Anthem vs. Song — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 25, 2023
An anthem is a formal or celebratory song of praise or devotion, often for a nation or institution. A song, on the other hand, is a general musical composition with lyrics, encompassing various themes and genres.
Difference Between Anthem and Song
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An anthem is a musical composition that embodies a sense of devotion, loyalty, or celebration. Often, it's tied to national or institutional pride. For instance, every country typically has a national anthem, reflecting its history, culture, or values. In contrast, a song is a broader term, representing any musical piece with lyrics, irrespective of its theme, style, or purpose.
While both anthems and songs utilize melody and lyrics, the contexts in which they're used can differ significantly. An anthem is usually formal, played at official ceremonies, sporting events, or other significant occasions. Songs, meanwhile, are versatile, spanning a wide range of genres, moods, and settings — from a heart-wrenching ballad to an upbeat pop track.
The origin of the term "anthem" is ecclesiastical, referring initially to choral compositions used in religious contexts. Over time, its meaning expanded to include patriotic songs representing nations or groups. Songs, on the other hand, have been a part of human culture for millennia, serving as a medium to tell stories, express emotions, or simply entertain.
Despite these distinctions, it's essential to recognize that all anthems are songs, but not all songs qualify as anthems. An anthem's distinguishing feature is its formal or celebratory nature and the purpose it serves, uniting people under a shared sentiment or cause. A song doesn't carry this inherent weight of representation, granting it the freedom to explore diverse narratives and emotions.
Comparison Chart
Purpose
To represent, celebrate, or show devotion.
General musical expression or storytelling.
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Context
Formal events, ceremonies, national occasions.
Various settings and moods.
Themes
National pride, religious devotion, institutional values.
Broad range of themes.
Emotion
Uplifting, unifying, celebratory.
Can evoke a wide spectrum of emotions.
Scope
Specific to a group or nation.
Universal, not restricted.
Compare with Definitions
Anthem
A musical expression of patriotic or religious pride.
The anthem was a testament to the country's resilient spirit.
Song
A short musical composition with lyrics.
She hummed a popular song while cooking.
Anthem
A choral composition based on a biblical passage.
The choir sang an anthem during the church service.
Song
A melodic sound made by some birds and insects.
The morning song of the birds was soothing.
Anthem
A song representing an institution or group.
The school's anthem resonated with pride and unity.
Song
An audible storytelling via melodies and lyrics.
The song narrated a tale of adventure and discovery.
Anthem
An anthem is a musical composition of celebration, usually used as a symbol for a distinct group, particularly the national anthems of countries. Originally, and in music theory and religious contexts, it also refers more particularly to short sacred choral work (still frequently seen in Sacred Harp and other types of shape note singing) and still more particularly to a specific form of liturgical music.
Song
A song is a musical composition intended to be performed by the human voice. This is often done at distinct and fixed pitches (melodies) using patterns of sound and silence.
Anthem
A hymn of praise or loyalty.
Song
A manifestation of emotions or ideas in musical form.
His latest song is about love and loss.
Anthem
A choral composition having a sacred or moralizing text in English.
Song
A dynasty that ruled in China AD 960–1279.
Anthem
A popular song, especially a rock song felt to sum up the attitudes or feelings associated with a period or social group.
Song
A brief composition written or adapted for singing.
Anthem
(archaic) Antiphon.
Song
The act or art of singing
Broke into song.
Anthem
A choral or vocal composition, often with a religious or political lyric.
The school's anthem sang of its many outstanding qualities, and it was hard to keep a straight face while singing.
Song
A distinctive or characteristic sound made by an animal, such as a bird or an insect.
Anthem
A hymn of praise or loyalty.
The choir sang a selection of Christmas anthems at the service just before the big day.
Song
Poetry; verse.
Anthem
(informal) A very popular song or track.
Song
A lyric poem or ballad.
Anthem
To celebrate with anthems.
Song
A musical composition with lyrics for voice or voices, performed by singing.
Thomas listened to his favorite song on the radio yesterday.
Anthem
Formerly, a hymn sung in alternate parts, in present usage, a selection from the Psalms, or other parts of the Scriptures or the liturgy, set to sacred music.
Song
(by extension) Any musical composition.
Anthem
A song or hymn of praise or devotion; as, a national anthem.
Song
Poetical composition; poetry; verse.
Anthem
To celebrate with anthems.
Sweet birds antheming the morn.
Song
The act or art of singing.
Anthem
A song of devotion or loyalty (as to a nation or school)
Song
A melodious sound made by a bird, insect, whale or other animal.
I love hearing the song of canary birds.
Anthem
A song of praise (to God or to a saint or to a nation)
Song
(ornithology) The distinctive sound that a male bird utters to attract a mate or to protect his territory; contrasts with call; also, similar vocalisations made by female birds.
Anthem
A song of loyalty or celebration, especially for a nation.
The national anthem played before the game began.
Song
A low price, especially one under the expected value; chiefly in for a song.
He bought that car for a song.
Anthem
A song that is emblematic of a particular sentiment or era.
That rock anthem defined the rebellious spirit of the 80s.
Song
An object of derision; a laughing stock.
Song
That which is sung or uttered with musical modulations of the voice, whether of a human being or of a bird, insect, etc.
Song
A lyrical poem adapted to vocal music; a ballad.
Song
More generally, any poetical strain; a poem.
The bard that first adorned our native tongueTuned to his British lyre this ancient song.
Song
Poetical composition; poetry; verse.
This subject for heroic song.
Song
An object of derision; a laughingstock.
And now am I their song, yea, I am their byword.
Song
A trifle; an insignificant sum of money; as, he bought it for a song.
Song
A short musical composition with words;
A successful musical must have at least three good songs
Song
A distinctive or characteristic sound;
The song of bullets was in the air
The song of the wind
The wheels sang their song as the train rocketed ahead
Song
The act of singing;
With a shout and a song they marched up to the gates
Song
The characteristic sound produced by a bird;
A bird will not learn its song unless it hears it at an early age
Song
A very small sum;
He bought it for a song
Song
The imperial dynasty of China from 960 to 1279; noted for art and literature and philosophy
Song
A poem easily set to music.
The old poem felt like a song from ancient times.
Common Curiosities
Why do countries have national anthems?
National anthems foster unity and reflect a country's identity, history, and values.
Are all songs with deep meanings considered anthems?
No, while anthems have deep significance, not every profound song qualifies as an anthem.
Can any song become an anthem?
While any song can be popular, only those representing and uniting a group with shared sentiments typically become anthems.
Do anthems always need lyrics?
Most anthems have lyrics, but instrumental pieces can also evoke national or institutional pride.
Can a song be both popular entertainment and an anthem?
Yes, some songs transcend their entertainment value to become anthems due to their cultural impact.
How do anthems impact social and cultural unity?
Anthems can foster unity by representing shared values, memories, or aspirations.
What is an anthem?
An anthem is a song of loyalty, celebration, or devotion, often representing a nation or institution.
How does a song differ from an anthem?
A song is a general musical composition with lyrics, while an anthem has a formal or celebratory nature tied to a specific cause or group.
Do anthems only exist for nations?
No, anthems can represent various groups, institutions, or movements, not just nations.
How old is the tradition of singing songs?
The tradition of singing songs is ancient, with origins in prehistoric times.
Are there any rules for writing a song?
While there are musical and lyrical conventions, songwriting is a creative process without strict rules.
Are anthems always serious in tone?
While anthems usually have a formal or celebratory tone, they can vary in musical style.
Is every nation's national song called an anthem?
Yes, most national songs representing a country's identity are termed national anthems.
What's the primary emotion behind songs?
Songs can evoke a broad spectrum of emotions, from joy to sorrow, depending on their content.
Can a song become an anthem over time?
Yes, songs that resonate deeply with a generation or movement can evolve into anthems.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
