Day 11: This Is An Anthem

One of my favourite things about a World Cup is that it provides an opportunity to hear the national anthems of the competing nations. Some are old favourites, such as La Marseillaise or Fratelli d'Italia, others like Brazil or Uruguay seem to be the work of crazed brass-band leaders who got three-quarters through the piece before they realised they had forgotten to pen any words. Others are amusing, such as God Defend New Zealand (from what?), and some, like the Netherlands' just suck.

But having watched virtually every minute of every World Cup since Italia '90, I have pretty much heard them all, so it was with baited breath that I awaited the anthem of the PDR Korea. But it was disappointing to find that like communist regimes of yesteryear, they have resorted to resonant trumpets, clanging cymbals and male choirs 10,000 strong. Boring!

Now, given they are one of the last outposts of Stalinist Communism, I commend their sense of loyalty to the age-old tools of the Soviets, but surely for a nation who have expressed some desire for closer engagement with the west, they need a re-think when it comes to the anthem they use at major global events such as the World Cup.

Now, I understand that those in the Department of Agitation and Propoganda are no doubt very busy people - what, with all those giant floral displays and gymnastic demonstrations to organise - so below is my gift to the good people of the PDRK. I just hope that this blog makes it through their internet filter in time for them to learn these words before their next game.

And I should note that while I can't actually write music I'm very pleased to say that Horovitz, Rubin and Yauch have agreed to waive all royalties for the use of their timeless classic "Fight For Your Right to Party" to accompany my words...

Kick it!


We signed an agreement of mutual non-aggression,
But we still get accussed of ideological oppresion.
Our ultimate goal is re-unification,
Well, that’s what we’re telling the United Nations!

You gotta fight, for your righteous party!

The Yanks caught us testing and they said, No way!
But those hypocrites test ten bombs a day.
Living in the west would be such a drag,
We’re happy in Pyong-Yang with our communist flag.

You gotta fight, for your righteous party!

You seem to have trouble with our hyphenated names.
And you find it amusing when we stage mass games.
And you say we should be able to express free will,
Aw, man you're just jealous we’ve got KIM JONG-IL!