The Anthems Podcast

Patrick Maher

What's the story with national anthems? Well, that depends entirely on the anthem. From the wildly mundane to the historically significant and every what else. In each episode I'll tell the story of a song that helps to tell the story of a nation. The connections between them will be a surprise and if I've figured this out you will be entertained. Questions, comments complaints, and corrections (please tell me where I'm wrong!) can get to me at anthemspod@gmail.com or at +1 (203) 759-8375

  1. FEB 7

    Brunei and Allah Peliharakan Sultan

    Join me as we head to Brunei, a hidden gem nestled on the island of Borneo, where we unravel the fascinating history behind its national anthem, "Allah Pelaherikan Sultan." This episode dives deep into the intricacies of Brunei's unique political landscape as one of the last absolute monarchies, while also exploring how colonial influences shaped its national identity. As we uncover the story of the anthem's creation in the context of Brunei's push for independence (again), we'll examine the lyrics that intertwine themes of reverence for the Sultan and a prayer for the nation’s peace and prosperity. With a sprinkle of humor and a healthy dose of wit, I reflect on my own ignorance of this nation before our dart landed on it, revealing just how much there is to learn about both the anthem and the culture it represents. So, whether you're a geography whiz or just someone curious about the world’s lesser-known countries, this episode promises to be both enlightening and entertaining. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/371243736_Engaging_Modern_Brunei_Research_on_language_literature_and_culture https://dokumen.pub/a-history-of-brunei-2nbsped-070071698x-9780700716982.html https://www.bruneitourism.com/things-to-do/eat-drink/local-delicacies/#:~:text=Ambuyat,to%20tapioca%20starch)%20and%20water. https://web.archive.org/web/20240226011808/https://www.information.gov.bn/SitePages/Brunei%20Darussalam%20National%20Anthem.aspx https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/Origins_History_and_Social_Structure_in/LlABEAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=brunei+national+anthem+1947&pg=PT156&printsec=frontcover information.gov.bn/Brunei%20Today%20PDF%20Library/2009/brunei_today_june_2009.pdf https://www.zamboanga.com/html/history_1634_moro_attacks.htm https://afroasian.symbiosis.ac.in/brunei a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160711171003/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/04/13/national/bruneian-survived-hiroshima-bombing-dies/#.V4PTB3bP32e" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    31 min

  2. JAN 7

    Angola and Angola Avante

    Today, we embark on an enlightening journey to Angola, a nation with a remarkably youthful population and a rich tapestry of history shaped by colonialism and resilience. As we traverse over 4,000 miles, we’ll explore not just the geographical landscape of this vibrant country but also the profound impact of its colonial past on its present identity. Our central theme revolves around the Angolan national anthem, a powerful symbol that reflects the struggles and aspirations of its people. We’ll dive into the life of Roy Alberto Vieira Diaz Rodriguez Mingus, the composer behind the anthem, and unpack the political context that birthed this musical piece during a pivotal moment in Angola’s quest for independence. Alongside this, I’ll share some intriguing culinary insights that showcase Angola’s fusion of flavors, all while weaving in a bit of humor to keep our spirits high as we navigate the complexities of history and culture. Get ready to discover the beauty, the struggles, and the pride that define Angola, as we march forward together! https://www.britannica.com/place/Angola https://www.marines.mil/portals/1/Publications/Angola%20Study_1.pdf https://tradingeconomics.com/france/exports/angola https://journals.openedition.org/lusotopie/478 https://www.classicalmusicdaily.com/articles/m/r/ruy-mingas.htm https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-8330.2011.00896.x https://web.archive.org/web/20191206204624/https://consuladoangolarj.org/hino/ https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/angola/ https://www.smu.edu/news/research/angola-geology-reveals-ancient-africa-south-america-split https://wizi-kongo.com/hino-nacional-de-angola-em-kikongo/ https://www.google.com/books/edition/Historical_Dictionary_of_Angola/4A5NM4IeBXgC?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA170&printsec=frontcover https://www.jstor.org/stable/2931625 https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/7/5/4893 a href="https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/lifestyle/10-african-countries-with-the-youngest-population-in-2024/gkm38j5#:~:text=According%20to%20Statista%2025%20countries%20with%20the,15.7%20years%20and%20Angola%20at%2015.9%20years" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    32 min

  3. 12/07/2025

    France and La Marseillaise

    Exploring the depths of cultural identity, today’s podcast takes us on a journey to France, the nation that has the distinction of being home to the first official national anthem, "La Marseillaise." This episode intricately weaves together the history of the French Revolution, the life of Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle, and the creation of a song that became a powerful symbol of liberty and revolution. As we traverse through France's rich history, we’ll dive into the profound themes of patriotism and the complexities of colonialism that shaped the nation’s identity. With a witty twist, we’ll also uncover the culinary delights that have emerged from French heritage, because let’s be honest—great food is a revolution in its own right. Join us as we peel back the layers of history, music, and culture, revealing how a single song can encapsulate the spirit of an entire nation and inspire generations. https://www.latribune.fr/economie/france/la-marseillaise-un-hymne-a-l-histoire-tourmentee-524332.html https://www.catacombes.paris.fr/en/history/site-history https://www.alliancefranco-italienne.com/curiosita-la-marseillaise-composee-par-un-italien/ https://www.authentic-europe.com/travel-tips/10-interesting-and-fun-facts-about-france https://web.archive.org/web/20120515104621/http://www.assemblee-nationale.fr/english/la_marseillaise.asp Wolf, John B. (1968). Louis XIV: A Profile. ISBN 978-1-3490-1470-5. OL 32357699Whttps://archive.org/details/peasantsintofren0000webe/page/n635/mode/2up https://www.frenchempire.net/biographies/mireur/ https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Routledge_Dictionary_of_Cultural_Ref/x-FNTmUwfpEC?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA147&printsec=frontcover https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/mod/marseill.asp https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Seven_Years_War/1icUjZag24YC?hl=en https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2016/01/10/la-marsigliese-e-il-mistero-attorno-alla-sua-paternita/2361661/  William Apthorp (1879) Hector Berlioz; Selections from His Letters, and Aesthetic, Humorous, and Satirical Writings, Henry Holt, New York L. J. de Bekker (1909) Stokes' Encyclopedia of Music and Musicians, Frederick Stokes, New Yorka...

    41 min

  4. 11/07/2025

    Ireland and Amhrán na bhFiann

    Today, we dive into the rich tapestry of Irish culture, exploring "The Soldier's Song," which serves as the national anthem of the Republic of Ireland. This episode intricately weaves together the historical and cultural significance of this anthem, shedding light on the journey from its humble origins to its current status as a symbol of national pride. As we traverse the landscape of Ireland's complex history, we'll uncover the fascinating stories of the song's creators, Patrick Heaney and Peter Kearney, who channeled their revolutionary spirit into music that transcended time and politics. We also explore the nuances of language and identity, discussing how the anthem was originally penned in English but later embraced in Irish, reflecting the ongoing evolution of cultural heritage. So, grab a cup of tea (or perhaps a pint of Guinness), and join us as we march through the notes and narratives of a song that resonates deeply in the hearts of the Irish people. https://hdr.undp.org/inequality-adjusted-human-development-index#/indicies/IHDI https://web.archive.org/web/20110710132642/http://www.discoverireland.com/us/ireland-things-to-see-and-do/listings/gss/product/?fid=FI_13325 https://web.archive.org/web/20100830230658/http://www.blarneycastle.ie/pages/stone https://www.kildarestreet.com/committees/?id=2017-12-05a.136 https://historyireland.com/countdown-to-2016-a-soldiers-song-amhran-na-bhfiann/ https://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000510779 https://historyireland.com/the-story-of-the-national-anthem/ https://historyireland.com/victor-herbert-irish/ https://archive.org/details/doingmybitforire0000skin/page/236/mode/2up https://web.archive.org/web/20171123144125/http://www.bureauofmilitaryhistory.ie/reels/bmh/BMH.WS1721.pdf#page=68 https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/de-valera-is-34-dark-deified-an-english-woman-meets-ireland-s-rebels-1917-1.3234771 https://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0329/315449-divorce-rate-up-150-since-2002-census/ a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080612075334/http://www.naglinntiglasa.ie/Anthem/anthem.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    37 min

  5. 10/07/2025

    Chile and Himno Nacional de Chile

    Today, we delve into the fascinating tale of Chile's national anthem, the "Himno Nacional de Chile," a song that encapsulates the spirit and struggles of a nation. This anthem is not merely a collection of notes and lyrics; it serves as a historical narrative reflecting Chile's journey from colonial oppression to independence. As we explore the rich tapestry of Chile's geographical diversity and the complexities of its national identity, we uncover how the song evolved through layers of political and social change. Our discussion ranges from the roles of key figures, to the nuances of the anthem's lyrics that resonate with themes of freedom, and incredible resilience. Join us as we unravel the melody that has become a proud symbol of Chilean heritage, and perhaps even discover how the challenges of the past continue to echo in the present. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-19357497 https://web.archive.org/web/20150625213643/http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/cltoc.html https://web.archive.org/web/20090205171400/http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/6293/chilenameuo6.jpg https://www.britannica.com/place/Chile https://web.archive.org/web/20090911173014/http://foia.state.gov/Reports/ChurchReport.asp https://www.google.com/books/edition/Chile_Insight_Guide/Nf8SnJ_ZJbkC?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=inca+did+not+conquer+araucanians&pg=PA27&printsec=frontcover https://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2016-04-25/why-theres-a-giant-hand-in-chiles-atacama-desert a href="http://descubridor.santotomas.cl/primo_library/libweb/action/display.do?dscnt=2&fctN=facet_topic&elementId=0&recIdxs=0&frbrVersion=&scp.scps=scope%3A%28cst_nocolegios%29%2Cscope%3A%28cst_digitool%29&fctV=Patagonia+%28Chile%29&tab=cst_tab&dstmp=1753309690007&vl(86348610UI0)=sub&mode=Advanced&indx=1&fromLogin=true&renderMode=poppedOut&vl(freeText0)=Ind%C3%ADgenas+de+Chile&vid=CST&fn=search&displayMode=full&ct=display&recIds=cst_aleph000032086&vl(1UIStartWith0)=exact&doc=cst_aleph000032086&vl(97671945UI3)=all_items&tabs=detailsTab&fromLogin=true&fromLogin=true" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    37 min

  6. 09/07/2025

    Bermuda and Hail to Bermuda

    We're diving deep into the vibrant history and cultural tapestry of Bermuda, a picturesque island nation that sits at the heart of a historical narrative that's both complex and surprisingly rich. At the forefront of our discussion is the anthem, which not only highlights the island's unique identity but also serves as a reflection of its resilient spirit and communal values. As we navigate Bermuda's past, from roots to contemporary challenges, we’ll explore how this small territory has managed to carve out an identity that is distinctly its own while remaining British. We'll also take a moment to appreciate the anthem's creation and the talented Bette Johns' journey, which adds another layer to our understanding of Bermuda's cultural landscape. So, buckle up as we embark on this enlightening journey, filled with intriguing anecdotes and thoughtful insights, about a place that, while seemingly isolated, has an outsized influence on the world stage. https://www.google.com/books/edition/As_a_Matter_of_Fact/VF1qAAAAMAAJ?hl=en https://data.worldbank.org/country/BM https://oec.world/en/profile/bilateral-product/water/reporter/bmu https://www.royalgazette.com/opinion-writer/opinion/article/20240930/bottled-water-costs-us-in-many-ways/ http://huelvabuenasnoticias.com/2015/09/05/juan-de-bermudez-el-onubense-que-dio-nombre-a-las-famosas-islas-bermudas/ https://unstats.un.org/unsd/envstats/meetings/2019-Caricom%20Region/documents/Session%203.1.3%20Bermuda%20-%20Fresh%20water.pdf https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/e/exorcizing-the-devils-triangle.html https://bdalondonoffice.co.uk/discover-bermuda/history-and-culture/#:~:text=The%20first%20slaves%20were%20brought,Colony%20to%20import%20Black%20people. https://www.thebermudian.com/ https://historiclandlosscoi.bm/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/AL39-Bhattacharya-2017.pdf https://archive.org/details/europeandiscover00mori_2 https://encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/somers-sir-george-1554-1610/ a...

    33 min

  7. 08/07/2025

    Burundi and Burundi Bwacu

    Burundi, a small African nation with a rich tapestry of history and culture, takes center stage in our latest exploration, encapsulated by the unique musical traditions symbolized by its national anthem. We dive deep into the circumstances surrounding the creation of this anthem, which emerged in the wake of the country's independence in 1961, highlighting not just the melodies but the poignant narratives woven into its lyrics. As we traverse through Burundi's past, we uncover its colonial struggles, marked by a distinct resilience that informs both its identity and its music. With a fascinating blend of traditional Burundian rhythms and Western influences, the anthem stands as a testament to the nation's spirit—one that celebrates survival and unity rather than militaristic triumphalism. Join us as we unpack not only the song's musical intricacies but also the deep emotional resonance behind its words, revealing how this small nation continues to assert its place in the global concert of nations. https://rinascltabike.com/cycling/benefits/calories/ https://www.worlddata.info/africa/burundi/energy-consumption.php https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/archives/2023/countries/burundi/ https://www.vaisala.com/sites/default/files/documents/WEA-MET-2021-Global-Lightning-Statistics-B212467EN-A.pdf https://www.google.com/books/edition/Political_Conflict_and_Ethnic_Strategies/_z4_AQAAIAAJ?hl=en https://search.worldcat.org/title/1091235649 https://momaa.org/directory/living-museum-of-bujumbura/ https://www.google.com/books/edition/Hunger_and_Shame/MbaNAcAgUL8C?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA50&printsec=frontcover https://web.archive.org/web/20020606133726/http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2821.htm https://web.archive.org/web/19991110092358/http://www.ilec.or.jp/database/afr/dafr06.html https://www.dw.com/en/how-east-africans-countered-german-colonial-repression/a-67623250https://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/index2.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.unesco.org%2Fculture%2Fich%2Ffr%2FRL%2Fla-danse-rituelle-au-tambour-royal-00989#federation=archive.wikiwix.com&tab=url a href="https://www.africa.upenn.edu/NEH/bhistory.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    34 min

  8. 07/07/2025

    The Philippines and Lupang Hinirang

    Join us as we embark on an auditory journey to the Philippines, a vibrant archipelago of 7,641 islands known for its rich tapestry of culture and biodiversity. This episode unravels the fascinating story behind “Lupang Hinarang,” the national anthem that weaves together threads of patriotism, historical struggle, and musical heritage. We’ll explore the dramatic backdrop of the Philippines’ colonial past, marked by Spanish and later American influences, and how these shaped the national identity that the anthem embodies. The discussion delves into the lives of its composer, Julian Felipe, and poet, Jose Palma, both of whom were deeply intertwined with the nation’s revolutionary spirit. So, whether you’re a history buff or just in it for the catchy tunes, prepare for a mix of enlightening insights and a sprinkle of wit as we navigate through the lyrical and melodic heart of Filipino pride. Hey!!!!!! if you're reading my notes 2.5 years into my show you're cool https://web.archive.org/web/20170525084350/https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1998/02/12/republic-act-no-8491/ chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.wintercrowroost.com/wp-content/uploads/research-ward-raim.pdf https://ebird.org/species/labcro15 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8944339/ https://rsis.ramsar.org/ris/2084 Aurelio, Mario A. (July 18, 2008). "Shear partitioning in the Philippines: Constraints from Philippine Fault and global positioning system data: Shear partitioning in the Philippines". Island Arc. 9 (4): 584–597. doi:10.1111/j.1440-1738.2000.00304.xhttps://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/rof.html https://www.jstor.org/stable/42633898  https://web.archive.org/web/20240315154103/https://library.princeton.edu/visual_materials/maps/websites/pacific/magellan/magellan.html https://www.researchgate.net/publication/248654807_Malay_Muslims_The_History_and_Challenge_of_Resurgent_Islam_in_Southeast_Asia https://academicworks.cuny.edu/ny_pubs/221/ a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20090814203000/http://www.philjol.info/index.php/MALAY/article/viewFile/80/77" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    35 min
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About

What's the story with national anthems? Well, that depends entirely on the anthem. From the wildly mundane to the historically significant and every what else. In each episode I'll tell the story of a song that helps to tell the story of a nation. The connections between them will be a surprise and if I've figured this out you will be entertained. Questions, comments complaints, and corrections (please tell me where I'm wrong!) can get to me at anthemspod@gmail.com or at +1 (203) 759-8375

Information

  • Creator
    Patrick Maher
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Patrick Maher
  • Show Website
    The Anthems Podcast