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

Kip Winger

Kip WingerSongwriter Interviews

The Winger frontman reveals the Led Zeppelin song he cribbed for "Seventeen," and explains how his passion for orchestra music informs his songwriting.

Jethro Tull

Jethro TullFact or Fiction

Stage urinals, flute devices, and the real Aqualung in this Fact or Fiction.

Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues

Justin Hayward of The Moody BluesSongwriter Interviews

Justin wrote the classic "Nights In White Satin," but his fondest musical memories are from a different decade.

Jon Foreman of Switchfoot

Jon Foreman of SwitchfootSongwriter Interviews

Switchfoot's frontman and main songwriter on what inspires the songs and how he got the freedom to say exactly what he means.

Classic Metal

Classic MetalFact or Fiction

Ozzy, Guns N' Roses, Judas Priest and even Michael Bolton show up in this Classic Metal quiz.

Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, Heaven And Hell

Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, Heaven And HellSongwriter Interviews

Guitarist Tony Iommi on the "Iron Man" riff, the definitive Black Sabbath song, and how Ozzy and Dio compared as songwriters.