Sep 15, 2021
On this episode of The Resistance Library Podcast, Sam and Dave
discuss the Star-Spangled Banner. It might be impossible to sing,
but everyone knows the words to the national anthem of the United
States –
“The
Star-Spangled Banner.” It’s a staple at everything from sporting
events to patriotic rallies. But while everyone knows the song,
very few Americans know the story behind it, both the story of the
lyrics and the story of how this ode to our nation’s flag was
adopted as our national anthem. Its roots lie in the War of 1812,
the same war during which widespread celebrations of Independence
Day began.
Composer Francis Scott Key was a 35-year-old lawyer when he wrote
the lyrics to the song on September 14, 1814. He called the
poem
“Defence
of Fort M'Henry.” His inspiration was seeing the 15-star American
flag of Fort McHenry lit up and triumphantly waving during the
British bombardment in the Battle of Baltimore. Key was there as
part of a team trying to secure the release of prisoners. In fact,
Key was there to help secure the release of his good friend Dr.
William Beanes, who had been captured by the British.
It was a bit of an accident that Key was even there to witness the
events he wrote about in his poem. He was held temporarily captive,
because during the discharge of his duties, he heard plans for the
impending Battle of Baltimore. Thus, the British could not safely
release him until the battle was over.
After the poem was written, it was quickly published in newspapers
throughout the country.
“The Star-Spangled Banner” tune was largely inspired by an old
drinking song called
“To
Anacreon in Heaven,” though it’s hard to imagine anyone singing the
song correctly while drinking. This is all thanks to Key’s
brother-in-law, Joseph H. Nicholson, who read the poem and
immediately thought of the song.
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