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?

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.