star spangled banner star spangled banner song lyrics

The tune had already been popular in the United States, and after Key renamed his song ”The Star-Spangled Banner”, it soon became a well-known U.S.

Key set his poem to the melody of a popular British song written in 1773 by John Stafford Smith. flag, with 15 stars and 15 stripes, at that time known as the Star-Spangled Banner, still flying victoriously over the fort, signaling the U.S. He witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British ships of the Royal Navy in Baltimore Harbor during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812.

AAAAAAAAAH! Know the history, people! The lyrics come from “Defence of Fort M’Henry”, a poem written on September 14, 1814, by lawyer and amateur poet Francis Scott Key. “I think it was some battle somewhere?” another vaguely offered. “I think it has something to do with World War II?” one student tried hopefully.

Know the history behind it! I can’t tell you how many times I ask students to give me the background on this song, and they just stare at me blankly and look uncomfortable. Here are some very important hints to help you tackle this song: 1. They’re either smart enough to be a little scared of it, or clueless enough not to take the task seriously- and in either case, they need help! Students come into my studio all the time needing to work on this song, as they are asked to perform it at athletic events, school programs, church functions, and any other place where the occasion opens with the singing of the national anthem. Well, I hope in this post to demystify the “Star-Bangled Banner”- to help you really understand it, to make it approachable, and most importantly in my book, to sing it respectfully and with deep meaning and patriotism. And, we’ve all heard it sung badly by a host of singers, from local amateurs to world-famous professionals, so that brings even more negative baggage to the idea of having to sing such a difficult song, and usually in front of a very large crowd! So, what’s a singer to do? Oh, Say, Can YOU sing the Star-Spangled Banner? Ask almost any singer about performing this song, and a look of fear, or at least hesitation, crosses their face! There’s no doubt that it’s not the easiest melody, or even the easiest lyrics, to sing.

Can you believe that it’s almost July 4th?! Independence Day is just around the corner, and that makes it the perfect time to talk about our national anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner”.

Star spangled banner star spangled banner song lyrics