The Star-Spangled Banner

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'The Star-Spangled Banner' has been the national anthem of the USA since 1931, preceded by Samuel Francis Smith's 'America', which served as the national anthem for hundred years. Smith, among thousands of other Americans, was unaware that the tune used in 'America' was lifted from British national anthem 'God save the King'. The lyrics of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' come from a Francis Scott Key's poem from 1814. The poem was set to the tune of John Stafford Smith's 'To Anecreon in Heaven'. 'The Star-Spangled Banner' is difficult for many to sing due the tune range of one and half octaves, and it has also been criticised for its warlike setting. Therefore, over the years there have been calls to replace it. 'America the Beautiful' is one

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