England's players and supporters will belt out the national anthem prior to the round of 32 match against DR Congo on Wednesday. Here is everything you need to know about 'God Save the King', including its history, lyrics, and the one word fans often get wrong.
Historic Origins of the Anthem
First established as the national anthem in September 1745 under the reign of George II, 'God Save the King' is steeped in history. Curiously, the true identity of its original composer has never been discovered, leaving the song's exact origins a captivating musical mystery.
The anthem originated as a patriotic tribute to the reigning monarch, serving as a powerful emblem of allegiance. During the 18th century, when the throne faced the looming threat of rebellion, singing it became a prominent way for the public to declare their unwavering support for the Crown.
The Royal Switch from Queen to King
Following seven decades of singing 'God Save the Queen' in tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, a historic shift occurred. The lyrics were formally updated to honour King Charles III upon his accession to the throne in September 2022. This lyrical transition has inevitably sparked some confusion, as people often revert to the version they grew up with. It is quite common to hear players and supporters mistakenly belt out 'Queen' instead of 'King,' or accidentally swap 'him' for the familiar female pronoun 'her'.
Common Lyrical Mistakes
Another frequent error involves the subtle differences in the opening lines. The first two refer to 'our' King, while the third shifts to 'the' King, making it incredibly easy for singers to jumble the specific wording during the heat of the moment.
Verses Rarely Sung
During major sporting events, players and crowds typically only perform the opening verse before kick-off. Although a handful of people might know the third verse, the subsequent stanzas are almost entirely neglected and have largely faded into obscurity.
No Official Version Exists
Surprisingly, an official, universally authorised version of the anthem does not actually exist, as the lyrics are entirely dictated by tradition. Numerous extended variations and obscure verses have emerged over time, mirroring the dynamic and ever-changing history of the British royal family.
England's Adoption of the Anthem
While representing the nation, several English sports teams traditionally borrow the wider UK anthem, and fans will be belting it out with pride ahead of Wednesday's World Cup round of 32 clash against DR Congo. However, relying on this shared anthem often fuels debates about whether the England football team should instead adopt a distinct, unique song like 'Jerusalem'.
Full Lyrics of the First Three Verses
First verse: 'God save our gracious King! Long live our noble King! God save the King! Send him victorious, Happy and glorious, Long to reign over us, God save the King.'
Second verse: 'Thy choicest gifts in store, On him be pleased to pour, Long may he reign. May he defend our laws, And ever give us cause, To sing with heart and voice, God save the King.'
Third verse: 'Not in 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.'
