Let's extend this notion of 'butchering' the national anthem. For me, a national anthem is the sonic equivalent of the national flag. So, do we go with a different design or maybe change the colours of the flag on a whim? Er, no. Can you imagine the uproar if that were to happen? I know it 's freedom of expression and all that, but surely there are limits.

Yes, the anthem should evoke the emotion of pride in one's country, but in the current style of overdone vocal emoting, deemed so essential and so heavily promoted in pop music, that's where it should stay. When it comes to a national anthem, have a little dignity. Bending it all out of shape is disrespectful to all it represents.