“The Star-Spangled Banner” is the national anthem of the United States of America. The lyrics were written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812.
The anthem’s music is based on the tune of a British song called “To Anacreon in Heaven,” which was composed by John Stafford Smith.
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Music Information & History
- Origins in War: “The Star-Spangled Banner” was born amidst the turmoil of the War of 1812, as Francis Scott Key penned the lyrics while witnessing the Battle of Fort McHenry unfold.
- Inspired by Fort’s Resilience: Key’s verses vividly depict the fort’s resilience against the British bombardment, reflecting the enduring spirit of the American defenders.
- British Tune Transformation: The melody of the anthem is derived from “To Anacreon in Heaven,” a British song composed by John Stafford Smith, which Key found fitting for his lyrics.
- Struggle for Official Status: It took decades for the song to become the official national anthem of the United States, with its designation coming in 1931.
- Patriotic Symbolism: Over the years, the anthem has become a powerful symbol of American patriotism and unity, evoking a sense of national pride.
- Versatility in Occasions: “The Star-Spangled Banner” is commonly performed at various events, from political ceremonies to sporting matches, resonating with people across diverse contexts.
- Anthem’s Historical Resonance: The anthem’s historical significance extends beyond its composition, reflecting the challenges and triumphs of a young nation.
- Vocal Range Challenge: The anthem’s melody is notoriously challenging due to its wide vocal range, making it a demanding piece for singers.
- Artistic Interpretations: Musicians have put their unique spins on the anthem, offering renditions that range from traditional to innovative, reflecting evolving musical styles.
- Continued Relevance: Despite the passage of time, “The Star-Spangled Banner” continues to serve as a source of inspiration and a touchstone for American identity, reminding citizens of their shared history and values.
Text Version of Chords
[Verse 1]
F Bb F Gm D Gm C F
O say can you see, by the dawn's early light,
Bb F Bb F Bb
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,
F Bb F Gm D Gm C F
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
Bb F Bb F Bb
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
F
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Bb F Gm C F
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
Bb Eb Cm F
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
Bb Gm Bb F Bb
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
[Verse 2]
F Bb F Gm D Gm C F
On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Bb F Bb F Bb
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
F Bb F Gm D Gm C F
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
Bb F Bb F Bb
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
F
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
Bb F Gm C F
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
Bb Eb Cm F
'Tis the star-spangled banner, O long may it wave
Bb Gm Bb F Bb
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
[Verse 3]
F Bb F Gm D Gm C F
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
Bb F Bb F Bb
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
F Bb F Gm D Gm C F
A home and a country, should leave us no more?
Bb F Bb F Bb
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
F
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
Bb F Gm C F
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
Bb Eb Cm F
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave,
Bb Gm Bb F Bb
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
[Verse 4]
F Bb F Gm D Gm C F
O thus be it e_ver, when freemen shall stand
Bb F Bb F Bb
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation.
F Bb F Gm D Gm C F
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n rescued land
Bb F Bb F Bb
Praise the Power that hath made and pre-served us a nation!
F
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
Bb F Gm C F
And this be our motto: 'In God is our trust.'
Bb Eb Cm F
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
Bb Gm Bb F Bb F
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!Music Video
A pianist’s touch, a reverent hand,
Unfolds the notes, a symphony grand,
“The Star-Spangled Banner” awakes to sing,
A tale of courage, freedom’s wing.
Each key a thread in a tapestry spun,
A tale of battles fought and won,
The melody soars, the chords entwine,
A tribute to a nation’s shrine.
With every stroke, a story’s told,
Of heroes brave, and days of old,
From somber tones to triumphant heights,
The piano weaves its heartfelt rites.
A solemn hush, a patriotic air,
The music weaves a bond to share,
Through valleys low and mountains high,
The anthem’s echoes touch the sky.
So let the piano keys resound,
In halls of history, they’re found,
“The Star-Spangled Banner” takes its stand,
Guiding us through this sacred land.
