It was 100 years ago that the national anthem was written.

Based on music composed by Robert Samut, poet Dun Karm Psaila wrote the lyrics of what would become one of Malta’s symbols.

Although first sang in 1922, it was only in 1964 that, with Malta’s Independence, it became officially etched in the Constitution as the anthem that is now played in the biggest of occasions, and also when Maltese athletes represent the country.

But, long before that, it had already been endorsed by the Maltese community. One event that is repeatedly mentioned is when the God Save the King had been played when the national football team was to play Hajduk Split at the Empire Stadium in 1945, and the spectators had then all stood up to chant Dun Karm’s words.

They were different times, and we do wonder whether, if something similar had to take place today, the Maltese would still rise in protest. Are we still proud to be Maltese? Or are we taking our freedom for granted?

Yes, people who criticise Malta are not seen kindly by others, and some are even labelled as traitors when they denounce what is wrong in our country. The thing is, both sides feel they are being patriotic – those who criticise because they want to see a better Malta, and those who defend, who are too partisan to see the bigger picture.

The Malta Independent carried out an exercise in Valletta streets last week, asking passers-by some questions about the anthem. Some knew the answers, some did not. Some were able to sing a few verses, others did not. It would be good to know if our politicians, who pride themselves as being patriotic, would be able to sing it.

It is good to know that some schools still start the day with the singing of the national anthem. Let’s hope that the practice continues and that, once students become adults, they will still remember the words.

Whether we still live in an “art helwa” (a sweet land) is however questionable. Just take a look around see to see the mess we have to endure every day. People posting old photos on Facebook bring back the nostalgia of the times when Malta was really “sweet”. Today, it’s not an adjective that we would use if we want to be sincere. The “land of cranes, dust, rubbish, pollution, traffic” (choose whatever you like, or all of them) would be a better description.

The lyrics are a prayer to the Almighty, written at a time when Malta was certainly more religious and less secular than it is today. Some would argue that, with Malta having changed so much, having a prayer as a national anthem is no longer appropriate.

There is then of course a word that has been the subject of so much debate in the past. Should we still use “jahkimha” – a reference to our colonial past, when Malta had been part of the British Empire, or should we go for the more democratic “imexxiha” (lead)? This was a controversy that raged half a century ago, but the word “jahkimha” (conquer) is still officially part of the anthem.

As for the “unity” and “peace” that the anthem prays for, well, that would be a very long story.