Anyone besides me NOT like the USA National Anthem?

[Schmoopie]

Moderators, feel free to move this if it's in the wrong section. I wasn't sure where to put it. Last Sunday when I was watching the Superbowl, I was glad that they had both the National Anthem and God Bless America instead of just the National Anthem.

Personally, I don't like the National Anthem much at all. It's too slow and doesn't really make much sense unless you've studied the history of it. I don't want to be disrespectful because it has nothing to do with disliking America at all. If it were me, I would love it if "God Bless America" was chosen as the National Anthem instead. I think it's a much prettier song.

And actually I love the Canadian National Anthem, "O Canada". I am trying to learn the words, but whenever I hear it, I can't get past the first two words...

"Oh, Canada..." :lol:

My husband and I spend at least a week every summer somewhere in Canada. This summer we have been talking about going to Edmonton. I am dying to see that West Edmonton Mall, although I'm sure there are more things to do there than just that! But I think at least a day at that mall should suffice! From what I've read and seen, it's gigantic!

Now about the US National Anthem. This morning, Harry Connick Jr sang it at the Daytona 500. Hearing him sing it makes me really like the song! ;)

Here's a video of him singing it back in September at the Titans/Steelers game!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHQO8U-WwsQ

[MickeyMac]

I dont dislike the national anthem (I am a sucker for Jimi Hendrix's rendition), but I always though "America The Beautiful" would be a better choice. More people know the words to that tune.

[*Pleasant Tomorrow*]

I personally think that Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" should be our new national anthem. For one, if you're ever in a public area here in the U.S. with music playing and that song comes on...does the entire place not stop to sing it? They do. Plus all Americans just love that song. Besides, the title "don't stop believing" suggests the American ideal of never giving up and working your way up.

JUST SAYIN.

[Chocoholic]

I don't dislike it, but I know what you mean about it being very slow and it's awkward for some people to sing. I'd rather see God Bless America, America the Beautiful, or My Country tis of Thee become the National Anthem instead.

On a side note, I love the Wings episode where Roy goes to perform the National Anthem at a Red Sox game and passes out. :lol:

[OH Nuts!]

Any song that extols our country is fine by me - but I do like the other choices Chocoholic listed better - exp. America the Beautiful - no truer words ever said/song!

[Seth]

"Don't Stop Believing" should be our new national anthem. For one, if you're ever in a public area here in the U.S. with music playing and that song comes on...does the entire place not stop to sing it? They do. Plus all Americans just love that song.

Three things:

1)Yes. It gets more audience participation than just about anything else I've ever heard.

2)Apple released a list of the top 25 most downloaded songs of all time, and Don't Stop Believing was the only song from before 2000 on the list.

3)Just a small town girl, livin' in a lonely world...She took the midnight train goin' an...y....WHHEERRREEE...

[JT]

I personally think that Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" should be our new national anthem. For one, if you're ever in a public area here in the U.S. with music playing and that song comes on...does the entire place not stop to sing it? They do. Plus all Americans just love that song. Besides, the title "don't stop believing" suggests the American ideal of never giving up and working your way up.

JUST SAYIN.
:( I hate Journey.

The Hustle. I nominate The Hustle. Every government function begins with a group dance.

[MickeyMac]

I personally think that Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" should be our new national anthem. For one, if you're ever in a public area here in the U.S. with music playing and that song comes on...does the entire place not stop to sing it? They do. Plus all Americans just love that song. Besides, the title "don't stop believing" suggests the American ideal of never giving up and working your way up.

JUST SAYIN.



No offesne but puke: I am not a fan of that song or Journey for that matter.

[EmoJoe]

I personally think that Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" should be our new national anthem. For one, if you're ever in a public area here in the U.S. with music playing and that song comes on...does the entire place not stop to sing it? They do. Plus all Americans just love that song. Besides, the title "don't stop believing" suggests the American ideal of never giving up and working your way up.

JUST SAYIN.
that song is MONUMENTAL. it's like the unofficial american anthem.

i don't have a problem with the one we have though. it's nice.

[*Pleasant Tomorrow*]

No offesne but puke: I am not a fan of that song or Journey for that matter.

I hate Journey.

I'm going to go to the top of a mountain and try to jump off of it because I've just heard the impossible.

[*Pleasant Tomorrow*]

that song is MONUMENTAL. it's like the unofficial american anthem.
Psh, exactly.

[Zoneboy]

I'm going to go to the top of a mountain and try to jump off of it because I've just heard the impossible.

Gonna climb a mountain, the highest mountain, Lord
And gonna jump off, ain't nobody gonna know
Can't you see, oh, can't you see,
What these comments, Lord
they been doin' to me
Can't you see, oh, can't you see
What these comments, been doin' to me

[catlover79]

It's never bothered me. I personally like the instrumental versions of the song - like when it's played by marching bands or horn quartets. I like the joke Jay Leno made about the National Anthem years ago, "On this day back in (whatever year) "The Star-Spangled Banner" was written. Before this, no one knew when the ballgame started." :rolleyes: :lol:

[Dragonflies]

I like it, and the song is easy to remember. I just hate when people butcher the song or make a mockery of it(ala Roseanne)

"God Bless America" wouldn't be a good choice, I love it, but not everyone believes in God either

[MrCleveland]

Maybe this should be the National Anthem for America....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii0b2rpXJ5s

[JT]

I'm going to go to the top of a mountain and try to jump off of it because I've just heard the impossible.
Well, see, I don't mind Journey that much. I like Perry's voice, and I like Open Arms. But DSB...jeez. Just jeez. I can go the rest of my life without hearing it ever again. The whole thing reads like the plot to a bad bad 80s movie. Because there are some good bad 80s movies.

[EmoJoe]

no one's complaining about the USA itself, just saying they think we should get a new national anthem. i've heard a lot of people say stuff like that. i agree with you that it annoys me when people whine on and on about how much they hate America but this thread didn't come across as that to me.

[The Great One]

I personally think that Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" should be our new national anthem. For one, if you're ever in a public area here in the U.S. with music playing and that song comes on...does the entire place not stop to sing it? They do. Plus all Americans just love that song. Besides, the title "don't stop believing" suggests the American ideal of never giving up and working your way up.

JUST SAYIN.

"Don't Stop Believing" is an awesome song!!! I saw journey in concert in 1983 when they were in their prime.

[*Pleasant Tomorrow*]

You might want to go live in Canada if you and your husband seem to like Canada that much. You even prefer their song over the USA song. You say it's not meant as disrepect, but it seems to come across that way. I hate when people complain about the USA. If you don't like it here move to another country. Otherwise, find something else to complain about other than this great country.
No offense but...are you for real? It's great that you love your country and all, but no need to react like that when clearly that's not what she was saying at all. If she likes Canada, who cares? It doesn't means she dislikes America lol. Plus her rant was about the anthem, not America. Jeez.

[Elvis Fonzie Dean]

Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue should be our theme.

[Schmoopie]

No offense but...are you for real? It's great that you love your country and all, but no need to react like that when clearly that's not what she was saying at all. If she likes Canada, who cares? It doesn't means she dislikes America lol. Plus her rant was about the anthem, not America. Jeez.

Wow, thanks. I've actually considered moving to Canada, but I don't think I could ever leave the US. I love both countries, but I was born and raised here. I'm glad that comment was removed, but it was still a shock to see it being quoted. I kind of think of myself as an honorary Canadian! :) I love how at the Winter Olympics the commentators are constantly talking about the strong bond that Canada and the US have.

I'm flattered by all the responses and I'm glad that this thread hasn't gotten out of hand. As for the Journey song? I love Journey, but I never thought about that song being a National Anthem. Now the song that Mr. Cleveland posted...
Maybe this should be the National Anthem for America....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii0b2rpXJ5s

is wonderful, but I don't think I would chose it. However when Seattle used to do their July 4th fireworks off of the barge at Myrtle Edwards Park-a practice they stopped doing last year, which led my husband and I to stay in Canada a bit longer (what a coincidence! We did see the Gasworks Park fireworks on TV, though), the radio station would broadcast simultaneously and always use that song among others that are about America. It was really cool!

[Torgo]

I think The Cramps' "Bikini Girls With Machine Guns" should be the American National Anthem....but that's just me.

[phoebe7165]

No offesne but puke: I am not a fan of that song or Journey for that matter.

I'm 50-50 on that, I still love Journey, but I am soooo sick of hearing "Don't Stop Believing" anymore. Um, they do have other songs!!! The radio stations didn't seem to get the memo on that! I can even still listen to Open Arms and Faithfully much more than DSB!!

[phoebe7165]

On a side note, I love the Wings episode where Roy goes to perform the National Anthem at a Red Sox game and passes out. :lol:

OMG, Kristen, that is one of my all-time favorite episodes!!

Actually my sister had seen it before I did, and she told me that I have got to see this one episode. The part where the sportscaster kept going "Out, Safe, Out, Safe", and Roy was falling and getting up, we were cracking up especially at that part.

The best line, when Lowell catches Helen with her arms around Roy - "Roy, you old dog, you finally got her. Helen, I'm more than a little disappointed in you.":lol:

[MickeyMac]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Vae_AkLb4Q



How about this for the national anthem?

[Family Ties Forever!]

I'm glad that comment was removed, but it was still a shock to see it being quoted.

Andrea, I voluntarily removed my posts, because I don't want to have problems with you. Know this much, I have a right to have an opinion. Case closed.

[JT]

Andrea, I voluntarily removed my posts, because I don't want to have problems with you. Know this much, I have a right to have an opinion. Case closed.
You do. And others have the right to respond to your opinion.

[Pus$y Galore]

Actually I've always kinda envied the U.S. for their anthem. I think it's beautiful (even if the contents seem "aggressive" to some - I always remember Mike on All In The Family arguing with Archie about the lyrics LOL)

And oddly, I've always greatly disliked our anthem. I think it sounds sucky. And I really can't stand it since they "officially" sing it in both languages (I'm not about to learn the words in another language now).

I'll help you out tho Schmoop - "O Canada, Our home and native land, true patriot love, in all our sons command." ;)

Personally, I wish we had been able to go with The Maple Leaf Forever, (which is more in keeping with the U.S.'s), but our French population would never have gone for it.

I've always liked France's national anthem too - it's pretty cool.

[Family Ties Forever!]

Yes. And by the same right, we should able to express our opinions on
here without being taken to task because we do. You went completely
off on the original poster just because they do not like the Star Spangled
Banner. People do not have to like the Star Spangled Banner. That does
not make them un-American as you are trying to claim. Liking another country also does not make that person un-American.

I never said anyone was "un-American". Don't put words in my mouth. I never said anyone had to like that song. I just don't see the point of hating it. If a person wants to like another country they can. I never said anyone couldn't. Why a person would like another country more than the country they live in seems odd, imo.

[Stuck In The '70's]

I never said anyone was "un-American". Don't put words in my mouth. I never said anyone had to like that song. I just don't see the point of hating it. If a person wants to like another country they can. I never said anyone couldn't. Why a person would like another country more than the country they live in seems odd, imo.
I don't understand it myself.

I love the Star Spangled Banner. I think it's the perfect song for the United States. The other songs mentioned are good too but I don't see any reason to change it.

[JT]

I never said anyone was "un-American". Don't put words in my mouth. I never said anyone had to like that song. I just don't see the point of hating it. If a person wants to like another country they can. I never said anyone couldn't. Why a person would like another country more than the country they live in seems odd, imo.
But you do understand how what you did say could be read as a little harsh, right?

Freedom of speech also covers things we don't like to hear. If I don't like something someone has said, I try hard not to respond to it because responding to it only ensures that I'm gonna have to see it or hear it over and over again until the issue is resolved, which it never really will be because who's gonna change their opinion of something just because someone disagrees with them?

And besides. It's just a song. Love of country shouldn't be based in a song or a flag or a symbol, it should be based in your heart. People can screw up a song or burn a flag or deface a symbol, but it's absolutely impossible for them to mess with your true feelings.

[*Pleasant Tomorrow*]

And besides. It's just a song. Love of country shouldn't be based in a song or a flag or a symbol, it should be based in your heart. People can screw up a song or burn a flag or deface a symbol, but it's absolutely impossible for them to mess with your true feelings.

Please run for president so I can vote for you.

[Pus$y Galore]

And besides. It's just a song. Love of country shouldn't be based in a song or a flag or a symbol, it should be based in your heart. People can screw up a song or burn a flag or deface a symbol, but it's absolutely impossible for them to mess with your true feelings.
Beautifully put JT

[Janice]

It's way way more than just a song. Most people love the symbolism that the National Anthem holds. Same as our flag, our Oympic teams, the Pledge of Allegiance, our Military, on and on. You bet we hold them in our heart. Still, we have to preserve these symbols. When people hold their hands over their hearts, we want to hear the right song, not another one chosen for that event.

[EmoJoe]

I never said anyone was "un-American". Don't put words in my mouth. I never said anyone had to like that song. I just don't see the point of hating it. If a person wants to like another country they can. I never said anyone couldn't. Why a person would like another country more than the country they live in seems odd, imo.
she didn't say she liked Canada better than the country she lived in...just that she preferred their national anthem to ours, and that she found Canada to be a cool place. it doesn't mean she prefers the country to America.

[Janice]

Yes. And by the same right, we should able to express our opinions on
here without being taken to task because we do. You went completely
off on the original poster just because they do not like the Star Spangled
Banner. People do not have to like the Star Spangled Banner. That does
not make them un-American as you are trying to claim. Liking another country
also does not make that person un-American.
Jenny didn't go completely off on anyone, and she didn't accuse anyone of being un-American. Nobody got taken to task for voicing their opinion either. Got Anything else that's untrue that you want to harp about?

[JT]

It's way way more than just a song. Most people love the symbolism that the National Anthem holds. Same as our flag, our Oympic teams, the Pledge of Allegiance, our Military, on and on. You bet we hold them in our heart. Still, we have to preserve these symbols. When people hold their hands over their hearts, we want to hear the right song, not another one chosen for that event.
OK, Janice. OK.

All I know is a deaf person can't hear the national anthem and a blind person can't see the American flag.

[Dragonflies]

I don't understand it myself.

I love the Star Spangled Banner. I think it's the perfect song for the United States. The other songs mentioned are good too but I don't see any reason to change it.

Me either Sonny. The song is about SYMBOLISM. It's not about just making any old song the National Anthem. The song was written when the American Flag was mainly intact after a war. That's what inspired it.

Sorry but "Don't Stop Believin" Really?? NO THANKS

[*Pleasant Tomorrow*]

Me either Sonny. The song is about SYMBOLISM. It's not about just making any old song the National Anthem. The song was written when the American Flag was mainly intact after a war. That's what inspired it.

Sorry but "Don't Stop Believin" Really?? NO THANKS
I wasn't being for serious.

But then again...

[Janice]

OK, Janice. OK.

All I know is a deaf person can't hear the national anthem and a blind person can't see the American flag.
What's your point? Jenny's blind, but she with the 20% sight she does have, it's the American flag she wants to see. My husband's father was deaf for the most part, same goes for Rush Limbaugh. I know they'd want to hear our National Anthem with the little hearing they have.

[JT]

What's your point? Jenny's blind, but she with the 20% sight she does have, it's the American flag she wants to see. My husband's father was deaf for the most part, same goes for Rush Limbaugh. I know they'd want to hear our National Anthem with the little hearing they have.
My point is that what the song and what the flag represent is way more important than the song and the flag themselves. I could go the rest of my life without seeing the flag, but my American spirit will still be there.

[Family Ties Forever!]

OK, Janice. OK.

All I know is a deaf person can't hear the national anthem and a blind person can't see the American flag.

What's your problem? What does being deaf or blind have to do with the topic at hand? Let me know when you have dislodged your foot fron your mouth. How insensitive do you intend to be?

My lack of vision doesn't stop me from liking and appreciating the American flag. I'm sure the same would go for someone who is deaf and the National [American] anthem.

[*Pleasant Tomorrow*]

What's your problem? What does being deaf or blind have to do with the topic at hand? Let me know when you have dislodged your foot fron your mouth. How insensitive do you intend to be?

My lack of vision doesn't stop me from liking and appreciating the American flag. I'm sure the same would go for someone who is deaf and the National [American] anthem.
I think you should read into what someone is saying more before you decide to hit the reply button.

He wasn't being insensitive at all. His point was that there are some people that can't see the flag and some that can't hear the anthem...it doesn't make them any less American because they still have the love in their country in their hearts. They don't need those things to be an American.

[JT]

I think you should read into what someone is saying more before you decide to hit the reply button.

He wasn't being insensitive at all. His point was that there are some people that can't see the flag and some that can't hear the anthem...it doesn't make them any less American because they still have the love in their country in their hearts. They don't need those things to be an American.
Thank you. I wasn't even sure how to reply to that.

[Family Ties Forever!]

I think you should read into what someone is saying more before you decide to hit the reply button.

He wasn't being insensitive at all. His point was that there are some people that can't see the flag and some that can't hear the anthem...it doesn't make them any less American because they still have the love in their country in their hearts. They don't need those things to be an American.

You need to stop telling me what to do. If you look at the time of the posts, my post was being made at the same time as his. It showed up only three minutes later. Get off my back.

Btw, well duh! I know that a person who is totally blind can't see and someone who is totally deaf can't hear. I'm not an idiot.

[Janice]

My point is that what the song and what the flag represent is way more important than the song and the flag themselves. I could go the rest of my life without seeing the flag, but my American spirit will still be there.
Well the songs and the flags are there, and they are important. Of course we hold them in our hearts. Kind of goes without saying. People still love to hear and see them. At ballgames, people want to hear the National Anthem, and they don't want Roseanne to scream the lyrics, grab her crotch and spit when she's done. The meanings of the song and the flag are important, but that doesn't mean that the actual song and flag don't have meaning because they have plenty.

[*Pleasant Tomorrow*]

You need to stop telling me what to do. If you look at the time of the posts, my post was being made at the same time as his. It showed up only three minutes later. Get off my back.

Btw, well duh! I know that a person who is totally blind can't see and someone who is totally deaf can't hear. I'm not an idiot.
Don't tell me what to do? Don't tell Schmoopie to move to Canada because she doesn't like a song.

Didn't say you were an idiot. But I felt I had to explain to you what you seemed to completely overlook.

[*Pleasant Tomorrow*]

Well the songs and the flags are there, and they are important. Of course we hold them in our hearts. Kind of goes without saying. People still love to hear and see them. At ballgames, people want to hear the National Anthem, and they don't want Rosie O'Donnell to scream the lyrics, grab her crotch and spit when she's done. The meanings of the song and the flag are important, but that doesn't mean that the actual song and flag don't have meaning because they have plenty.
Actually, I think it was that classy lady Roseanne.

[Janice]

Actually, I think it was that classy lady Roseanne.
Good catch. It's easy to mix them up. So many similarities.

[Family Ties Forever!]

Don't tell me what to do? Don't tell Schmoopie to move to Canada because she doesn't like a song.

Didn't say you were an idiot. But I felt I had to explain to you what you seemed to completely overlook.

I didn't tell her that she had to move there. Get a grip.

[*Pleasant Tomorrow*]

I didn't tell her that she had to move there. Get a grip.
Well if we're going into technicalities hmm...I didn't tell you you HAD to either. However, you did tell me I NEED to stop telling you what to do.

But this is getting to be petty ridiculousness now, isn't it.

[JT]

Well the songs and the flags are there, and they are important. Of course we hold them in our hearts. Kind of goes without saying. People still love to hear and see them. At ballgames, people want to hear the National Anthem, and they don't want Roseanne to scream the lyrics, grab her crotch and spit when she's done. The meanings of the song and the flag are important, but that doesn't mean that the actual song and flag don't have meaning because they have plenty.
Well, there ya go. You hold them in your heart because of what they represent, not just because it's a pretty righteous tune.

[Janice]

Well, there ya go. You hold them in your heart because of what they represent, not just because it's a pretty righteous tune.
I said it in my first post in this debate, post #36.

[JT]

I said it in my first post in this debate, post #36.
I know.

[Janice]

Next up, debate on whether the sky is blue. Film at 11.

[JT]

We were debating? :)

[Pus$y Galore]

Well, comin' from a "foreigner", all I can say is that I think it's one of the best anthems, if not THE best in the world. It's also one of the few songs that you could play the first one or two notes of, and anyone could recognize it. I don't think it should ever be changed or "updated". As much as I like rock and Journey, there is no way imo that songs like that should be used as anthems. Ok to use them as inspirational songs, but not a national anthem.

I love singing it when they play it at ballgames, the Olympics, etc. and sing it just as I would the Canadian one - even though I know I slaughter it by sounding like a cat in heat when I try. ;)

[EmoJoe]

i was joking about Don't Stop Believin, lol it's pretty clear that song is not exactly suited to be a national anthem...

like i said, i like the anthem too, it's a powerful song.

[Schmoopie]

Wow... it just amazes me how these things get so out of hand. Very unnerving considering that all I was doing was asking a question. Didn't expect a fight to break out, but I appreciate those of you who were speaking in my defense.

[Lee]

Jenny didn't go completely off on anyone, and she didn't accuse anyone of being un-American. Nobody got taken to task for voicing their opinion either. Got Anything else that's untrue that you want to harp about?

It looks like I put my foot in my mouth again like I do from time to time

[Schmoopie]

I found this link from the Seattle Times and it made me think of this thread. Since there have been so many unpleasentries associated with this topic, I thought it would be fun to lighten up a little and have a laugh. BTW, scroll down to where it says infused with Olympic spirit

http://blog.seattlepi.com/davidhorsey/

[angiefan]

I perfer God Bless The USA by Lee Greenwood better,than The Star Spangled Banner.

[Schmoopie]

I perfer God Bless The USA by Lee Greenwood better,than The Star Spangled Banner.
I love that song, too! :)