The National Anthem

I've heard a lot of versions of our National Anthem in my life.

I've heard it sung by men, women, children, blind glee clubs, seniors, and drag queens. I've seen it signed by deaf choruses. I've heard it open hockey games, baseball games, football games, and Litte League championship games.

I stand for it, I cross my heart for it, and I often find myself teary eyed after a particulary beautiful rendition of it, especially when it's being played to honor a medal winner at the Olympic games or during a moment of silence for our veterans.

The symbolism of that one song, particularly in these last few years, is overwhelming. It brings a sense of pride, reverence, gratitute, and above all - unity.

That being said, if there is one thing I could hammer home to the country, it would be this: it's perfect. Leave it the way it is.

Watching the Dallas/Philly game last night, I found myself wincing at one young singer's interpretation of our anthem. This is by no means a thread to single her out, but rather commentary on something I've witnessed more times than I can count.

The main problem with so many people lucky and talented enough to sing the Star Spangeled Banner in a public forum is that they try, too hard in my opinion, to make it their own. Above all, this is one song that stands on its own just the way it was written.

I'm all for personal style, especially musically. You want to record a rendition of Gin and Juice as a punk song? Stairway to Heaven as a polka? Be my guest, and more power to you.

Still. Our National Anthem does not require jazz hands, finger wagging, or bizarre arm waving. It does not need voice reverberation, falsetto, or unnaturally deep notes for effect.

The word "free" is one syllable. Not four. Not eight. Just one. The same principle can be applied to "say," "see," and "there."

The ending line - "And the home of the brave," is poignant enough as it is. No need to repeat it, stammer it, or drag the last note on for eighteen seconds.

Let's keep the dignity in on anthem. If we lose that, it can only be downhill from there.

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--Eleanor Roosevelt

I agree that is why I wont watch anything with Roseann Barr she knew she could not sing and did that to our National Anthem

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"When faced with facts and truths do the Democratic thing, Ignore them they will go away" Me
Senator Obama what is your experience ?
I have been in the Senate for a total of 1347 days of which 600 of them have been running for President of the United States I have introduced 121 pieces of Legislation of which 116 never made it out of committee's and 2 passed. I have released 6 books and one cd in that time.
Oh that is not good enough? I was also a community organizer I am good at pushing buttons

I realize that Roseanne didn't mean for her rendition to be sacrilege, and that it as intended as humor, so I don't vilify her, or anyone else for their oor taste.

However, I think my issue with it is that singing the National Anthem is treated as a concernt performance, and it shouldn't be. It's not theatrical, it's not a way to prove your chops as a singer, it's a chance to participate in a tribute.

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That is just wrong on so many levels...

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W~

"The best way to make it through with hearts and wrists intact is to realize that two out of three ain't bad..." FOB

I would be willing to bet that only about maybe 1 person here knows the full version of the national anthem. How many verses do you think it has?


Here is a full version of Francis Scott Key's poem

Under its original name. Hardly anyone ever knows the full version.

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Out of work admin

Good post Jessica, I agree but to each his own I suppose, hell I'm just glad people still stand (most people).

God Bless America

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The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off.

I watched it with DH and she was horrible. They introduced her as "pop sensation" and of course, I had no idea who she was (too busy mourning the passing of the Pink Floyd keyboard player!).
As soon as I heard the pop sensation part, I decided to imitate her while we watched. DH had to keep looking away because he would start laughing at me. He did say I nailed her