facts behind the star spangled banner song

We bring up this piece of arcane musical history because 200 years ago this Sunday, a lawyer named Francis Scott Key had the tune in mind when he posed a question.

(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, 'THE ANACREONTIC SONG')ĭAVID HILDEBRAND: (Singing) To Anacreon in Heav'n, where he sat in full glee, a few Sons of Harmony sent a petition that he their Inspirer and Patron would be - when this answer arrived from that Jolly Old Grecian.

The Anacreontic Society had this one, written in 1776. One writer for The Independent called it 'one of the country’s most known and treasured songs.' One writer for Deseret News said singing the song in unison at sports games takes advantage of 'the chance to create greater unity in our country.If you're thinking of forming an 18th century English gentlemen's social club - and let's face it, who isn't - you'll certainly want to have a nice theme song. Opinions from left to right agreed that the song inspires unity and shared values of freedom. Voices on all sides analyzed the national anthem, its history, meaning, and role in U.S. pride is inherently connected to racism and bigotry. As is typical around the issue of patriotism, many on the right celebrated national pride enthusiastically, while some on the left questioned whether U.S. Opinion pages across the political spectrum featured perspectives on the Fourth of July and U.S. Music historians say this tradition began after World War II, when Americans took inspiration from how Canada played its anthem before hockey games. Key's words, which he wrote after witnessing the British Royal Navy bomb Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, were then set to the tune of a popular British song written by John Stafford Smith for the Anacreontic Society, a London men's social club. Today, the anthem is sung before U.S.

As Americans honor the country's birthday this Fourth of July, voices across the political spectrum are reflecting on the national anthem and what it means today.įirst written in 1814 by poet Francis Scott Key, Congress named The Star-Spangled Banner the U.S.

Facts behind the star spangled banner song