[syhprum (OP)]

The dreary hymn of praise seems more appropriate for north Korea or ROC than a modern democratic UK.

[Bored chemist]

Dreary?
"And like a torrent rush
Rebellious Scots to crush
God save the King."
(OK it's probably a myth but...)

[Petrochemicals]

The deary him of praise seems more appropriate for north Korea or Rob than a modern democratic UK.

It's very much of the history and set up of the UK, much like the USA anthem, if you take it as an characterisation of the UK rather than something to believe in it should cause you much less angst. We could of course change it to "bad ol' King John and robin hood"

[alancalverd]

"Rule Britannia" would fit the bill very well as a national anthem, with a new song in praise of the monarchy to remind politicians and journalists that the prime minister was only elected by the Tory undead and has no constitutional authority.

Any republicans should take great heed of the last week's events. A disgraced PM was replaced with a handshake, and the Head of State passed with due ceremony and no rancour to a bloke who had been trained in the job since birth. No argument about "stolen elections", no armed police  defending Parliament against a bunch of scum. Lots of soldiers, but playing music and cheering their new boss, not scowling at the public. That is how civilised people behave, and we should celebrate our civility with a song.

[evan_au]

Australia did replace "God save the [insert monarch title here]". But the old one is still played on special occasions, such as when the monarch or their local representatives come to visit, .or there is a new one (like now).

[Petrochemicals]

Australia did replace "God save the [insert monarch title here]". But the old one is still played on special occasions, such as when the monarch or their local representatives come to visit, .or there is a new one (like now).

Waltzing Matilda ? There are different ones played sometimes when  the UK is broken into constituent countries like at the common wealth games.

[alancalverd]

It occurred to me tonight that I am the only member of my band who has actually sung the National Anthem! For the last 70 years, everyone has sung what are now the wrong words.

Evan's note suggests a change of use might be justified. "God save the [...]" can be reserved for the titular head of the Commonwealth or his/her representative in that office, with individual nations choosing any other song they fancy as a national rather than Commonwealth anthem.

[Bored chemist]

Re. "God save the Queen"; He didn't.

[alancalverd]

I suspect "save" is used in the same sense as your deophagous caterpillar uses "eat" - i.e. it means something completely different and undefined.

Come to think of it, having just spent a week at Hadrian's Wall, I think it is more to do with "salve" - a good health wish or greeting, rather than an act of intercession.