“The Star-Spangled Banner” is the national anthem of the United States. It was written by Francis Scott Key in 1814 during the War of 1812 and was officially adopted as the national anthem in 1931 by an act of Congress.
The lyrics of “The Star-Spangled Banner” are based on Key’s eyewitness account of the bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British during the war. The poem was later set to the tune of the English song “To Anacreon in Heaven.”
The first verse of “The Star-Spangled Banner” is widely recognized and often sung, but the full song has four verses. The first verse highlights Key’s awe and appreciation for the American flag flying in the face of danger and victory over the British, while the second and third verses describe the horrors of war and the need for divine protection. The fourth verse is less well-known and is considered somewhat controversial for its reference to slavery and the enslavement of Africans.
“The Star-Spangled Banner” is often performed at patriotic events, including sporting events, military ceremonies, and official government functions. The song has undergone various musical interpretations over the years and remains a symbol of American pride and unity.
“ Star-Spangled Banner lyrics ”
listen to the very popular national anthem of the USA “Star-Spangled Banner” and watch the video are given below.
| O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there; O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep, Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam, In full glory reflected now shines in the stream: ‘Tis the star-spangled banner, O long may it wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion, A home and a country, should leave us no more? Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps’ pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave: And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave, O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.O thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation. Blest with vict’ry and peace, may the Heav’n rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation! Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto: ‘In God is our trust.’ And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave! |
Additional Civil War period lyrics
Eighteen years after Key’s death, and in indignation over the start of the American Civil War, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. added a fifth stanza to the song in 1861, which appeared in songbooks of the era.
When our land is illumined with Liberty’s smile,
If a foe from within strike a blow at her glory,
Down, down with the traitor that dares to defile
The flag of her stars and the page of her story!
By the millions unchained, who our birthright have gained,
We will keep her bright blazon forever unstained!
And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave
While the land of the free is the home of the brave.
Key figures involved in making “The Star Spangled Banner” the national anthem
Francis Scott Key: A lawyer and amateur poet who wrote the lyrics of “The Star Spangled Banner” after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.
John Stafford Smith: The composer of the tune that Key used for “The Star Spangled Banner.” Smith’s tune was originally titled “To Anacreon in Heaven.”
William Howard Taft: The 27th President of the United States who signed a presidential proclamation in 1916 officially designating “The Star Spangled Banner” as the national anthem.
Woodrow Wilson: The 28th President of the United States who also supported the adoption of “The Star Spangled Banner” as the national anthem.
John Philip Sousa: The famous composer and conductor who conducted the first public performance of “The Star Spangled Banner” in its current form as a national anthem.
US Congress: The legislative body that passed a resolution in 1931 officially recognized “The Star Spangled Banner” as the national anthem of the United States.
FAQ | The Star Spangled Banner
Q: Who wrote “The Star Spangled Banner”?
A: Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star Spangled Banner”.
Q: When did “The Star Spangled Banner” become the national anthem of the United States?
A: “The Star Spangled Banner” became the national anthem of the United States on March 3, 1931.
Q: How many verses does “The Star Spangled Banner” have?
A: “The Star Spangled Banner” has four verses.
Q: What is the theme of “The Star Spangled Banner”?
A: “The Star Spangled Banner” is a patriotic song that celebrates the bravery and strength of the American people during the War of 1812.
Q: Why is “The Star Spangled Banner” considered an important symbol of American culture?
A: “The Star Spangled Banner” is considered an important symbol of American culture because it represents the spirit of independence and freedom that is deeply ingrained in the American identity. It is a symbol of pride and unity for all Americans and is played at many national events and military ceremonies.
