The Star-Spangled Banner

240 Years Young

The Star-Spangled Banner by Lady Gaga

I'm not trying to focus too much on this specific version, although I do think Lady Gaga's voice is incredible, and this arrangement with just a piano awesome. It's more about the song itself and its symbolism and all, you know?

This is the national anthem of the United States of America. The lyrics were written by Francis Scott Key as he looked up at our flag during the war of 1812 (x).

The music predates Key's poem, and it's - ironically - from a British song by John Stafford Smith (x). We do that sometimes. Like how My Country 'Tis of Thee is set to the same melody as the British national anthem, God Save the Queen.

The Star-Spangled Banner didn't officially become the U.S. national anthem until 1931. A Maryland Congressman introduced the bill six times, and it failed to pass six times (x).

Finally, after a petition with 5 million signatures, it got through the House and the Senate and Hoover signed it into law (x).

And now we have this crazy anthem with lofty text and an extreme vocal range. I dig it.

Overview:

Genre:
Ballad

Verdict:
In 2005, the U.S. government sponsored the National Anthem Project because not enough adults knew the lyrics or history of The Star-Spangled Banner.

It really just isn't that catchy.