God Save The King

Album: God Save The King (1745)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "God Save The King" was/is the National Anthem of Great Britain. Its history is outlined in Jeffrey Richards' book Imperialism And Music: Britain 1876-1953.

    It was first sung "in something like its present form" in 1745 at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane where it was performed after the first production of the Ben Jonson play The Alchemist, and was arranged by Thomas Arne, who composed the music for "Rule, Britannia!" The melody appears to date from the time of William of Orange, and the opening words were:

    God bless our noble King
    God save great George our King


    These had already been published in Thesaurus Musicus the previous year; the publisher brought out a new edition with revised words and a third stanza, and it was republished widely.

    The music for "God Save The King" also became the first American National Anthem in 1831 as "My Country, 'Tis Of Thee" with new verses composed by the Reverend Samuel Francis Smith.

    When Queen Victoria ascended to the throne in 1837, the anthem was of course altered to "God Save The Queen." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England
  • During Elizabeth II's 70-year reign, "God Save The Queen" was the United Kingdom's national anthem. Britain reverted to "God Save The King" following the death of Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022 and the ascension to the throne of her son King Charles III.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Mike Campbell

Mike CampbellSongwriter Interviews

Mike is lead guitarist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and co-writer of classic songs like "Boys Of Summer," "Refugee" and "The Heart Of The Matter."

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

Charlie Benante of Anthrax

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"They're Playing My Song

"How much does it cost? I'll buy it?" Another songwriter told Jonathan to change these lyrics. Good thing he ignored this advice.

Ramones

RamonesFact or Fiction

A band so baffling, even their names were contrived. Check your score in the Ramones version of Fact or Fiction.