With the Olympics coming up, Britain doing quite well in Formula one (drivers and/or teams), and the current Euro 2012 tournament, I think we need a better national anthem. Our one is a miserable, slow, dirge.

For example, I much prefer the French, American, or Russian anthems - they're lively, inspiring. Ours makes me want to top myself.

(Please note - this is only about the anthem itself - words and tune - I'm not talking about changing/replacing/doing away with the monarchy, or anything like that - for one thing, from a purely business perspective, they bring in more than they cost. Also, if we didn't have them, we'd have to elect some Berlusconi/Sarkozy every 4 or 5 years).

And as for the words! Why is our anthem focussed on the monarch? Why should we save them?

The first verse of the French anthem:

Arise, children of the Fatherland,
The day of glory has arrived!
Against us tyranny
Raises its bloody banner (repeat)
Do you hear, in the countryside,
The roar of those ferocious soldiers?
They're coming right into your arms
To cut the throats of your sons and women!

OK - possibly a little blood-thirsty, but at least it gets you going, pumps you up.

The first verse, chorus, and second verse of the Russian one:

Russia - our holy realm,
Russia - our beloved country.
A mighty will, great glory -
Yours given for all time!

Glory to you, our free Fatherland,
Age-old union of fraternal peoples,
National wisdom given by our forebears!
Be glorious, our country! We are proud of you!

From the southern seas to the polar lands
Spread are our forests and fields.
You are unique in the world, one of a kind -
This native land's protected by God!

Our one:

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

Is it finished yet?

Now, I know that Jerusalem specifies England, but something like that would be the ticket.

If you know of any other decent anthems, let me know below.