The Star-Spangled Banner
American patriotic song
The Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem of the United States, adopted officially in 1931.
The lyrics come from a poem written by Francis Scott Key in 1814 after witnessing the British bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.
The song is notoriously difficult to sing due to its wide vocal range, making performances at sporting events and public gatherings a test of any vocalist's abilities.
The title refers to the American flag, with its stars and stripes.
Protective fortress walls
- freeWithout payment or restriction
- braveShowing courage despite fear
- Francis Scott KeyNational anthem lyricist
- versesLines of poetry
Baltimore's famous pentagonal fortification
- BaltimoreMajor Maryland seaport
- 1814Early nineteenth century
- War of 1812Early American-British military conflict
- Chesapeake BayMid-Atlantic tidal estuary
Francis Scott Key · defense · siege · overnight · dawn · inspiration
Official patriotic composition
- patriotic songCountry-celebrating musical piece
- ceremonyFormal event marking occasions
- sporting eventOrganized physical competition
- pregameBefore the main event
singer · performance · a cappella · high note · vocalist · Whitney Houston · Super Bowl · ballpark
American flag's nickname
- Stars and StripesAmerican national banner
- ensignFlag or junior officer
- colorsVisual spectrum variations
- red white and blueAmerican flag palette
stars · stripes · canton · bunting · hoist · fly · half-staff · flagpole
ramparts
Protective fortress walls
- freeWithout payment or restriction
- braveShowing courage despite fear
- Francis Scott KeyNational anthem lyricist
Fort McHenry
Baltimore's famous pentagonal fortification
- BaltimoreMajor Maryland seaport
- 1814Early nineteenth century
- War of 1812Early American-British military conflict
Chesapeake Bay · Francis Scott Key · defense · siege · overnight · dawn · inspiration
national anthem
Official patriotic composition
- patriotic songCountry-celebrating musical piece
- ceremonyFormal event marking occasions
- sporting eventOrganized physical competition
pregame · singer · performance · a cappella · high note · vocalist · Whitney Houston · Super Bowl · ballpark · standing
Old Glory
American flag's nickname
- Stars and StripesAmerican national banner
- ensignFlag or junior officer
- colorsVisual spectrum variations
red white and blue · stars · stripes · canton · bunting · hoist · fly · half-staff · flagpole · waving
allegiance
Loyalty owed to authority
- prideSatisfaction from one's achievements
- unityWholeness through cohesion
- freedomAbsence of constraint
liberty · valor · sacrifice · veterans · military · homeland · loyalty · heritage · citizenship · national identity
- patriotic musicnational anthem, patriotic songs, patriotic music, God Save the Queen, God Save the King
- Folk BalladsScarborough Fair, Geordie, Danny Boy, Shenandoah, In the Pines
The Star-Spangled BannerStrange Fruit
Song about Southern lynchings
American Idiot · Fortunate Son · flag burning · protest music · draft card burning
spangled, banner, starred, starring, starry, stardom, starlet, starlight, starlit