@ Flash -
OK, I concede that I have overstated it - the 1st verse may not be sung AS NATIONAL ANTHEM, however it is not so that it is forbidden to publish the lyrics. However I iunderstood the topic to be lyrics of current national anthems.
And it is also correct, that historically there was no evil intention in the geographic insinuations. And that other national anthems are much more "aggressive" (the French for one, that historically is a revolutionary battle song), and yes nobody would think to take its words literally (I sincerely hope!).
But with the current climate of sensitivity here in the English forum - and in view of our actual "right wing" problem in Saxonia, I believe it to be sensible to be cautious, and not pour any oil in any fire.
As to the Grammar - "über Alle" = over all; "über Alles = over everything - granted, a fine difference. But is that difference really significant? Taken at face value, and in the impression on the listener, one formulation is as good or bad as the other.
