“God Save Our Gracious King" is the National Anthem of the UK and also in some British territories. In countries not previously part of the British Empire, the tune of "God Save The King" has provided the basis for various patriotic songs, though it is still generally connected with a royal ceremony.
The first published version of “God Save Our Gracious King” appeared in 1744 in Thesaurus Musicus, in which that version of the song was popularised in Scotland and England the following year. The words and tune are anonymous, and may date back to the seventeenth century. It was recorded in London theatres in 1745.
In general only one or two verses are sung, but on rare occasions three. In sports in which the British Virgin Islands compete, "God Save The King" is used to represent anyone or any team that comes from the United Kingdom. There is no definitive version of the lyrics. However, the version consisting of the three verses reproduced has the best claim to be regarded as the 'standard' British version.
Lyrics
God save our gracious King,
Long live our noble King,
God save the King:
Send her victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us:
God save the King.
O Lord, our God, arise,
Scatter her enemies,
And make them fall.
Confound their politics,
Frustrate their knavish tricks,
On Thee our hopes we fix,
God save us all.
Thy choicest gifts in store,
On her be pleased to pour;
Long may she reign:
May she defend our laws,
And ever give us cause
To sing with heart and voice
God save the King