Bruce Springsteen As Favourite To Write New US National Anthem

A new poll has seen 22% of Americans go for Bruce Springsteen as their first choice if they had to name someone to compose a new National Anthem.

Dolly Parton was second favourite to write a replacement track for "The Star Spangled Banner" as the country music superstar polled 19%, while Stevie Wonder came in third scoring 18% of the vote in the The 60 Minutes/Vanity Fair poll, via Politico.

Bob Dylan was next up with 11%, followed by composer John Williams with 10%, Jay-Z with 8% and Madonna with 5%.

Bruce Springsteen will visit the UK in later this month with his "Wrecking Ball" tour, beginning at Sunderland Stadium of Light on June 21 before moving on to Manchester Etihad Stadium (22) and Isle Of Wight Festival (24). He will then return to headline London Hard Rock Calling on July 14.

Thanks for the report to NME.com.

Comments

[Lightning_Ray]

Yeah, so that a Presidential candidate uses it for his/her campaign, without realising the song's true meaning.

Yes, I'm talking about you, Reagan!

[rip3149]

I thought Born in the USA was the national anthem...

[Agent 00Awesome]

Madonna and Jay-Z? Oh god..

[Metal-pro]

Agree.. good to see that the music is still alive!

[StormLexer]

Who the **** thought Jay-Z was a good idea for that list?

[NeedACoffee]

I thought 'born in the USA' was the anthem...

[NeedACoffee]

NeedACoffee wrote:

I thought 'born in the USA' was the anthem...

Shit, did not realise someone had already posted that. That'll teach me to comment first, read later!

[godofthunder178]

StormLexer wrote:

Who the **** thought Jay-Z was a good idea for that list?

People that listen to Jay-Z.....

[rasmusschulz]

rip3149 wrote:

I thought Born in the USA was the national anthem...

Well.. Then you should probably take a closer look at those lyrics..

It's pretty much a song making a bit of a fool out of USA!

[Skullivan]

Don't know if Springstein can still write pro-American anthems, but I'd agree with choosing Dolly Parton, many people don't know that she's more of a song-writer than a performer.

[SG_Custom]

Don't touch my National Anthem!

[schirripar]

My Vote is for Green Day. They love America

/s

[staind_dust87]

Stay the hell away from the national anthem!! This is a disgace to even talk about. My God, what next?

[BigMikeBDD]

schirripar wrote:

My Vote is for Green Day. They love America

/s

I'm sensing the extreme sarcasm. Love it. I'm pretty sure every member urinates on the American flag and giggles.

[Spartan101400]

I think Matt Stone and Trey Parker are the best candidates for writing a new national anthem.

[BigMikeBDD]

Bruce Springsteen is one of the most overrated singers on the planet. Besides, he HATES America. Why would anyone choose him for this?

[flaphead325]

If John Williams it would be scary as shit... Wagner style!

[SMbassist]

Yeah, lets just get some shitty mainstream musicians for a stupid meaningless poll. Fuck you, UG. What happened to relevant news about bands? You're a ****ing tabloid now

[flaphead325]

did it*

[Abacus11]

Might as well have some c*m dumpster puppet like Rihanna do it. Then the new national anthem, like the old one, will be a joke but the morons will love it.

[moscaespañol]

if das racist wrote the national anthem

i think i would die

[JasperPryce]

Why have they not commissioned Omar Rodriguez Lopez to do this?

[rip3149]

I think Dick Cheney should write it. It would be "if you don't like our country I won't take it personally. I'll ever go hunting with you!"

[rip3149]

even*

[Jasonbts]

Do we need a new National Anthem...

[onetonryan]

I voted for Rammstein. I guess that idea didn't gain any traction.

[fivebizebeavers]

The list was doing good until it got to Jay-z and Madonna.

[Craig_Christian]

I'm no American but I think Surfin' Bird would do the trick.

[Craig_Christian]

Anyway as an Englishman I think we're the ones in need of a new anthem after hearing it about a thousand times over this weekend, it's the dreariest sack of shit in the world. I think the Benny Hill theme would be more appropriate.

[Garland41]

I'm Saying this I CAN'T STAND BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN'S MUSIC. I find it appalling.

[dennis.1960]

Spartan101400 wrote:

I think Matt Stone and Trey Parker are the best candidates for writing a new national anthem.

Ya, performed by Timmy and the Lords of the Underworld!

[fivebizebeavers]

Hey... what if they got /b/ to write the new anthem. There have to be at least a few musicians over there.

[bassplayer2493]

oh god no.
i hate springsteen.

[Camron62\m/]

****ing terrible. we don't need a new national anthem. what's more patriotic than the star-spangled banner? **** the society of america, god damn it.

[john_kimble]

The Boss is an American Institute...

But no. Leave the national anthem alone.

[Ibeanez]

Abacus11 wrote:

Might as well have some c*m dumpster puppet like Rihanna do it. Then the new national anthem, like the old one, will be a joke but the morons will love it.

The original is perfect. Don't construe your personal failings to mean that others are morons.

[Basti95]

Does anyone realise Born in the USA isn't exactly and ode to the States...?

[djc707]

What's wrong with the anthem we already have?

[djc707]

What's wrong with the anthem we already have?

[Abacus11]

Ibeanez wrote:

Abacus11 wrote:

Might as well have some c*m dumpster puppet like Rihanna do it. Then the new national anthem, like the old one, will be a joke but the morons will love it.

The original is perfect. Don't construe your personal failings to mean that others are morons.

Why not? Isn't that the point of a discussion? To express your personal feelings?!?

[carrion666]

Lou reed and metallica

[Basti95]

How about Enrique Iglesias! It'd be an American anthem with that "Spanish twist"

[Its So Easy]

Everyone saying our national anthem is good is nuts. The music was written by a British composer and was popular in Britain. I like my country but when you hear national anthems like Russia's, Romania's or Israel's you realize how much better our national anthem could be.

[Krieger91]

I got 99 problems, but a Bin ain't one.


Anyway, how about Rage Against The Machine?

[dennis.1960]

How about one that singers can actually perform without lip-syncing?

[Ibeanez]

Abacus11 wrote:

Ibeanez wrote:

Abacus11 wrote:

Might as well have some c*m dumpster puppet like Rihanna do it. Then the new national anthem, like the old one, will be a joke but the morons will love it.

The original is perfect. Don't construe your personal failings to mean that others are morons.

Why not? Isn't that the point of a discussion? To express your personal feelings?!?

What? I didn't say not to express your feelings. Do you understand English?

[PatVanHalen5150]

Ted Nugent.

[guitar7masta]

ugh, Dolly Parton, disgusting....

[Nero Galon]

I think Rise Against would make an honest one

[sottpwn]

I'd vote for Jay-Z.

[Abacus11]

Ibeanez wrote:

Abacus11 wrote:

Ibeanez wrote:

Abacus11 wrote:

Might as well have some c*m dumpster puppet like Rihanna do it. Then the new national anthem, like the old one, will be a joke but the morons will love it.

The original is perfect. Don't construe your personal failings to mean that others are morons.

Why not? Isn't that the point of a discussion? To express your personal feelings?!?

What? I didn't say not to express your feelings. Do you understand English?

Ohhh.... my "personal failings"? I guess I gave you too much credit. Yes, you know me and all about my personal failings. Good luck.

[im not mental]

djc707 wrote:

What's wrong with the anthem we already have?

it's boring and shitty.

i'd say woody guthrie would have written a great anthem, but i guess only the living can write something new. in that case, i'd nominate bob dylan.

[Ibeanez]

Abacus11 wrote:

Ibeanez wrote:

Abacus11 wrote:

Ibeanez wrote:

Abacus11 wrote:

Might as well have some c*m dumpster puppet like Rihanna do it. Then the new national anthem, like the old one, will be a joke but the morons will love it.

The original is perfect. Don't construe your personal failings to mean that others are morons.

Why not? Isn't that the point of a discussion? To express your personal feelings?!?

What? I didn't say not to express your feelings. Do you understand English?
Ohhh.... my "personal failings"? I guess I gave you too much credit. Yes, you know me and all about my personal failings. Good luck.

And judging by that little conversation, my assumptions were correct.

[iommi600]

Jay-Z? Seriously?

Thank god he wasn't chosen, I didn't want the anthem to be called as "Slut Strangled Rapper"...

[ne14t]

Is the current anthem too long? or is the story about the flag not cool enough? Why change it? Confused!

[spiff-corgi]

ne14t wrote:
Is the current anthem too long? or is the story about the flag not cool enough? Why change it? Confused!

I know the article's a bit confusing but it says "IF" it will happen not that it's actually going to happen.
I'd prefer it if the American National Anthem incorporated some of its actual beliefs, i.e. "The Land of the Free (unless you're gay, that is)"

[hmcguire]

StormLexer wrote:

Who the **** thought Jay-Z was a good idea for that list?

I got 99 problems but the debt aint one.

[jhart08]

SMbassist wrote:

Yeah, lets just get some shitty mainstream musicians for a stupid meaningless poll. Fuck you, UG. What happened to relevant news about bands? You're a ****ing tabloid now

This guy's gonna get banned lol.

[headstone05]

I prefer "Hail Columbia". It was our original anthem and far more epic

[Voodoochile711]

The anthem doesn't need to be a pop song. If this ever happened this country would be the laughing stock of the world.

[Mouloudo]

Born in the USA is almost an anti-american anthem, and still people think that's it's a nationalist anthem ( thank you Reagan)

[ljpfahey]

William Shatner speaking the lyrics over the music - job done.

[Thrashtastic15]

Bullshit poll, everybody knows Madonna would write the best anthem.

[Superperfex]

I agree.

This may be off topic, but I would really like to see System of a Down attempt to make a national anthem just so I can hear it. I'm not saying that it would be the best national anthem, but it would be cool for them to write a song in that style in the future maybe on the next album (hopefully)

[BwareDWare94]

Do Jay Z and Madonna even write songs?

[natuMzzri]

Johnny cash! If he was alive, of course

[The Man Himself]

BwareDWare94 wrote:

Do Jay Z and Madonna even write songs?

Nope, they both use ghost writers. Most people don't seem to care though.

[Most_Triumphant]

How about Francis Scott Key?

[BigMikeBDD]

I'd pick Kid Rock.

[ToolCreedence]

If it were necessary, I'd vote that we let the greatest song writer of all time compose it. The luscious Bobbie Dillon

[kratos379]

Bruce Springsteen with Tom Morello would be better. Bob Dylan wouldn't be half bad either.

[iscreamicecream]

WTH? Lady Gaga or Justin Bieber should compose the new national anthem...NOT Bruce! People are so stupid.

[GameSkate]

Two words:

TOM WAITS

[Metallidethium]

I'm moving.

[Maiden95]

Madonna... Madonna..Are you ****ing serious?

Good to hear Bruce got the top spot. Some people have some sense still.

[Russcool]

FYI
Born in the USA trashes America, it's not a patriotic song. Look up the lyrics.

[Novationband]

UHHHHH...TOM PETTY.

[SMbassist]

Still here

jhart08 wrote:

SMbassist wrote:

Yeah, lets just get some shitty mainstream musicians for a stupid meaningless poll. Fuck you, UG. What happened to relevant news about bands? You're a ****ing tabloid now
This guy's gonna get banned lol.

[LedFender]

John Williams + Howard Shore!

[childofbodom665]

I think the song Suite Madam Blue by Styx should be the anthem.

[fivebizebeavers]

The new anthem should be at least 30 minutes long. And be instated before the olympics. It would piss other people of so much to have to sit through all of that.

[dumbface12]

the anthem should be from the movie TEAM AMERICA: World Police the song AMERICA F YEAH

[Sparda3]

Axl Rose has probably written a bunch, he just refuses to let anyone hear them

[MG777]

Ummmmm... DAVID GROHL!!!!!

Geez guys, nobody's even mentioned Dave yet in a UG article? Shame

[HowSoonisNow]

Bruce is a perfect example of a hardworking blue collar American. He makes me proud to say I'm American. Madonna? Please.

[Abacus11]

Ibeanez wrote:

Abacus11 wrote:

Ibeanez wrote:

Abacus11 wrote:

Ibeanez wrote:

Abacus11 wrote:

Might as well have some c*m dumpster puppet like Rihanna do it. Then the new national anthem, like the old one, will be a joke but the morons will love it.

The original is perfect. Don't construe your personal failings to mean that others are morons.

Why not? Isn't that the point of a discussion? To express your personal feelings?!?

What? I didn't say not to express your feelings. Do you understand English?
Ohhh.... my "personal failings"? I guess I gave you too much credit. Yes, you know me and all about my personal failings. Good luck.

And judging by that little conversation, my assumptions were correct.

Yikes.

[stef123]

God Save The Queen by the Sex Pistols anyone?

[Fuzzface16]

Dude! It's already been done!!! Have we all forgot the third day at Woodstock when Mr. Jimi Hendrix did the National Anthem?! Case closed

[Sleepeater]

I thought that Madonna is British?

[HARTATTACK69]

how about Ted Nugent?
just kidding
too mad Dio's not around for this

[livinoffaprayer]

"America, F*ck Yeah!" anybody?

[ChiliMyAss]

It's called the U.S.A. Not America. America is a continent that includes a lot more countries like Brasil, Chile, Argentina. Who the hell made the U.S. the only country in the continent?

Nationalism did.

[MG777]

ChiliMyAss wrote:

It's called the U.S.A. Not America. America is a continent that includes a lot more countries like Brasil, Chile, Argentina. Who the hell made the U.S. the only country in the continent?

Nationalism did.

Actually, they stole the name from TWO whole continents!!!

...

GO CANADA!!!

[rokr258]

I agree with the top 3.

[RATMfan420]

I say Tom Morello: The Nightwatchman or a Hologram Johnny Cash lol

[sethkins]

New national Anthem? whats wrong with the old one?

[sethkins]

i am disgusted with the fact that jay z or madonna would be in the top.

[Sallycanwait96]

Bruce Springsteen with Tom Morello would be better. Bob Dylan wouldn't be half bad either.

Why not all three?

[hazydavy]

As a 30 year fan...I love Springsteen. What he's written about the human desire for recognition for their work is immense. He never endorsed a candidate until Kerry in 2004. That's when I started to drift away. Art, to me, has always been about the abstract...the undefinable. When he chose to define his beliefs publicly he became a celebrity. He's a Kardashian. He used to write about an end and now he endorses a means to that end. His writing has suffered if you ask me. My beliefs aren't exactly the same as his, but it's only since he spoke up that I've felt sidelined as a fan.

[SmittyMan90]

jay z? wow...

[SmittyMan90]

Basti95 wrote:

How about Enrique Iglesias! It'd be an American anthem with that "Spanish twist"

seriously??

[Darth_Pietrus]

HAHA! It would be some awesome if JayZ would do the new anthem. Id be laughing my balls at sport events and such xD

[jared.burke4]

"If your having money problems I feel bad for you son, I got 99 problems and Iraq's just one" Jay Z anthem

[Rocker Extreme]

Eric Whitacre. The man is genius.

[georgebushguy79]

Basti95 wrote:

How about Enrique Iglesias! It'd be an American anthem with that "Spanish twist"

Because that's going to be really American.

[dennis.1960]

Abacus11 wrote:

Might as well have some c*m dumpster puppet like Rihanna

What a great description of the "artist" known as Rihanna...f'n brilliant...

[D4CE]

Hahahaha Imagine Jay-Z writing the new national anthem.

[Ultraussie]

Cannibal Corpse, Deicide, Dying Fetus....
Death Metal is more appropiate than Jay Z or Madonna, lol.

[tPE1213]

Bob Wayne could write a badass anthem that even people who THINK they hate country music (you just haven't looked hard enough--radio always sells the worst of any genre) could get into.

Or maybe Ian MacKaye?

In seriousness, Kris Kristofferson would actually be a pretty legit choice, if you think about it...

[CamelToeJoe]

the national anthem does really suck...bad. it doesnt even sound american anymore.

[killerkev321]

Primus

[jannick]

john williams co-writing with bob dylan! on the other hand im not american. for all i care that canadian/lesbian bieber kid can write it...

[y-99_l32]

slayer lol

[Highelf04]

Respect fo' dat
Seen Brue twice, he's never failed to disappoint

[Arpgeio]

I would have guessed The Band

[GibsonMan321]

Ugh. All of those would be terrible except for John Williams.

[DaniArrow]

Bruce is America's conscience I suppose. His songs sound as if he was.

[thebigredjj10]

I much prefer the Canadian national anthem.

[guitarist41]

http://www.lyricsfreak.com/b/bruce+sprin... +s+a_20024969.html

I don't think people really understand what he's saying in 'Born In The USA'.

[iljh]

America. Fuck yea.

[6-String_Madman]

PatVanHalen5150 wrote:

Ted Nugent.

Redneck Anthem... hmmm... Let the rednecks rule America... and the whole world eventually!

Lamb Of God for the WIN!!!!

[Way Cool JR.]

The Top Gun Anthem is the one and only choice for me.

[xijack]

Abba wrote England's anthem 'dancing queen'

[Root Beer]

Ironic because "Born in the USA" was not exactly a proud song.

[Teej212]

my vote was for a duo consisting of jesus and fergie.

[bobmarley_fan]

How about letting the general populace know about a vote before you cast it!. Blind Voting. YAHOO! WE WIN! Terrible! I vote Dolly Pardon FUCK SPRINGSTEIN! I hate him, AND HIS MUSIC!

[Galfadez]

OKC OKC OKC OKC

[bulvanoski]

his first draft leaked on the internet:
(1, 2, 3, FO!)
Its Americaa, the land of Jersey town
Where the mountains rise, filled with parkway sounds
Grooowin’ up in Freehold yea, where I learned to read
Drivin our love on Route 66 in a muscle car is all we need..
Past the factory men, lawyers, jokers and fiends
Past the senoritas, white collars, hobos and drag queens
Everyone plays a part in this American land
One soul, one heart united we staaand…
(sax solo)
Are you ready? Land of the free
Are you ready? Land of liberty
Are you ready? Where the flag did wave
Are you ready? Home of the braaave
(drum/sax/guitar slamming closing) bad dah dad um BLAAAM.. THANK YOU

[iommi600]

killerkev321 wrote:

Primus

"I'm going down to USA, gonna have myself a time
Friendly faces everywhere, humble folks without temptation..."

[askikr91]

Daft Punk. Even though they are french. I'm just Saiyan.

[Second Rate]

Springsteen? I have never understood the appeal of his music or him. He is so pretentious, it makes me want to vomit.

As for my choice.... S.O.D. have some pretty rousing little numbers, how about "Speak English or Die" or "Fuck the Middle East"?

Anyway, joking aside... If i were going to replace the national anthem with some pop song, i would pick "Suite Madame Blue."

[jrcsgtpeppers]

i vote for btbam, we would be one ****in brutal country!

although bob dylan would write a nice chilled and layed back national anthem.

[sampimblett]

godofthunder178 wrote:

StormLexer wrote:

Who the **** thought Jay-Z was a good idea for that list?

People that listen to Jay-Z.....

but why were they on a music poll ??

[NJ1018]

Given that this is a UG dicussion it should be a collaboration between Dave Mustaine, Axl Rose and Dave Grohl.

jk

[jabronie25]

What about Johnny Cash!

[mysfarbror]

kanye should write every single national anthem

this is fact

[SomaticalEntity]

i'd rather have dee snider write it

[crazyhorse174]

ne14t wrote:

Is the current anthem too long? or is the story about the flag not cool enough? Why change it? Confused!

Is anyone who's posting comments like this actually read the ****ing article?? They're not saying that they're planning on writing a new anthem - they're asking WHAT IF someone was to do it, who would you vote for.

Read the damn article before posting stupid comments.

[darb0114]

The fact that we are even talking about re-writing the National Anthem discusses me as an American.

[henkka_potku]

I as a Finnish man don't care. The USA is a big part of a continent that was raped and consumed by the European man, then settled by them and the natives were shut in reservates.

[§tranger]

I reckon Prince could do a good job of that. Sadly though he's not on the list.

[kbulvanoski]

Heres an extra verse, which he sings just once, Live in Barcelona:

I heard that Columbus set sail with Spanish Johnny and didn’t know what he’d see
Heard Chicken man was there when we claimed independence and our right to be be free

Then the Indians on the Trail of Tears, Crazy Jane gave em her kerchief
That she borrowed from wild billy waitin at the Louisiana Purchase
Janey said, ‘Billy, these presidents keep makin us fight wars’
Billy said..‘Janey, soon enough you’ll know what we’re fightin for’
Wendy, and Sonny workin their jobs in the new states of the union
And Sleeping Beauty couldn’t sleep after manifest destiny and no North-South communion
And onward we went through wars and strife on this laaand
And then the Good God, gave the world the E-STREET BAAAND
(HIT IT!)