On Billopeshian Ground

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"On Billopeshian Ground" is the national anthem of Billopesha. The lyrics were written in 1783 by Albert Daulton and it is thought to have been introduced due to the recent civil conflicts by the separatists in the Billopeshian Civil War, as a way of bringing the people together through nationalism. The anthem goes to the tune of Men of Harlech which is a Welsh native song that was introduced by Welsh immigrants who were prominent at the time. The song became popular in Billopesha and Daulton has said it would be effective as the national anthem. Previously, there had been no official national anthem and it eventually proved a good way to spread nationalism. It is said, in legend, that during a civil conflict in Rosebury, one man began to sing the anthem. Apparently, this caused the conflict to halt and all the participants joined in with the singing. It is likely that this story was spread to encourage more nationalism at the time.

Lyrics

Billopesh'ans, serve thy nation,
Fill thy hearts with jubilation,
Force thy right to feel salvation,
Hail our mighty rule!
We hold wisdom so stride forward,
Our nation hath not been conquered,
Because our feet are set good,
On Billopesh'an Ground!

[Chorus]
See our power growing
From us natives knowing
That we're right, no need to fight,
As common sense is flowing!
Billopesh'ans, treat arms wisely
To relieve tensions used to tie thee,
All wars will end in glory,
On Billopesh'an Ground!

Speak ye hearts and ye be stronger,
Make this noble state last longer,
Our desire is to prolong her,
Through sense we prevail!
Our charter bonds what we believe,
Our aim is to never deceive,
Much work there is to achieve,
On Billopesh'an Ground!

[Chorus]

We are fair and defend justice,
We are law's eternal buttress,
Our passion makes us courageous
Never are we bound!
We will walk beside our leader,
Loyalty; our strongest fever,
Thy will be a believer,
On Billopesh'an Ground!

[Chorus]

Examination

The song is seen as very nationalist and loyalist and doesn't point to socialism. The anthem doesn't refer to social equality, peace, compassion and civil protection and rather points towards power, strength and glory. The line "that we're right, no need to fight" refers to the fact that all Billopeshians are correct in their views so there is no need for civil conflict; a clear indicator of anti-separatism. It shows sign of the Enlightenment when it refers to "we hold wisdom", "common sense", "use arms wisely" and "speak ye hearts". The song also contains the verse "Through sense we prevail!", which is another Enlightment reference that was later picked out to become Billopesha's national motto. There are also royalist reference when it says "serve thy nation". When the lyrics state that Billopesha "hath not been conquered", says "us natives" and says "are feet are set good", it is a clear reference to the anti-migration policies that have remained in Billopesha.

Many also complain that the melody has been stolen from the Welsh and that the song has not been originated, although the Welsh themselves are pleased with the Billopeshian adaptation. There have been many other criticisms, but many argue that it is a traditional song that is not overly significant and therefore should not be changed. Many say that it is only "strong liberals with PC attitudes"

See Also

Billopesha
History of Billopesha
National Anthem
Patriotism
Nationalism
Men of Harlech