How to Interpret "The Star-Spangled Banner"

It's our National Anthem, so how come many of us don't know that it's a poem written in 1814 by Scott Key, sung to another song's tune, and marks a battle of the War of 1812? Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

    • 1

      Get hold of a copy of the poem/song and sing it aloud.

    • 2

      Read the entire poem aloud for the full context.

    • 3

      Take the first line apart, it's dawn and we wonder what we will see.

    • 4

      Read line two: Will we see what we saw with pride the twilight before?

    • 5

      Analyze Line three: What we saw through the dangerous fighting had broad stripes and stars.

    • 6

      Consider Line four: We saw it streaming 'O'er ramaprts', over defensive hills.

    • 7

      Add Line five: In the dramatic light provided by the bursting rockets and bombs.

    • 8

      Read line six: We saw that the flag (broad stripes/bright stars) was still there!

    • 9

      Continue Line seven: We wonder if everything the star-spangled banner stands for, like freedom and courage,

    • 10

      Finish with Line eight: Still reigns in the land that fought for those important issues that war torn night?

Tips & Warnings

  • Think about what it really means and sing it proudly!

  • It's customary to stand when the anthem is being sung, even put your right hand over your heart and sing along.

  • Take off hats and caps, too.

  • Read more about the War of 1812, too.

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Comments

  • fscottkey Jan 28, 2008
    This How To only deals with the first stanza of the Star Spangled Banner. There are four stanzas. To understand the meaning of the song/poem, you must read it all.
  • fscottkey Jan 28, 2008
    This How To only deals with the first stanza of the Star Spangled Banner. There are four stanzas. To understand the meaning of the song/poem, you must read it all.

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