The Star-Spangled Banner Lyrics
"The Star-Spangled Banner" is the national anthem of the United States of America. This powerful patriotic song was written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812, inspired by the sight of the American flag still flying over Fort McHenry after a intense British naval bombardment. The anthem represents resilience, courage, and the enduring spirit of American freedom.
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, yeah, streaming? And the rockets' 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
History and Background
On September 14, 1814, Francis Scott Key, a 35-year-old lawyer and amateur poet, witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor during the War of 1812. Key had boarded a British ship to negotiate the release of an American prisoner and was detained during the 25-hour attack on the fort.
Throughout the night, Key anxiously watched the battle from the deck of the ship. As dawn broke on September 14, he was overjoyed to see the American flag—a massive 30 by 42 foot garrison flag—still waving over the fort, indicating that the Americans had successfully defended their position. This stirring sight inspired Key to pen the poem "Defence of Fort M'Henry," which would later become known as "The Star-Spangled Banner."
The poem was originally set to the tune of a popular British song, "To Anacreon in Heaven," composed by John Stafford Smith. The combination of Key's powerful words and this rousing melody quickly gained popularity throughout the United States.
While the song became increasingly popular over the decades and was often used at patriotic events and military ceremonies, it wasn't officially adopted as the national anthem until March 3, 1931, when President Herbert Hoover signed a congressional resolution making it the official anthem of the United States.
Cultural Significance
"The Star-Spangled Banner" holds a special place in American culture. It is performed at major sporting events, military ceremonies, naturalization ceremonies, and other significant national occasions. The anthem serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for American independence and the values of freedom and democracy that the nation represents.
The original flag that inspired Key's words—known as the Star-Spangled Banner flag—is preserved and displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., where it remains one of the most treasured artifacts of American history.
While only the first verse is commonly sung today, the anthem originally contained four verses, each reflecting Key's emotions and observations during that pivotal night in American history.