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The importance of the star spangled banner
Influence of popular songs
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“The Star-Spangled Banner”
“The Star-Spangled Banner,” written by Francis Scott Key, expresses a great amount of bravery, commitment, inspiration, and patriotism for our country throughout the song. Francis Scott Key, an American lawyer, was held captive by the British Royal Navy during the War of 1812, because he heard some of their plans to attack the Americans. The inspiration for “The Star-Spangled Banner” comes from a flag that is still in existence today at the Smithsonian. It was first written as a poem but later put to music because it carries a lot of meaning. Eventually, because it contained significant meaning, it became our national anthem. “The Star-Spangled Banner” has been around for over two hundred years. Even though
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the song is composed of four stanzas, the first stanza is the most famous. “The Star-Spangled Banner” has deep meaning in the words, a serious and inspirational tone, a broad spectrum of sound, and is a symbol of commitment and respect for the men and women who voluntarily give their lives to serve our country. Francis Scott Key wants people to understand the meaning behind the words.
The words of the song are not just there because they sound good; they are there because they have a specific meaning. The lyrics testify for what really happened on that day of battle at Fort McHenry. The historical context behind “The Star-Spangled Banner” is quite significant. For example, “By the dawn’s early light” is written in the song because the fighting went on for over 24 hours. At night, it is hard to see clearly, but by dawn, light slowly starts to overtake the darkness, making it easier to see. Also at dawn, there is a new sense of hope because it’s a new day. “What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming” states that there is something people are looking for. Once the sun went down, the soldiers knew there was a flag marking Fort McHenry. So the next morning, they were anxiously waiting to see if the flag was still flying. “Whose broad stripes and bright stars” refers to the captivating appearance of the flag that was still waving, affirming that the American soldiers had won a tough battle. “Thro’ the perilous fight” refers to the constant dangerous fighting that was taking place between the soldiers. “O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming” stands for the flag that was boldly flying behind the blockade. “And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air” shows that the British were constantly firing cannons and rockets causing the sky to be illuminated. “Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there” shows that our flag made it through the night without being taken down and replaced by a British flag. The Americans had won and taken the unexpected yet epic victory. The last two stanzas of the song, “O say, does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave” are asking a question. Does “The Star-Spangled Banner,” referring to the flag, still wave or has it been
replaced? An ongoing theme in “The Star-Spangled Banner” is one of patriotism and freedom for all Americans. The tone of “The Star-Spangled Banner” is very serious and inspirational. As it is sung, Americans are filled with a sense of honor and respect for those who fought and continue to fight for our freedoms. Americans feel the same pride and patriotism toward this song today as did the early Americans, when it was first written. People respect “The Star-Spangled Banner” because as Kathleen Kendrick says, “It evokes powerful emotions and ideas about what it means to be an American.” From the beginning to the end, there is a broad spectrum of sound distinguishing “The Star-Spangled Banner” from any other song. It relays the feeling of a majestic hymn. One place that stands out the most is “And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air.” During that part of the song, there are cymbals and drums crashing in the background to make it sound like real bombs and rockets are exploding in the air. “The Star-Spangled Banner” is a symbol of commitment and respect for the men and women who voluntarily give their lives to serve our country. “Americans stood up for their country at the fort at that time, so now we’re standing up for our country in our time” (Toppo). The amount of time the American soldiers put into strategizing and making plans to defeat the British Royal Navy paid off, because the flag was still there at the dawn of the next morning. The brave American soldiers could have given up and surrendered, but they were courageous and kept fighting, without backing down. Many American soldiers proudly stand up to protect the freedoms our forefathers established and agree with Nathan Hale, who said, “I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country.” “The Star-Spangled Banner” has deep meaning in the words, a serious and inspirational tone, a broad spectrum of sound, and is a symbol of commitment and respect for the men and women who voluntarily give their lives to serve our country. The next time the “Star-Spangled Banner” is sung, sing with pride and respect to honor those who fight for our country.
In 1776 the United States of America became a great nation, free from Britain's rule. We became a nation full of freedom and opportunity, symbolized by many great icons. The Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Bell, this great nations capitol, the District of Columbia, and the greatest of these icons, our American Flag. Our flag symbolizes to the world our strength, determination, and the rights and freedoms of our people. The very sight of it has given men the courage and willingness to sacrifice their own lives in order to protect what it symbolizes. But where did it come from? For more than a century it has been disputed by historians that the story of Betsy Ross, a widow from Philadelphia could be given the honor of handcrafting the first American Flag. So is it fact or a delightful fable that has weaved its way in as part of our American history?
The ‘Stars and Stripes Forever’ is a march by an American composer Sousa Phillip (Blackburn, 2004). The piece was premiered in 1897. It is one of the famous compositions among the composer’s works. Sousa and his band performed this piece regularly at their concerts. The piece commences with a short, exciting introduction, trailed by three contrasting melodies of different moods. Although Sousa had established his own poetry in the music, the piece is mostly heard in its instrumental structure. In 1987, the piece was nominated as the official march in the United States (Blackburn, 2004).
...John’s most famous pieces of music is the American march “Stars and Stripes forever”. In an act of 1987 by the U.S Congress, this song is now officially the National March of the United States of America. This song was composed on Christmas Day in 1896. He composed it just after he learned of the recent death of his band manager, David Blakely. The song was first performed at Willow Grove Park on May 14th 1897. The song is performed in the key of A-flat and follows the standard military march form.
“Land of the free and the home of the brave.” This line has represented the United States for decades. These words were captured in The Star Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key and since 1913, the United States has adopted The Star-Spangled Banner as its national anthem. We have used the Red, White, and Blue as one of our nation’s symbols. It has fifty stars, to represent the number of states we have in our Union. The military pledges its allegiance to the flag and the country which it represents at all costs. We are the land of the free and the home of the brave, and we are proud to show it.
After this night, Key wrote a poem telling the events of that night. He called it “The Defense of Fort M’Henry”. It was published in the newspapers all over America. Someone put the poem to music using an old English tune called “To Anacreon in Heaven”. This song became America’s first national anthem in 1931.
Many Americans are familiar with the first verse of the poem The Defense of Fort McHenry but not by that name. Over the years since it was written, The Defense of Fort McHenry has become a part of American culture. The Star-Spangled Banner, as it is now known, is sung at sporting events and gatherings across the country but usually not sung in its entirety. Unknown too many Americans is there are actually four verses to our national anthem. “The Star-Spangled Banner” became a well known and loved patriotic song but it would take 117 years before it would become our national anthem. In the 1890’s, the military began using the song for ceremonial purposes. Then in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued an executive order designating it to be used as the national anthem when appropriate. Finally in March 1931, Congress officially named The Star-Spangled Banner as the National Anthem of the United States. Francis Scott Key’s use of setting, structure, and literary techniques in “The Defence of Fort McHenry”, captures the spirit of America and helped it become our national anthem.
...o captivating. Additionally, it does make an extensive number of appearances at various ceremonies and great events, such as the opening ceremonies of sporting events and national holidays such as Independence and Memorial Day. However, “The Star Spangled Banner” embodies a much broader and more abstruse, cryptic connotation. It illustrates America’s attitude of perseverance when facing seemingly indomitable adversities or unachievable ambitions. It represents America’s unfaltering faith, traditional values, and ethical laws that have come to characterize America’s individuality. It signifies America’s past, a historic reminder that unites the people and instills, in their hearts, a profound sense of patriotism and glory. Most of all, “The Star Spangled Banner” symbolizes the truth of what America truly means–“the land of the free and the home of the brave”.
2. For example, the song “When Our Army And Our Navy Overtake the enemy” disseminated patriotism during the WWII, “Vietnam Blues” reflected that a majority of American opposed to the Vietnam War, and “Man In Black” protested racism in 1970s.
The cadence in America can be traced as far back as the American Revolution with Yankee Doodle. Historically it finds its roots in ancient armies marching to battles across foreign lands. The most significant song in this genra was created in May, 1944, by Pvt. Willie Duckworth, an African American soldier. This chant that we know today as the "Duckworth Chant" or "Sound Off”, 1-2 sound off 3-4 is the most recognizable to the average person from its usages in movies and P.E. classes. The cadence has historical links to the field holler and work songs. Slaves sang about their oppressive environment while working tirelessly in the cotton fields. Similarly, the majority of cadences are reflective to the environment and training, which soldiers endure. These cadences share the themes of phys...
Black anthems have a long standing history that can be traced through their African roots to modern day songs. Political groups have used these anthems to both lead and thrown into crisis their aims and objectives of their political messages. Not only have anthems been used in political areas they have also been used to showcase the culture at the time of their prominence. These anthems have many benefits such as uniting people together for certain causes, however, some of the anthems drawbacks are that they have been nearly forgotten as their respective political groups have faded away into history. The book Anthem: Social Movements and the Sound of Solidarity in the African Diaspora by Shana L. Redmond proves that anthems have been used
This song uses a range of different techniques to get the main message of the song across to the audience. Repetition is used in verses 2,4, and 8. “God help me, I was only nineteen”. The effect this gives is to emphasize how the composer is feeling. You feel the pain and the grieving the veterans went through whilst fighting for our country in the war. It makes you realize that some men and women were so young to go out and experience such things that no human being should go
If analyzed carefully, the melancholy verses of the song are in sharp contrast to the overpowering chorus. Ignore the addictive chorus "Born in the U.S.A.” and what you really hear is a protest song that tells the depressing story and struggle of Vietnam Veterans returning home to a disillusioned life. To his most devoted ...
The songs, which were sung by the soldiers, were about what was taking place at the time. They were about soldiers leaving home, life in camp, the suffering of being on the battlefield and celebrating victories. Soldiers sang as they marched. They sang to cheer themselves up. They also were known to serenade the other side. Sometimes battles were stopped so that troops could listen to the music. The northerners sang various types of songs-rallying songs, sentimental favorites, emancipation spirituals, campfire favorites, and patriotic songs. The union songs show us the way uni...
Stuart’s staff. After Lee resigned, Randolph decided that he would create something to help inspire and persuade the South to take up arms again and fight, whether through weapons or disobedience. Thus, his song was born. While it grew to be popular enough to reach London, it did not fulfill its intended goal.
Throughout the years there has been many ways to reassure and keep others happy. The Mayflower Compact is one of the United States foundational documents of great historical significance, it contains literary elements with other important U.S. foundational documents in later centuries. The Preamble to the Constitution is one of the country’s foundational documents, igniting a signal of freedom both to the nation and the world. Last, The Star Spangled Banner is a historical poem that is used for the United States. The themes that the Preamble to the Constitution has in common with the Mayflower Compact and The Star Spangled Banner is unity, freedom, and peace.