Myself and some pals were debating our favourite national anthem . Our choices were very similar . The following is my selection .

1/ United kingdom

2/ U.S.A.

3/ Thailand

4/ Italy

I am biased because I am British . Do you agree with my choices which are made on the melody only and not the lyrics ? If not , please show your favourites

I always thought it was a competition between the Welsh and the French?

For me, the best anthem is the national anthem for Wales.

At rugby matches, I notice that the band usually plays for the first few seconds and then bows out as the crowd comes on line in full force.

Likewise, nothing beats the flag of Wales with a red dragon.

Italy for me the key change and the Roar at the End.

I'd rather the USA ditch the Star Spangled Banner in favor of "America the Beautiful". The Ray Charles rendition.

It's not about war, and even normal people can hit all of those notes.

Simply because I like the tunes I'd pick the Russian, French and South African national anthems.

The French anthem music is fantastic!
The Thai one is also awesome, as is the Canadian (full orchestral version) anthem.

While the USA anthem is uplifting, the Australian anthem sounds more like a dirge or funereal procession than an uplifting call for its citizens.
The Russian anthem does that, it's inspiring. Although its waaaay too long in its "normal" length.

Yes, most anthems are shortened with most only singing the first couple of verses or so.
Olympic version lengths are regulated.

The best Anthem.

Edited April 29Apr 29 by Callmeishmael

1 hour ago, Callmeishmael said:

The best Anthem.

Love it.

I'm British but how anyone could choose the dirge that is our anthem is beyond me.

1. France

2. USA

3. Russia

4. Italy

7 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

I'm British but how anyone could choose the dirge that is our anthem is beyond me.

1. France

2. USA

3. Russia

4. Italy

I hate to admit that the Russian national anthem is actually quite good.

1. Canada. Not because I'm a dualie with Canada. We used to tell our kids the lyrics were, "we stand on God for thee".

2. "This Land Is Your Land" (Pete Seeger version) says it all.

3. America the Beautiful! No nationalism there!

4. God Bless America (Kate Smith version) Don't much believe in pie-in-the-sky but it's a good sentiment.

Best anthems?

Russia

France

Israel

Easily the French.

Easily the French.

Catchy tune, but rather xenophobic, don't you think?

Here's the Refrain:

Grab your weapons, citizens!
Form your battalions!
Let us march! Let us march!
May impure blood
Water our fields!

On 4/29/2026 at 11:21 AM, superal said:

Myself and some pals were debating our favourite national anthem . Our choices were very similar . The following is my selection .

1/ United kingdom

2/ U.S.A.

3/ Thailand

4/ Italy

I am biased because I am British . Do you agree with my choices which are made on the melody only and not the lyrics ? If not , please show your favourites

Actually, the US anthem, written by Francis Scott Key, was based on the British song “To Anacreon in Heaven”.

On 4/29/2026 at 11:21 AM, superal said:

Myself and some pals were debating our favourite national anthem . Our choices were very similar . The following is my selection .

1/ United kingdom

2/ U.S.A.

3/ Thailand

4/ Italy

I am biased because I am British . Do you agree with my choices which are made on the melody only and not the lyrics ? If not , please show your favourites

The Spanish national anthem and no other! It has no stupid nationalistic or religious lyrics. Just music...it's perfect!

Actually, the US anthem, written by Francis Scott Key, was based on the British song “To Anacreon in Heaven”.

As I recall, FSK wrote the poem, and someone else set it to music years later. But my brain has leaked since I took history 50-60 years ago.

If you're correct (and I have no reason to doubt it), that's just another reason to ditch it for "America the Beautiful". Written by a 'Murican and set to music by another 'Murican. And immortalized by still another 'Murican treasure, Ray Charles.

Same list, other way up. Italian Anthem is mega happy.

UK is not an Anthem but a dirge. "Rule Britannia" has been mentioned as replacement. You may not be in age to understand Billy Connolly recommended "The Archers Theme"

On 4/29/2026 at 7:56 PM, brewsterbudgen said:

I'm British but how anyone could choose the dirge that is our anthem is beyond me.

1. France

2. USA

3. Russia

4. Italy

Uk national anthem should surely be Land of Hope and Glory.

Russia sounds inspiring to me !

1 hour ago, lagavulin1 said:

Same list, other way up. Italian Anthem is mega happy.

UK is not an Anthem but a dirge. "Rule Britannia" has been mentioned as replacement. You may not be in age to understand Billy Connolly recommended "The Archers Theme"

As an early poster said the Welsh is one I have always liked.

As an Archer's fan that will do for me, but I cannot see many people standing to that, maybe a few farmers. (non-Brits scratching their heads) .

On 4/29/2026 at 2:56 PM, brewsterbudgen said:

1. France

Yeah, I've yet to hear one that comes even close.

On 4/29/2026 at 8:56 AM, brewsterbudgen said:

I'm British but how anyone could choose the dirge that is our anthem is beyond me.

1. France

2. USA

3. Russia

4. Italy

The Scots chose Flower of Scotland, which is (almost?) literally a dirge, and serves no purpose other than to motivate the Calcutta Cup, and I'd never change it.

10 hours ago, Anthony mellows said:

Uk national anthem should surely be Land of Hope and Glory.

Now that's food for thought . A powerful patriotic song that is probably more meaningful and applicable to the nations population but maybe the lyrics need to be brought up to date .

Land of Hope and Glory
Mother of the Free
How shall we extol thee
Who are born of thee?
Wider still, and wider
Shall thy bounds be set;
God, who made thee mighty
Make thee mightier yet!

Dear Land of Hope, thy hope is crowned
God make thee mightier yet!
On Sov'ran brows, beloved, renowned
Once more thy crown is set
Thine equal laws, by Freedom gained
Have ruled thee well and long;
By Freedom gained, by Truth maintained
Thine Empire shall be strong

Thy fame is ancient as the days
As Ocean large and wide:
A pride that dares, and heeds not praise
A stern and silent pride
Not that false joy that dreams content
With what our sires have won;
The blood a hero sire hath spent
Still nerves a hero son

Rugby 6 Nations:

Ireland, Scotland & Wales are so much better than England's awful national anthem. Should be about the nation.