Anthems

National anthems? What do they all mean? Usually they are crass, jingoistic nonsense. Somewhere in the world there must be grinning national anthem writers churning them out and laughing all the way to the bank. How about an anthem for the world that we could chortle out into the universe and beyond? I was investigating a site – web address www.national-anthems.net - and selected extracts from these typical anthems:-

Togo (Original in French)
Hail to thee, land of our forefathers,
Thou who made them strong, peaceful and happy,
Men who for posterity cultivated virtue and bravery.
Even if tyrants shall come, thy heart yearns towards freedom.
Togo arise! Let us struggle without faltering.
Victory or death, but dignity.God almighty,
Thou alone hast made Togo prosper.
People of Togo arise!
Let us build the nation.

Fiji (Original in Fijian)
Blessing grant oh God of nations on the isles of Fiji
Shores of golden sand and sunshine, happiness and song
Stand united , we of Fiji, fame and glory ever
Onward march together
God bless Fiji.

Oman (Original in Arabic)
O Oman, since the time of the Prophet
We are a dedicated people amongst the noblest Arabs.
Be happy! Qaboos has come
With the blessing of Heaven.
Be cheerful and commend him to the protection of our prayers.

Latvia (Original in Latvian)
Bless Latvia, O God,Our verdant native land sod,
Where Baltic heroes trod,
Keep her from harm!
Bless Latvia, O God,
Our verdant native land sod,
Where Baltic heroes trod,
Keep her from harm!
Our lovely daughters near.
Our singing sons appear,
May Fortune smiling here
Grace Latvia!Our lovely daughters near.
Our singing sons appear,
May Fortune smiling here
Grace Latvia!

Zaire (Original in French)
Zaireans, in the new found peace,
United People, we are Zaireans
Ahead with pride and dignity,
A free people forever!
Three-coloured flag, stir up the sacred fire in our souls
to build our country increasingly more beautiful
Beside the majestic river, Beside the majestic river.

Verifica (Original in Verifican)
Oh lovely mountain land of goats
Where we grow oats
And wear overcoats
Where men are strong
And women are wrong
And everyone gets along
And sings this song
Verifica! Verifica!
Best country on Earth
Let’s sing it for all we’re worth
Verifica! Verifica!
Nice place for your holidays
But bring your cash in dollars!