How much do YOU know about it?

[AmBraCol]

Yes, I know it wasn't written on July 4, 1776 - but it is still one of the most heart stirring things about the US of A. After a couple/few years abroad my pulse always quickens a bit when I first spy her flying over what ever port of entry happens to welcome us. When stopping by the Embassy for one reason or another the same. Hearing the notes to which the lyrics were set always "gets me". But I'm amazed at how many united statians do NOT know that there's more to the lyrics than the first verse. So, for those who do not know them, here's the complete lyrics to The Star Spangled Banner. Happy 245th "birthday", US of A!

O say can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight
O'er the ramparts we watch'd were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bomb 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 wash'd out their foul footstep's 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 lov'd home and the war's desolation!
Blest with vict'ry and peace may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the power that hath made and preserv'd 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.

Complete version of "The Star-Spangled Banner" showing spelling and punctuation
from Francis Scott Key's manuscript in the Maryland Historical Society collection.

[AJMD429]

.

That song has depth; sounds like the author didn’t like pacifists who would capitulate to oppression.

[Sixgun]

Thanks Paul and I ashamedly admit I didn't know there was more to it. Love this country......big day tomorrow but a bigger one the next day!--------006

[gamekeeper]

God bless America.....despite current administration not being able to hold a candle to the founders, be proud to be American and kick out those who are not.

https://youtu.be/Bxu4g6xtcm4

[piller]

Happy Birthday America!

[Bronco]

I did not know this !

God Bless America