The Anthems Podcast

Patrick Maher
The Anthems Podcast

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. JAN 7

    The Falkland Islands and The Song of the Falklands

    The Anthems Podcast explores the fascinating story behind "The Song of the Falklands," a unique anthem reflecting the identity and emotions of the Falkland Islands. Host Patrick delves into the complexity of the islands' history, highlighting the interplay between their colonial past and the residents' desire for autonomy. The episode reveals the curious ambiguity surrounding the song's authorship, centering on the enigmatic figure of Christopher Lanham, whose existence is shrouded in mystery. Listeners are treated to a vivid portrayal of the Falkland Islands’ natural beauty, as the song captures themes of homesickness and nostalgia, resonating with the deep emotional connection of its people to their homeland. With insights into the local culture and the adorable penguin population, this episode offers a rich tapestry of history and sentiment, inviting listeners to appreciate the Falklands beyond their geopolitical significance. https://nationalanthems.info/fk.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20150628065803/http://www.diariobae.com/notas/50883-exlegislador-britanico-escribio-un-himno-para-las-malvinas.html https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/great-wall-of-china-even-longer-than-previously-thought-1.1263111 https://library.humanitybook.com/government/facts/Falkland-Islands (general facts)https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Malvinas_the_South_Georgias_and_the/sGAJSfxqd7oC?hl=en https://appventions.com/world-facts/falkland-islands-islas-malvinas https://www.getamap.net/about/falkland_islands_(_islas_malvinas_)_[_united_kingdom_]/government.html Goebel, Julius. La Pugna por las Islas Malvinas. Yale University Press.https://es-academic.com/dic.nsf/eswiki/1102414 https://www.indexmundi.com/falkland_islands_(islas_malvinas)/national_anthem.html https://www.lelongweekend.com/guide-falkland-islands-penguins/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/microplate https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/falkland-islands-islas-malvinas/ a href="https://depositsmag.com/2016/12/29/the-geology-of-the-falkland-islands/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    31 min
  2. 12/07/2024

    Timor-Leste and Patria

    Join Patrick on a captivating journey to Timor Leste, the first nation to gain independence in the 21st century, as he explores the significance of its national anthem, "Patria." This episode delves into the rich history of this small Southeast Asian country, uncovering its colonial past and the struggle for liberation from Portuguese rule and later Indonesian occupation. Through the lens of the anthem, Patrick highlights the resilience and unity of the Timorese people, exemplified by the poignant words of poet Francesco Borja Costa and composer Afonso Redentor Araujo. As he reveals the profound emotional impact of the anthem, listeners will gain insights into the cultural identity and spirit of a nation that has faced immense challenges. Prepare to be inspired by the story of a land that fought for its freedom and the anthem that symbolizes its enduring hope and strength. Tiago José Berg (2008). Hinos de todos os países do mundo (in Portuguese) (1ª ed.). São Paulo: Panda Books. p. 264. ISBN 9788578882358.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2E0cZCHRjE https://timor-leste.gov.tl/?p=34&lang=tp https://timor-leste.gov.tl/?p=29&lang=en https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/30/east-timor-indonesias-invasion-and-the-long-road-to-independence https://web.archive.org/web/20211217111643/https://voi.id/en/memori/473/a-piece-of-the-story-of-east-timors-independence-from-portugal-then-indonesia-was-annexed https://www.google.com/books/edition/Portuguese_and_Luso_Asian_Legacies_in_So/4A_RzBG4DjIC?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA88&printsec=frontcover https://www.etan.org/etanpdf/2006/CAVR/03-History-of-the-Conflict.pdf https://etan.org/etanpdf/timordocs/timmas36-7%2095-06-26.pdf https://www.britannica.com/place/East-Timor https://web.archive.org/web/20080220005502/http://www.angkasa-online.com/09/05/militer/militer3.htm https://archive.org/details/nationinwaitingi00schw/page/n10/mode/1up https://nationalanthems.info/tl.htm a href="https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Creation_of_the_East_Timorese_Econom/jkGjDwAAQBAJ?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    36 min
  3. 11/07/2024

    Zimbabwe and Simudzai Mureza wedu WeZimbabwe

    Join Patrick as he explores the rich history and cultural significance of Zimbabwe through its national anthem, "Bless Our Flag of Zimbabwe." The episode delves into the life of Solomon Matswairo, the anthem's lyricist, and Fred Chengundega, who composed the music, highlighting their contributions to Zimbabwe's identity and independence. Listeners will learn about the historical context surrounding the anthem, including the colonial struggles faced by Zimbabweans, the natural beauty of the land, and the aspirations for unity and prosperity. Patrick shares insights into the anthem's themes, which celebrate national pride, the sacrifices of freedom fighters, and a hopeful vision for the future. Throughout the journey, listeners are invited to appreciate the anthem not just as a song, but as a powerful reflection of a nation's resilience and hope. CAN credentialed: Creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org https://web.archive.org/web/20220514191220/http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache%3Ac8SNrVcUqlsJ%3Awww.zim.gov.zw%2Findex.php%2Fen%2Fmy-government%2Fgovernment-ministries%2Fnational-symbols%2F462-the-national-anthem+&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=uk https://www.law.co.zw/download/national-anthem-act/ https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text/312646 https://zimembassydc.org/country-profile/ https://uir.unisa.ac.za/bitstream/handle/10500/26606/thesis_dlodlo_s.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y https://www.pindula.co.zw/Fred_Changundega/ https://earground.com/composer-of-zimbabwes-national-anthem-music-lecturer-freddy-changundega-speaks-out/https://www.showbiz.co.zw/meet-fred-changundega-of-zcc-mbungo-the-maestro-behind-the-hits-ndire-ndire-and-samere/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA212035387&sid=googleScholar&v=2.1&it=r&linkaccess=abs&issn=02564718&p=AONE&sw=w&userGroupName=anon%7Ee5c5a9d1&aty=open-web-entry Palley, Claire (1966). The Constitutional History and Law of Southern Rhodesia, 1888-1965: with special reference to imperial control. London: Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780198216315.https://dbpedia.org/page/National_Anthem_of_Zimbabwe Bessant, Leslie (1994). "Songs of Chiweshe and Songs of Zimbabwe". African Affairs. 93...

    32 min
  4. 10/06/2024

    Taiwan and The Three Principles

    Today’s episode of the Anthems podcast explores the national anthem of Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, titled "The Three Principles." The story behind this anthem is intertwined with significant historical events, including the Xinhai Revolution and the complex relationships between key revolutionary figures. Patrick navigates through the colonial past of Taiwan and how its anthem reflects the ideals of nationalism, democracy, and the welfare of the people as envisioned by Sun Yat-sen. The episode delves into the anthem's creation, its musical composition, and its cultural significance, offering insights into how it embodies the spirit of governance and the unique narrative of Taiwan within the broader context of Chinese history. Join us as we uncover the rich tapestry of history and music that defines this powerful national symbol. My Sources: https://www.taiwan.gov.tw/content_3.php https://english.president.gov.tw/Page/97 Guy, Nancy (Winter 2002). ""Republic of China National Anthem" on Taiwan: One Anthem, One Performance, Multiple Realities". Ethnomusicology. 6 (1): 96–119. doi:10.2307/852809. JSTOR 852809https://web.archive.org/web/20110722145311/http://news.chinatimes.com/mainland/11050506/112011071900180.html Oosterhoff, J.L. (1985). "Zeelandia, a Dutch colonial city on Formosa (1624–1662)". In Ross, Robert; Telkamp, Gerard J. (eds.). Colonial Cities: Essays on Urbanism in a Colonial Context. Springer. pp. 51–62. ISBN 978-90-247-2635-6.Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of China. Land. Executive Yuan. 2022-12-14 [ 2023-03-29 ] . ( Archived from the original on 2022-03-04)Paine, S.C.M (2003). The Sino-Japanese War of 1894–1895: Perceptions, Power, and Primacy. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-81714-1.Zhang, Yufa (1998), Zhonghua Minguo shigao 中華民國史稿, Taipei, Taiwan: Lian jing (聯經), ISBN 957-08-1826-3.https://www.chinatimes.com/newspapers/20171010000484-260309?chdtv http://www.xhgmw.com/html/xiezhen/jishi/2014/0716/3945.html Huo Xiuyong. A New Study on the 1911 Revolution in the Hubei and Hubei Regions. National University of Defense Technology Press. 2008. ISBN  9787810995504 .https://books.google.com.tw/books?id=dVzLG1aqlNkC&pg=PA373&dq=Modern+China+Liao+Zhong+Kai+workers&hl=zh-TW&sa=X&ei=w47dULvxBsnImQXomoGQAg&ved=0CDwQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=Modern%20China%20Liao%20Zhong%20Kai%20workers&f=false a href="https://archive.org/details/shenzhou-ribao-shanghai-1913.07.01/page/3/mode/1up" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    34 min
  5. 09/08/2024

    Saint Lucia and Sons and Daughters

    Patrick takes listeners on a journey to St. Lucia, a nation recently celebrated for its first Olympic medal, achieved by Julian Alfred in the 100 meters. The episode explores the historical and geographical context of this Caribbean island, highlighting its colonial past marked by conflict between European powers. The discussion delves into the national anthem, "Sons and Daughters of St. Lucia," crafted by Father Charles Jesse, who also played a significant role in the island's cultural development. Patrick examines the lyrical content, emphasizing themes of patriotism, unity, and hope for the future while reflecting on the island's natural beauty and resilience. Throughout the episode, the intertwining of history, music, and identity showcases the rich cultural tapestry of St. Lucia and its journey towards independence. I hope you enjoyed it. Irritatingly I have encountered some motorcycle noise in the record but next time I have some ideas. Here are my sources: https://archive.stlucia.gov.lc/saint_lucia/national_anthem/national_anthem_of_saint_lucia.htm https://sports.yahoo.com/how-julien-alfred-went-from-running-barefoot-in-st-lucia-to-the-fastest-woman-in-the-world-224013986.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9lbi53aWtpcGVkaWEub3JnLw&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAD8Neq-ZG6jbQMTzQ_Ti3ZuRk-vn02AuTbQvDVDTN9ezwnEDNjYDIeFEJky2xaEX8eeesH7U_Of567r-mece_O62rR0U71y1Oa_um4Tmk1Fxrjx9TvAeeO7Li_KKPvA9NJgSI6IBHeV5SiJHyrjweGSnTQCS-fUS22WvtHI0edu0 https://issuu.com/amsstlucia/docs/independence_magazine_2016websv4/24 https://www.ourhistory.org.uk/saint-lucia-colonisation-to-independence/ https://books.google.com/books?id=xutfBgAAQBAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PT4073&q=Sons+and+Daughters+of+Saint+Lucia+Charles+Jesse+Leton+Felix+Thomas&hl=en&source=newbks_fb https://uwispace.sta.uwi.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/80e534d1-d5d1-4236-ae2a-d6ca255509ce/content https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/athlete/julien-alfred_1537325 https://www.google.com/books/edition/Outlines_of_St_Lucia_s_History/dX9sAAAAMAAJ?hl=en a href="https://www.google.com/books/edition/Saint_Lucia_the_Romance_of_Its_Place_Nam/W0_lMgEACAAJ?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    30 min
  6. 08/11/2024

    Slovenia and Zdravljica

    Today's episode of the Anthems podcast delves into the story behind Slovenia's national anthem, "Straulitza," a song rooted in themes of unity, freedom, and national pride. The anthem, which draws inspiration from the ideals of the French Revolution, was composed by poet Franz Preseren in 1844 and later set to music by Stanko Premrl. Patrick explores Slovenia's rich cultural history, including its tumultuous past under various empires and the evolution of its national identity leading up to independence. He highlights how the anthem symbolizes a collective call for solidarity among Slovenians and reflects their aspirations for peace and cooperation. As we journey through Slovenia's history, we also discover the personal stories of the individuals who shaped its literary and musical landscape, culminating in a celebration of national spirit. If you've come here then hey, hi, how are you. Here are the notes https://archive.ph/20120805163738/www.slovenija2001.gov.si/pot/kronologija/ https://www.muzej-nz.si/ https://physics.fe.uni-lj.si/members/iglic/history/uporaba_slovenscine.pdfhttp://ezb.ijs.si/fedoragsearch/rest?operation=gfindObjects&query=%2Bauthor:Kotnik,%20Fran+dc.format:text+AND+project:nrss&hitPageSize=5000 https://www.slovenia.info/en/plan-your-trip/facts-about-slovenia https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gentilic https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Semantics_of_Nouns/n0ypDgAAQBAJ?hl=en https://www.altitude-activities.com/slovenian-food-10-dishes-you-have-to-try https://www.google.com/books/edition/Slovenia/JQV6kAwT4v0C?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Zdravljica++French+Revolution&pg=PA24&printsec=frontcover http://www.dvajset.si/prvih-20/pregled/prej-in-zdaj/drzavni-simboli/ https://www.dlib.si/details/URN:NBN:SI:DOC-UZDTC6FY/?=&language=eng https://web.archive.org/web/20110410123608/http://www.zgs.gov.si/eng/slovenian-forests/forests-in-slovenia/forestation-and-variety-of-forests/index.html a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042811012857" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    35 min
  7. 07/10/2024

    Mexico and El Himno Nacional Mexicano

    The Anthems podcast explores the powerful narrative behind Mexico's national anthem, "El Himno Nacional Mexicano." Patrick delves into the historical context of the anthem, linking it to Mexico's rich and tumultuous past, including the impact of the Spanish conquest and the struggle for independence. The episode reveals how the anthem reflects themes of national pride, sacrifice, and unity, with vivid imagery that evokes the bravery of Mexican citizens. Patrick also shares the stories of the poet Francisco Gonzalez Bocanegra and composer Jaime Nunó, who contributed to the anthem's creation amidst a backdrop of war and national identity. Through this exploration, listeners gain insight into how anthems serve as reflections of a nation's soul, embodying its struggles and aspirations. A note on audio here: I recorded this in a 95 degree Fahrenheit booth with the AC off and it was a very sweaty hour of of my life. It's impossible to imagine sitting through that again despite my struggle with background appliance noise everywhere. Sorry it's a bit less this time. Notes! https://web.archive.org/web/20111209132114/http://www.nd.edu/~cneal/CRN_Papers/Schulte10_Sci_Chicxulub.pdf https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2024/5/11/mexico-city-is-sinking-running-out-of-water-how-can-it-be-saved#:~:text=Mexico%20City%20is%20sinking%2C%20as,itself%20today%20in%20stunning%20ironies. https://www.npr.org/2018/09/14/647601623/mexico-city-keeps-sinking-as-its-water-supply-wastes-away https://www.salon.com/2007/08/30/upton/#:~:text=Interviewers%20handed%20people%20a%20blank,familiar%2C%22%20the%20survey%20found https://www.google.com/books/edition/Near_East/1WOPkmChaFsC?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=Anatolia+cradle+of+civilization&pg=PP8&printsec=frontcover Mt. Pleasant, Jane (2006). "The science behind the Three Sisters mound system: An agronomic assessment of an indigenous agricultural system in the northeast". In Staller, John E.; Tykot, Robert H.; Benz, Bruce F. (eds.). Histories of Maize: Multidisciplinary Approaches to the Prehistory, Linguistics, Biogeography, Domestication, and Evolution of Maize. Amsterdam: Academic Press. pp. 529–537. ISBN 978-0-1236-9364-8.https://archive.org/details/olmecsamericasfi0000dieh/page/9/mode/1up https://dbe.rah.es/biografias/85636/gonzalo-guerrero Ida Altman, et al., The Early History of Greater Mexico, Pearson, 2003https://archive.org/details/historyofmexico00burt a href="https://mediateca.inah.gob.mx/repositorio/islandora/object/pintura%3A4293"...

    41 min
  8. 06/09/2024

    Nepal and Sayaun Thunga Phulka

    Join us as we explore the captivating story behind Nepal's national anthem, "Sayaun Thunga Phool Ka." This episode delves into the cultural and historical significance of the anthem, highlighting how it reflects the nation's diversity and unity. We'll uncover the journey of the anthem's composer, Amber Gurung, and the poet, Pradeep Kumar Rai, who crafted the lyrics that resonate with the spirit of Nepal. The discussion takes us through Nepal's tumultuous history, including its transition from a monarchy to a democratic republic, and the role music played in shaping national identity. With insights into the anthem's melody and lyrics, we celebrate the beauty of Nepal as a tapestry woven from its rich heritage and the sacrifices of its people. Here are my sources, notes, and reading for the episode. Thanks for listening folks https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/3513/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2Gne3UHKHs https://archive.org/details/nepal0000bhat https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_National_Review/xDUFAAAAQAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA609&printsec=frontcover https://himalaya.socanth.cam.ac.uk/collections/journals/ancientnepal/pdf/ancient_nepal_154_02.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20080906154632/http://www.tki.org.nz/r/socialscience/curriculum/SSOL/hillary/campII_e.php https://www.google.com/books/edition/Nepal/-aArqOqBGBQC?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA32&printsec=frontcover https://www.recordnepal.com/the-making-of-the-gorkha-empire-part-i-%E2%80%93-land https://www.britannica.com/place/Nepal/History https://web.archive.org/web/20161220102904/http://nepalarmy.mil.np/history.php?page=three https://www.google.com/books/edition/Democratic_Innocations_in_Nepal/MX22o4PJ3Q0C?hl=en https://www.google.com/books/edition/Thapa_Politics_in_Nepal/7PP1yElRzIUC?hl=en https://sites.ff.cuni.cz/praguepapers/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2017/09/Matteo_Miele_90-101.pdf a...

    33 min

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

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