We have a collection of 7 arrangements for Francis Scott Key - The Star-Spangled Banner
Who wrote the lyrics to the United States national anthem? Learn!
Francis Scott Key and "The Star-Spangled Banner" have an intriguing history filled with interesting facts:
Authorship of the Lyrics: Francis Scott Key, a lawyer and amateur poet, wrote the lyrics to "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the War of 1812. He was inspired by the sight of the American flag flying over Fort McHenry after a night of intense British bombardment during the Battle of Baltimore in 1814.
Original Title: The poem was originally titled "Defence of Fort M'Henry." Key wrote it as a poem and did not initially set it to music.
Musical Adaptation: The lyrics were later set to the tune of a popular English song called "To Anacreon in Heaven." This melody was adapted for Key's lyrics and became the familiar tune we know today.
Official National Anthem: Although "The Star-Spangled Banner" was performed at various events and became a patriotic song, it wasn't officially designated as the United States' national anthem until 1931. President Herbert Hoover signed it into law.
Multiple Verses: The full song actually has four verses, but typically only the first verse is sung at official events. The additional verses provide more context about the battle and the flag's endurance.
Flag Inspiration: The American flag that inspired Key's poem had 15 stars and 15 stripes, reflecting the number of states in the Union at that time. This version of the flag is sometimes called the "Star-Spangled Banner Flag."
Becoming a Tradition: The tradition of playing "The Star-Spangled Banner" before sporting events in the United States began during the 1918 World Series. The song was played to boost wartime morale during World War I, and it stuck as a pre-game tradition.
Size of the Flag: The flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the battle was enormous. It measured 30 by 42 feet (9.1 by 12.8 meters), making it one of the largest American flags in history.
Restoration Efforts: The original flag, known as the Star-Spangled Banner, is now preserved in the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History. Over the years, it has undergone extensive preservation efforts to prevent further deterioration.
Inspiration for Nationalism: Francis Scott Key's lyrics and the story behind the song have played a significant role in fostering American patriotism and a sense of national identity. It is a powerful symbol of American resilience in the face of adversity.
"The Star-Spangled Banner" continues to hold a special place in American culture, representing the country's enduring spirit and the values it stands for.