The People's Anthem
This was one of Elliott’s last poems. It was written for music in 1847, and was usually sung to the tune "Commonwealth". The People’s Anthem first appeared in Tait’s Edinburgh Review in 1848. The refrain “God save the people!” parodies the British national anthem, God Save the Queen and demands support for ordinary people instead. Despite its huge popularity, some churches refused to use hymn books which contained it, as it can also be seen as a criticism of God. In his notes on the poem, Elliott demanded that the vote be given to all responsible householders. “The People’s Anthem” was a great favourite for many years, and in the 1920s it was suggested that Elliott’s poem qualified him to be designated Poet Laureate of the League of Nations.
The People's Anthem
- When wilt thou save the people?
- Oh, God of mercy! when?
- Not kings and lords, but nations!
- Not thrones and crowns, but men!
- Flowers of thy heart, oh, God, are they!
- Let them not pass, like weeds, away!
- Their heritage a sunless day!
- God! save the people!
'The People's Anthem' features in the rock musical 'Godspell'(1971), retitled 'Save the People', with a new musical score by Stephen Schwartz.
Read more about this topic: Ebenezer Elliott
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