History and Meaning of the Star Spangled Banner Lyrics

The History and Meaning Behind the Star Spangled Banner

The Star Spangled Banner is the national anthem of the United States of America. The lyrics come from a poem written in 1814 by Francis Scott Key after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore during the War of 1812. Key was inspired to write the poem after seeing the American flag still flying over the fort after an intense night of British attacks, proof that the American troops had not surrendered. The poem was later set to the tune of a popular British song called "To Anacreon in Heaven" and renamed "The Star-Spangled Banner." It was officially made the national anthem in 1931.

The Lyrics and What They Mean

The lyrics depict the perspectives of the soldiers at Fort McHenry as they defended the fort and watched the flag continue to fly through the battle. Here is a breakdown of the meaning behind each verse:

Oh, say can you see by the dawn’s early light
This opening line establishes the scene at dawn after the battle overnight, looking out in the early morning to see if the American flag is still there.

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?
A reference to how proudly the flag was flying before the battle started the previous evening.

Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
A description of the American flag, whose broad red and white stripes and bright white stars could still be seen.

O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
The soldiers guarding the ramparts of the fort could see the flag still flying after the battle.

And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Referring to the rockets and bombs fired by the British toward the fort during the battle.

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Even through this intense battle, the flag survived and was still waving in the morning.

O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
A direct question - can you still see the American flag?

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
Reference to America being the land of freedom and home of courageous people.

The Legacy and Usage of the National Anthem

The Star Spangled Banner grew in popularity throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s. It was played during holidays and ceremonies honoring the military. The Navy started playing it during the morning flag raising in 1889. John Philip Sousa arranged a special band performance for the song in 1897. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson ordered that the anthem be played at military ceremonies.

After World War I, the song experienced a surge of popularity. There were petitions for it to become the national anthem. It was officially adopted as the national anthem by a congressional resolution signed by President Herbert Hoover in 1931.

Today, the Star Spangled Banner is played before sporting events, during Fourth of July celebrations, at inaugurations, and at formal ceremonies honoring the country. It is a patriotic symbol of America's history, resilience, and freedom.

The Full Lyrics to the Star Spangled Banner

Here are the full lyrics to sing along with:

Oh, 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 thru the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket’s 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?

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! Oh 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 washed out their foul footsteps’ 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 loved home and the war’s desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav’n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved 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!

FAQs

Who wrote the Star Spangled Banner?

The lyrics to the Star Spangled Banner were written by Francis Scott Key in 1814 after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore during the War of 1812.

What is the Star Spangled Banner about?

The lyrics depict Key's perspective witnessing the American flag continuing to fly over Fort McHenry after an intense night of British bombardments, showing that the American troops had not surrendered. It celebrates the American spirit and resilience.

What war was the Star Spangled Banner written about?

Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics during the War of 1812 when the British attacked Fort McHenry in Baltimore.

What tune is the Star Spangled Banner sung to?

The poem was set to the tune of a popular British song called "To Anacreon in Heaven." This is the tune that the national anthem is sung to today.

When did the Star Spangled Banner become America's national anthem?

After gaining popularity through the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Star Spangled Banner was officially made the national anthem in 1931 when President Herbert Hoover signed a congressional resolution.