Star-Spangled Banner
Francis Key's composition
The Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem of the United States, written by Francis Scott Key after witnessing the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in 1814.
The phrase refers to the American flag itself—star-spangled meaning decorated with stars.
The song is notoriously difficult to sing, with its wide vocal range challenging even professional performers at sporting events.
Official patriotic composition
- Francis Scott KeyNational anthem lyricist
- melodyPleasing sequence of notes
- lyricsWritten words for music
- verseMetered poetic passage
chorus · refrain · soprano · alto · tenor · bass · choir · harmony
Early American-British military conflict
- Fort McHenryBaltimore's famous pentagonal fortification
- BaltimoreMajor Maryland seaport
- SmithsonianFederally funded museum network
- manuscriptOriginal text before publication
bombardment · British fleet · ramparts · 1814 · defense · preservation · artifact · historical document
National emblem, starred banner
- Old GloryAmerican flag's nickname
- starsLuminous celestial bodies
- stripesParallel linear markings
- red white and blueAmerican flag palette
emblem · patriotism · freedom · liberty · allegiance · pride · independence · unity
national anthem
Official patriotic composition
- Francis Scott KeyNational anthem lyricist
- melodyPleasing sequence of notes
- lyricsWritten words for music
verse · chorus · refrain · soprano · alto · tenor · bass · choir · harmony · accompaniment
War of 1812
Early American-British military conflict
- Fort McHenryBaltimore's famous pentagonal fortification
- BaltimoreMajor Maryland seaport
- SmithsonianFederally funded museum network
manuscript · bombardment · British fleet · ramparts · 1814 · defense · preservation · artifact · historical document · national treasure
American flag
National emblem, starred banner
red white and blue · emblem · patriotism · freedom · liberty · allegiance · pride · independence · unity · heritage
- Anthemsnational anthem, La Marseillaise, O Canada, God Save the King, Rule Britannia
- patriotic musicnational anthem, patriotic songs, patriotic music, God Save the Queen, God Save the King
- patriotismnational anthem, national flags, love of country, patriotism, flag waving
- Chesapeake historyChesapeake Bay, watermen, blue crabs, oystering, crabbing
- MarylandAnnapolis, Baltimore, Chesapeake Bay, blue crab, crab cake
- Maryland HistoryAnnapolis, Baltimore, Chesapeake Bay, Fort McHenry, Harriet Tubman
Star-Spangled BannerLa Marseillaise
French national anthem
God Save the King · O Canada · hammer and sickle · Union Jack · Rising Sun flag
Star-Spangled Bannerflag burning
Destroying national emblem by fire
taking a knee · draft card burning · Strange Fruit · Fortunate Son