What is the Difference Between Anthem and Song?

The main differences between an anthem and a song are their purpose, adoption, and significance. Here is a comparison between the two:

• National Anthem: A national anthem is a musical composition, often patriotic in nature, that defines a country's history, tradition, and struggles. It is recognized and adopted by a nation's government or by conventional use by the people. Honoring the national anthem is considered one of the fundamental duties of a citizen of a country. The singing of the national anthem may be mandatory on select occasions.
• National Song: A national song is a patriotic hymn adopted by the government of a country to be sung on public or state occasions. It is held in equal reverence to the national anthem but is not mandatory to sing it on any given occasion. The national song does not have the same constitutional privileges as the national anthem, where honoring it is listed as an essential duty of a citizen of the country.

In summary, a national anthem is a musical representation of a country's identity, history, and traditions, while a national song is a patriotic hymn sung on public occasions. The national anthem holds more significance and is often mandatory to sing on specific occasions, whereas the national song is held in equal reverence but is not compulsory to sing.

Comparative Table: Anthem vs Song

Here is a table comparing the differences between an anthem and a song:

Anthems are more formal and are often associated with a country, institution, or cause, while songs are broader musical compositions that can address various subjects and can be performed for different purposes.