On his forthcoming Americana album, primarily a collection of classic American folk songs, Neil Young also covers the U.K. national anthem, “God Save the Queen.”
The British national anthem was also a “de facto” anthem for the United States before the adoption of “The Star Spangled Banner.” But as a Canadian, Young is still a member of the British Commonwealth.
“Written in the 18th century with possible melodic roots in the 17th century, this anthem has been sung throughout the British Commonwealth and may have been sung in North America before the American Revolution and Declaration of Independence in 1776, which rejected British sovereignty,” Young notes of the song’s pedigree.
“The Americana arrangement draws from the original melody and changes some melody and lyrics in the folk process.”
Other tracks on the album, which will be released on June 4, include the likes of “This Land Is Your Land” (including “deleted verses”), “Tom Dula” and “Oh Susannah.”
Listen to Neil Young playing “God Save the Queen” courtesy of Q magazine. It’s a lot different to the Sex Pistols’ “God Save the Queen,” that’s fer sure!