Teach the world to sing
FINGERS on buzzers, here’s your starter for 10. In the context of tonight’s television, what is the connection between the following three pieces of music? (1) Himni i Flamurit (lyrics by Aleksandër Stavre Drenova);
(2) Limba noastra (lyrics by Alexei Mateevici);
(3) Tautiška giesme (lyrics by Vincas Kudirka);
Come on, come on, I haven’t got all day.
What, you really don’t have a clue?
OK, fair enough.
Those are the national anthems, respectively, of Albania, Moldova and Lithuania.And the national football teams of all three of those countries just happen to be playing live on TV this very night, each facing UK opposition in the latest World Cup qualifiers.
INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL LIVE (from 7pm, ITV) features Albania taking on England at
Wembley, while Sky Sports Football has Moldova hosting Scotland (4.30pm) and Lithuania away to Northern Ireland (7.30pm).And I’m mentioning the anthems because…?
Well, because, as you may be aware, there are certain football fans who believe that it’s big and clever to drown out rival nations’ anthems in a chorus of deeply discourteous boos.
So, to counteract such shamefully ignorant behaviour, and to extend the hand of international friendship or something-or-other, I think those of us watching on TV should learn the words and sing along. Not to all three, obviously.That would be mad. No, just decide which match you’re going to watch and, between now and kick-off, memorise the words to the rival nation’s anthem.They’re easy to find on the internet.And yes, the English translation is fine. It’s the thought that counts.
Me, I’ve already memorised the opening lines to Albania’s: “Around our flag we stand united / With one wish and one intention / A sacred oath upon it we accord / Faith for our pardon we blazon.”
It’s a belter.Verse two starts: “With weapons in our hands aflash’d / Our fatherland we shall defend.” I’d give that one a miss if you’re watching in the pub. Elsewhere tonight, 1973: BRITAIN’S BIGGEST 70s HITS (10pm, C5) recalls a year of chart success for the likes of The Carpenters, David Bowie and Slade.The Carpenters had twoTop 10 hits that year, Bowie a remarkable five.And Slade enjoyed no fewer than three No.1 singles, the titles of which continued to demonstrate their famously idiosyncratic approach to spelling.
In March, it was Cum On Feel The Noize. In June it was Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me.And at Christmas? Why, obviously that was their biggest hit of all, the legendary Gëzuar Krishtlindjet të gjithëve.