The national anthem of the United States doesn’t get any respect. I don’t think it would be right to launch into a spleen-venting rant about the status of our patriotism (though a survey might reveal much disappointment). But I think that, in light of the fact that it is summer, we just celebrated Independence Day (in which the anthem is sung most often), and folks are confused about it, it might be worthwhile to take a look at the song we love to botch. Sure there is a high note passage that stumps singers (“rockets red glare”), but even the most appalling warbler on a baseball field in Podunk should at least know what they are singing about, and that is probably the main reason for singers of the anthem forgetting where they are in the song.
Think of it as a very long question. That might help. The poet/narrator is asking if, as the sun rises, the flag of our country was still flying over Fort McHenry. Maybe a more “street” translation may help:
Hey, the sun is coming up.
Do you still see it?
At sunset last night, we were proud to see the flag.
Those stars and stripes really stood out over the fort wall, didn’t they?
With all the light from the guns and cannon fire, they lit up the flag all night,
But is it still there to prove we are a free country?
At a recent July 4th Minnesota Twins/Detroit Tigers game,the singer of “God Bless America” really cracked his voice when he tried to go for the upscale note on “my home sweet home.” ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l34dTL3Xik). At least he was going for a straight run-through, and that song seems to get more respect than “Star Spangled Banner.” I never did forgive then top celebrity Rosanne for a rendition that mixed Michael Jackson style crotch grabbing with a smart aleck style that just didn’t seem like she tried to sing at all. Who thought up that idea? The late Whitney Houston gave one of the most honorable performances I’ve witnessed in years. Proof through night or day that our flag is still here. I just wish more folks would try to understand it and sing it properly.
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