Dieu protège la reine De sa main souveraine! Vive la reine! Qu'un règne glorieux, Long et victorieux Rende son peuple heureux. Vive la reine!

A bilingual verse was often sung in Canada on Remembrance Day:

Dieu sauve notre reine, Notre glorieuse reine, Vive la reine! Send her victorious, Happy and glorious, Long to reign over us, God Save the Queen!!

As sung in English in Canada, God Save the Queen has an additional English verse, sung after the first or second verse, which is also given below. In general use in Canada, however, only the first verse is sung.

Our loved Dominion bless With peace and happiness From shore to shore; And let our Empire be Loyal, united, free True to herself and Thee God save the Queen.

Use in New Zealand In New Zealand, the second more militaristic verse is replaced with Hixtons verse "Nor in this land alone..." (often sung as Not in this land alone"), otherwise known as a "Commonwealth verse". However, that verse is primarily used only when the anthem is played past the first verse.

Use elsewhere "God Save the King" was the first song to be used as a national anthem, although the Netherlands' national anthem, the "Wilhelmus", is older. Its success prompted a number of imitations, notably in France and, later, Germany. Both commissioned their own songs to help construct a concrete national(ist) identity. The first German national anthem was a copy of "God Save the King" with the words changed to "Heil dir im Siegerkranz", and sung to the same tune as the British version. The tune was either used or officially adopted as the national anthem for several other countries, including those of Russia (until 1833) and Switzerland ("Rufst Du mein Vaterland" or "O monts indépendants").

It is also the melody to the United States patriotic hymn "America" (also known by its first line, "My Country, 'Tis of Thee"), and was played during the Presidential Inauguration parade of President George W. Bush on 20 January, 2001. In Iceland it is called "Eldgamla Ísafold". The tune is also used as Norway's royal anthem entitled "Kongesangen", and was used for the Sweden royal anthem between 1805 and 1893, entitled "Bevare gud vår kung".

The tune is still used as the national anthem of Liechtenstein, "Oben am jungen Rhein". When England national football team met Liechtenstein national football team in a 2004 European Football Championship qualifier, the same tune was therefore played twice, causing some minor confusion.

The melody of "God Save the King" has been, and continues to be, used as a hymn tune by Christianity churches in various countries. The United Methodist Churchs of the southern United States, Mexico, and Latin America, among other denominations (usually Protestant), play the same melody as a hymn. The Christian hymn " Glory to God on High" is frequently sung to the same tune, as well as an alternate tune that fits both lyrics.

Musical adaptations Classical composers In total, about 140 composers, including Beethoven, Haydn and Brahms, have used the tune in their compositions.

Johann Christian Bach composed a set of variations on "God Save the King" for the finale to his sixth keyboard concerto (Op. 1) written c. 1763.

Joseph Haydn was impressed by the use of "God Save the King" as a national anthem during his visit to London in 1794, and on his return to Austria wrote a tune to the national anthem, the "Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser" ("God Save Emperor Franz"), for the birthday of the Francis II, Holy Roman Emperor. The tune of "God Save the King" was later adopted for the Prussian national anthem "Heil Dir im Siegerkranz".

Ludwig van Beethoven composed a set of seven piano variations in the key of C major to the theme of "God Save the King", catalogued as WoO.78 (1802–1803). However, he also quotes it in his "battle symphony" Wellington's Victory.

Muzio Clementi, another composer who used the theme to "God Save the King", placed this theme into his Symphony No. 3 in B major. This work is dubbed the "Great National" and is catalogued as WoO. 34.

Franz Liszt wrote a piano paraphrase on the anthem.

Johann Strauss I quoted God Save the Queen in full at the end of his waltz Huldigung der Königin Victoria von Grossbritannien (Homage to Queen Victoria of Great Britain) Op. 103, where he also quoted Rule, Britannia! in full at the beginning of the piece.

Claude Debussy opens with a brief introduction of God Save the King in one of his Preludes (Debussy), Hommage à S. Pickwick Esq. P.P.M.P.C. The piece draws its inspiration from the main character of the Charles Dickens novel The Pickwick Papers.

Rock adaptations Jimi Hendrix of the The Jimi Hendrix Experience played an impromptu version of "God Save the Queen" to open his set at the Isle of Wight Festival 1970. Just before walking onto the stage, he can be seen (on the DVD) and heard to ask "How does it go again?" in reference to the said British national anthem. He was able just to hear it mimicked by voice and then perform it. His relatively accurate lead-guitar rendition of "God Save the Queen' can be viewed in stark contrast to his performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the Woodstock Festival, 1969.

{] - A Night at the Opera (Queen album)|-align="center"|valign="top"|"Bohemian Rhapsody"(Track 11)] recorded an instrumental version of "God Save the Queen" on their 1975 in music album A Night at the Opera (Queen album). It was arranged by guitarist Brian May and features his distinctive layers of overdubbed electric guitars. A tape of this version would be played at the end of almost every concert, with Freddie Mercury walking around the stage wearing a crown and a cloak on their Magic Tour in 1986. The band played "God Save the Queen" at the end of all of their concerts.

A version of "God Save the Queen" by Madness (band) features the melody of the song played on kazoos. It was included on the compilation album The Business.

On 3 June 2002, during the Queen's Golden Jubilee, Brian May performed the anthem on his Red Special electric guitar for Party at the Palace, performing from the roof of Buckingham Palace.

See also

References External links

For the Sex Pistols song, see God Save the Queen (Sex Pistols song). , 15 October 1745. The title, on the Contents page, is given as "God save our lord the king: A new song set for two voices".

"God Save the Queen", or "God Save the King", is an anthem used in a number of Commonwealth realms; it currently serves as the national anthem of the United Kingdom, one of the two national anthems of New Zealand, and the royal anthem of Canada and of Australia. The title of the song varies with the gender of the reigning monarch, and so it now uses "Queen", though "King" has been historically more common. In countries not previously part of the British Empire the tune of "God Save the Queen" has also been used as the basis for different patriotic songs, though still generally connected with royal ceremony.

The authorship of the song is unknown, and beyond its first verse, which is consistent, it has many historic and extant versions: Since its first publication, different verses have been added and taken away and, even today, different publications include various selections of verses in various orders.cf. the versions in the hymn books English Hymnal, Hymns Ancient and Modern and Songs of Praise and the version at the website royalty.gov.uk. In general only one, or sometimes two verses are sung, but on rare occasions three. One or two bars may also form a part of the Vice Regal Salute in Commonwealth realms outside the United Kingdom. The words of the song, like its title, are fitted to the gender of monarch, with "King" replacing "Queen", "he" replacing "she", and so forth, when a king reigns. In the United Kingdom, the last line of the third verse is also changed (see below).

History The origin of the tune is surrounded by uncertainty, myth and speculation. In The Oxford Companion to Music, Percy Scholes devotes about four pages to this subject, pointing out the similarities to an early plainsong melody, although the rhythm is very distinctly that of a galliard, and he gives examples of several such dance tunes that bear a striking resemblance to "God Save the King/Queen". Scholes quotes a keyboard piece by Dr. John Bull (composer) (1619) which has some strong similarities to the modern tune, depending on the placing of accidental (music) that at that time were unwritten in certain cases and left to the discretion of the player (see musica ficta). He also points to several pieces by Henry Purcell, one of which includes the opening notes of the modern tune, set to the words "God Save The King".

The first definitive published version of the present tune appeared in 1744 in Thesaurus Musicus, as a setting of the familiar first verse, and the song was popularised in Scotland and England the following year, with the landing of Charles Edward Stuart. It was recorded as being sung in London theatres in 1745, with, for example, Thomas Arne writing a setting of the tune for the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

Scholes' analysis includes mention of "untenable" and "doubtful" claims, as well as "an American misattribution". Some of these are:

Scholes recommends the attribution "traditional" or "traditional; earliest known version by John Bull (1562–1628)". The English Hymnal (musical editor Ralph Vaughan Williams) gives no attribution, stating merely "17th or 18th cent."Hymn No. 560 "National Anthem"

Use in the United Kingdom .

"God Save the Queen" currently acts as the national anthem of the United Kingdom, though it has never been officially adopted by Royal Proclamation or Act of Parliament, but, rather, has become entrenched by tradition alone. In general only one or two verses are sung, but on rare occasions three. The British variation of the lyrics to "God Save the Queen" is the oldest amongst those currently used, and forms the basis on which all other versions used throughout the Commonwealth are formed; though, again, the words have varied throughout the years.

British lyrics The phrase "God Save the King" is much older than the song, appearing, for instance, several times in the King James version of the Bible.1 Samuel x. 24; 2 Samuel xvi. 16 and 2 Kings xi. 12 Scholes says that as early as 1545 "God Save the King" was a watchword of the Royal Navy, with the response being "Long to reign over us".{{cite book]| year =| month =| publisher = Macmillan| location =| language =| isbn =| oclc =| doi =| id =| pages =| chapter =| chapterurl =| quote =| ref =-->"The Watchword in the Night shall be, 'God save King Henrye!' The other shall answer, 'Long to raign over Us!'" He also notes that the prayer read in churches on anniversaries of the Gunpowder Plot includes words which might have formed part of the basis for the second verse "Scatter our enemies... assuage their malice and confound their devices".

In 1745, The Gentleman's Magazine published "God save our lord the king: A new song set for two voices", describing it as "As sung at both Playhouses."The Gentleman's Magazine Vol. 15, Oct. 1745, p.552 Traditionally, the first performance was thought to have been in 1745, when it was sung in support of King George II of Great Britain, after his defeat at the Battle of Prestonpans by the army of the Charles Edward Stuart, son of James Francis Edward Stuart, the Jacobitism claimant to the British throne, whose forces were mostly Scotland Catholics. It is sometimes claimed that, ironically, the song was originally sung in support of the Jacobite cause: the word "send" in the line "Send him victorious" could imply that the king was absent. Also there are examples of early eighteenth century Jacobean drinking glasses which are inscribed with a version of the words and were apparently intended for drinking the health of King James II of England. Scholes acknowledges these possibilities but argues that the same words were probably being used by both Jacobite and Hanoverian supporters and directed at their respective kings.Scholes p.412

"Standard" British version There is no definitive version of the lyrics. However, the version consisting of the following three verses has the best claim to be regarded as the 'standard' British version, appearing not only in the 1745 Gentleman's Magazine, but also in publications such as The Book of English Songs: From the Sixteenth to the Ninteenth Century (1851), National Hymns: How They are Written and how They are Not Written (1861), Household Book of Poetry (1882),{{cite book | last = Dana| first = CharlesAnderson| title = Household Book of Poetry| publisher = | date = 1882 | pages = p.384|isbn=--> and Hymns Ancient and Modern, revised version (1982). The same version with verse two omitted appears in publications including Scouting for boys (1908), and on the U.K. Government's "Monarchy Today" website. At the Queen's Golden Jubilee Party at the Palace concert, Charles, Prince of Wales referred in his speech to the "politically incorrect second verse" of the National Anthem.

{| class="navbox collapsible collapsed" style="padding-left:20px;"|-! class="plainlinksneverexpand" | Standard version of God Save the Queen|-|

1God save our gracious Queen,1 Long live our noble Queen, God save the Queen: Send her victorious, Happy and glorious, Long to reign over us: God save the Queen.

2O Lord, our God, arise, Scatter her enemies, And make them fall. Confound their politics, Frustrate their knavish tricks, On Thee our hopes we fix, God save us all.

3Thy choicest gifts in store, On her be pleased to pour; Long may she reign: May she defend our laws, And ever give us cause To sing with heart and voice God save the Queen.* * When the monarch of the time is male, beyond the other alterations mentioned above, the last line of the third verse is changed to "with heart and voice to sing/ God Save the King". |-|}In the United Kingdom, the first verse is the only verse typically sung, even at official occasions, although the third verse is sung in addition on rare occasions, and usually at the Last Night of the Proms.

Around 1745, the anti-Jacobite sentiment was captured in a fourth verse, with a prayer for the success of George Wade's army then assembling at Newcastle upon Tyne. These words attained some short-term popularity, although they did not appear in the published version in Gentleman's Magazine:

Lord, grant that Marshal Wade, May by thy mighty aid, Victory bring. May he sedition hush and like a torrent rush, Rebellious Scots to crush, God save the King.

This verse was abandoned soon after, and certainly before the song became accepted as the British national anthem in the 1780s and 1790s. "A fourth verse was briefly in vogue at the time of the rebellion, but was rapidly abandoned thereafter: God grant that Marshal Wade...etc""The history of God Save the King": The Gentleman's Magazine, Vol 6 (new series), 1837, p.373. "There is an additional verse... though being of temporary application only, it was but short-lived......it was stored in the memory of an old friend of my own... 'Oh! grant that Marshal Wade... etc.'" Despite the short-lived currency of this verse, it is still cited as a reason for the anthem causing great offence when sung in most parts of Scotland, even though the motive for its writing drew on what was essentially a religious divide (the Protestantism of the Hanoverians vs. the Catholicism of the Jacobites) rather than one between England and Scotland.

Various other attempts were made during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries to add verses to commemorate particular royal or national events. For example, according to Fitzroy Maclean, when Jacobite forces bypassed Wade's force and reached Derby, but then retreated and when their garrison at Carlisle surrendered to a second government army led by King George's son, the William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, another verse was added. Note that the verse he quotes appears to have a line missing. Other short-lived verses were notably anti-French.For example the verse quoted in the book Handel by Edward J. Dent (see: text at project Gutenberg and at Fullbooks.com) However, none of these survived into the twentieth century.Richards p.90.

Alternative British versions There have been several attempts to improve the song by rewriting the words. In the nineteenth century there was some lively debate about the national anthem and, even then, verse two was considered to be slightly offensive. Notably, the question arose over the phrase "scatter her enemies." Some thought it placed better emphasis on the respective power of Parliament and the Crown to change "her" to "our"; others pointed out that the theology was somewhat dubious and substituted "thine" instead. Sydney G. R. Coles wrote a completely new version, as did Canon F. K. Harford.Richards p.91 In 1836, William Edward Hickson wrote four alternative verses. The first, third, and fourth of these verses are appended to the National Anthem in the English Hymnal (which only includes verses one and three of the original lyrics).

William Hixton's alternative version William Hixton's alternative (1836) version includes the following verses, of which the first, third, and fourth have some currency as they are appended to the National Anthem in the English Hymnal.{| class="navbox collapsible collapsed" style="padding-left:20px;"|-! class="plainlinksneverexpand" | William Hixton's text of God Save the Queen|-|

1God bless our native land! May heaven's protecting hand Still guard our shore: May peace her power extend, Foe be transformed to friend, And Britain's rights depend On war no more.

2O Lord, our monarch bless With strength and righteousness: Long may she reign: Her heart inspire and move With wisdom from above; And in a nation's love Her throne maintain

3May just and righteous laws Uphold the public cause, And bless our isle: Home of the brave and free, Thou land of liberty, We pray that still on thee Kind heaven may smile.

4Nor on this land alone, But be God's mercies known From shore to shore: Lord make the nations see That men should brothers be, And form one family The wide world o'er |-|}

Official peace version A less militaristic version of the song, entitled "Official peace version, 1919", was first published in the hymn book Songs of Praise in 1925. This was "official" in the sense that it was approved by the Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council in 1919.Scholes p.412 However, despite being reproduced in some other hymn books, it is largely unknown today. Article in the Black Country Bugle describes it as an "unusual and little known version of the national anthem...taken from the order of service for the blessing of Halesowen’s borough charter...on Sunday, 20th September, 1936."{| class="navbox collapsible collapsed" style="padding-left:20px;"|-! class="plainlinksneverexpand" | Official peace version of God Save the Queen|-|

1God save our gracious Queen Long live our noble Queen God save the Queen! Send her victorious Happy and glorious Long to reign over us God save the Queen!

2One realm of races four Blest more and ever more God save our land! Home of the brave and free Set in the silver sea True nurse of chivalry God save our land!

3Of many a race and birth From utmost ends of earth God save us all! Bid strife and hatred cease Bid hope and joy increase Spread universal peace God save us all! |-|}

Unofficial peace version An unofficial peace version was written in 1958 by Henry Young for the first Aldermaston Marches and is taken from his collection of poems From Talk to Action: The fight for peace.{| class="navbox collapsible collapsed" style="padding-left:20px;"|-! class="plainlinksneverexpand" | Henry Young's version of God Save the Queen|-| 1Please save our lovely land Gardens and meadows green Please save our land Flowers in spring are bold Fruit in abundance grows Corn turns the fields to gold Please save our land

2Share out the wealth to all Build houses small and tall And give us peace Was not our labours sweat And let our children get Safe sleep in their familiar bed Please give us peace

3River and lake and stream Let fish run clear and clean Please save our land Keep us from poisoned rain And let our children gain Birds, butterflies and bees retain Please save our land

4Though life's with danger filled Give us the strength to build Freedom and peace All men and women here Hold your hands high and fear No odds: hold hands for freedom dear And work for peace |-|}

Performance in the United Kingdom The style most commonly heard in official performances was proposed as the "proper interpretation" by King George V of the United Kingdom, who considered himself something of an expert (in view of the number of times he had heard it). An Army Order was duly issued in 1933, which laid down regulations for tempo, dynamics and orchestration. This included instructions such as that the opening "six bars will be played quietly by the reed band with horns and basses in a single phrase. Cornets and side-drum are to be added at the little scale-passage leading into the second half of the tune, and the full brass enters for the last eight bars". The official tempo for the opening section is a metronome setting of 60, with the second part played in a broader manner, at a metronome setting of 52.Percy A Scholes: Oxford Companion to Music, Tenth Edition, Oxford University Press In recent years the prescribed sombre-paced introduction is often played at a faster and livelier tempo.

Until the latter part of the 20th century, theatre and concert goers were expected to stand to attention while the anthem was played after the conclusion of a show. In cinemas this brought a tendency for audiences to rush out while the end credits played to avoid this formality.

The anthem was traditionally played at closedown on the BBC and with the introduction of commercial television to the UK this practice was adopted by some ITV regions. BBC Two never played the anthem at closedown, and ITV dropped the practice in the late 1980s, but it continued on BBC One until 8 November 1997 (thereafter BBC1 began to simulcast with News 24 after end of programmes). The tradition is carried on, however, by BBC Radio 4, which also plays the anthem at 0700 and 0800 on the actual and official birthdays of the Queen and the birthdays of senior members of the Royal Family. If scheduling and time allow, Radio Four often plays the anthem as a transition piece between the end of the Radio Four broadcasting and the move to BBC World Service. The anthem always prefaces the Royal Christmas Message, and important royal announcements, such as of royal deaths, when it is played in a slower, sombre arrangement.

Other United Kingdom anthems Frequently, when an anthem is needed for one of the Constituent country of the UK – at an international sporting event, for instance – an alternative song is used:

* At international test cricket matches, England cricket team has, since 2004, used "Jerusalem" as the anthem. * At international rugby league matches, England have used "Land of Hope and Glory", but in the 2005 internationals changed to "God Save the Queen". * In international rugby union, Ireland (a team representing both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland) uses "Ireland's Call", a song which attempts to unite the two traditions on the island. The song is sung at Ireland's home and away games.

Use in other Commonwealth countries "God Save the King/Queen" was exported around the world via the expansion of the British Empire, serving as each country's national anthem. Throughout the Commonwealth Realm#Historical development into the Commonwealth of Nations, the song remained in use in some of the states which became independent kingdoms in personal union with the United Kingdom, either as one of the official national anthems, such as in New Zealand, - Royal assent that the two songs should have equal status or as an official royal anthem, as is the case in Canada and Australia, to be played during formal ceremonies involving national royalty or vice-royalty; in Australia, the song has standing through a Royal Proclamation issued by Governor-General Sir Ninian Stephen on 19 April 1984.Commonwealth of Australia Gazette; No. S 142; 19 April, 1984 For modern Commonwealth Realms it has become analogous to the American presidential anthem, Hail to the Chief. Two or three bars form a part of the Vice Regal Salute played either for Governor-General, Governors, or Lieutenant-Governors.

Use in Canada In Canada "God Save the Queen" has not been adopted as the Royal Anthem by statute or proclamation, however it has come to be used as such through convention, and is sometimes sung together with "O Canada" at public events. The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces regulates that "God Save the Queen" be played as a salute to the Monarchy in Canada and other members of the Monarchy in Canada#Canadian Royal Family, though it may also be used as a hymn, or prayer. The words are not to be sung when the song is played as a military salute. Department of National Defence: The Honours, Flags and Heritage Structure of the Canadian Forces; p. 503

Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom stipulated that the arrangement in G major by Lieutenant Colonel Basil H. Brown be used in Canada. The authorised version to be played by pipe bands is "Mallorca".

Canadian lyrics As "God Save the Queen" is the Royal anthem of Canada, the first verse has been translated into French language for use in that country, as shown below.

Dieu protège la reine De sa main souveraine! Vive la reine! Qu'un règne glorieux, Long et victorieux Rende son peuple heureux. Vive la reine!

A bilingual verse was often sung in Canada on Remembrance Day:

Dieu sauve notre reine, Notre glorieuse reine, Vive la reine! Send her victorious, Happy and glorious, Long to reign over us, God Save the Queen!!

As sung in English in Canada, God Save the Queen has an additional English verse, sung after the first or second verse, which is also given below. In general use in Canada, however, only the first verse is sung.

Our loved Dominion bless With peace and happiness From shore to shore; And let our Empire be Loyal, united, free True to herself and Thee God save the Queen.

Use in New Zealand In New Zealand, the second more militaristic verse is replaced with Hixtons verse "Nor in this land alone..." (often sung as Not in this land alone"), otherwise known as a "Commonwealth verse". However, that verse is primarily used only when the anthem is played past the first verse.

Use elsewhere "God Save the King" was the first song to be used as a national anthem, although the Netherlands' national anthem, the "Wilhelmus", is older. Its success prompted a number of imitations, notably in France and, later, Germany. Both commissioned their own songs to help construct a concrete national(ist) identity. The first German national anthem was a copy of "God Save the King" with the words changed to "Heil dir im Siegerkranz", and sung to the same tune as the British version. The tune was either used or officially adopted as the national anthem for several other countries, including those of Russia (until 1833) and Switzerland ("Rufst Du mein Vaterland" or "O monts indépendants").

It is also the melody to the United States patriotic hymn "America" (also known by its first line, "My Country, 'Tis of Thee"), and was played during the Presidential Inauguration parade of President George W. Bush on 20 January, 2001. In Iceland it is called "Eldgamla Ísafold". The tune is also used as Norway's royal anthem entitled "Kongesangen", and was used for the Sweden royal anthem between 1805 and 1893, entitled "Bevare gud vår kung".

The tune is still used as the national anthem of Liechtenstein, "Oben am jungen Rhein". When England national football team met Liechtenstein national football team in a 2004 European Football Championship qualifier, the same tune was therefore played twice, causing some minor confusion.

The melody of "God Save the King" has been, and continues to be, used as a hymn tune by Christianity churches in various countries. The United Methodist Churchs of the southern United States, Mexico, and Latin America, among other denominations (usually Protestant), play the same melody as a hymn. The Christian hymn " Glory to God on High" is frequently sung to the same tune, as well as an alternate tune that fits both lyrics.

Musical adaptations Classical composers In total, about 140 composers, including Beethoven, Haydn and Brahms, have used the tune in their compositions.

Johann Christian Bach composed a set of variations on "God Save the King" for the finale to his sixth keyboard concerto (Op. 1) written c. 1763.

Joseph Haydn was impressed by the use of "God Save the King" as a national anthem during his visit to London in 1794, and on his return to Austria wrote a tune to the national anthem, the "Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser" ("God Save Emperor Franz"), for the birthday of the Francis II, Holy Roman Emperor. The tune of "God Save the King" was later adopted for the Prussian national anthem "Heil Dir im Siegerkranz".

Ludwig van Beethoven composed a set of seven piano variations in the key of C major to the theme of "God Save the King", catalogued as WoO.78 (1802–1803). However, he also quotes it in his "battle symphony" Wellington's Victory.

Muzio Clementi, another composer who used the theme to "God Save the King", placed this theme into his Symphony No. 3 in B major. This work is dubbed the "Great National" and is catalogued as WoO. 34.

Franz Liszt wrote a piano paraphrase on the anthem.

Johann Strauss I quoted God Save the Queen in full at the end of his waltz Huldigung der Königin Victoria von Grossbritannien (Homage to Queen Victoria of Great Britain) Op. 103, where he also quoted Rule, Britannia! in full at the beginning of the piece.

Claude Debussy opens with a brief introduction of God Save the King in one of his Preludes (Debussy), Hommage à S. Pickwick Esq. P.P.M.P.C. The piece draws its inspiration from the main character of the Charles Dickens novel The Pickwick Papers.

Rock adaptations Jimi Hendrix of the The Jimi Hendrix Experience played an impromptu version of "God Save the Queen" to open his set at the Isle of Wight Festival 1970. Just before walking onto the stage, he can be seen (on the DVD) and heard to ask "How does it go again?" in reference to the said British national anthem. He was able just to hear it mimicked by voice and then perform it. His relatively accurate lead-guitar rendition of "God Save the Queen' can be viewed in stark contrast to his performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the Woodstock Festival, 1969.

{] - A Night at the Opera (Queen album)|-align="center"|valign="top"|"Bohemian Rhapsody"(Track 11)] recorded an instrumental version of "God Save the Queen" on their 1975 in music album A Night at the Opera (Queen album). It was arranged by guitarist Brian May and features his distinctive layers of overdubbed electric guitars. A tape of this version would be played at the end of almost every concert, with Freddie Mercury walking around the stage wearing a crown and a cloak on their Magic Tour in 1986. The band played "God Save the Queen" at the end of all of their concerts.

A version of "God Save the Queen" by Madness (band) features the melody of the song played on kazoos. It was included on the compilation album The Business.

On 3 June 2002, during the Queen's Golden Jubilee, Brian May performed the anthem on his Red Special electric guitar for Party at the Palace, performing from the roof of Buckingham Palace.

See also

References External links



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