Star Spangled Banner?

Question

Did you Americans know that your national anthem "The Star Spangled Banner" may have been written by John Stafford Smith, a British composer born in 1750. “The Star-Spangled Banner” was officially made the national anthem by Congress in 1931, although it already had been adopted as such by the army and the navy. The original title being" Defense of Fort M'Henry". Are you all happy it took a British composer to write your national anthem??. I am, then I am British

Answer 1

Did YOU know that there is also a 2nd verse to the "Star Spangled Banner" ?

but, no, i do not know the words to the 2nd verse

lol

Answer 2

What I've heard is that the music was from an old drinking song. Then Frances Scott Key put his own words to it during the battle at Fort McHenry.

I don't think it matters whether an American wrote it or not. Almost nothing is purely of American origin. That's American culture. It is borrowed from and influenced by many countries. I think what matters about the anthem is that it is recognized by people as representing America, and that is something that people can get behind and be united by, despite the origin.

And also, many of the "Americans" at that time still considered themselves to be British citizens, if I am correct. So, I think one could say that the song came from the roots of the people that wrote it.

Answer 3

John Stafford Smith wrote the tune. Francis Scott Key wrote the words. It's a well-known fact that Key didn't write the music, so this is hardly scandalous news.

Are Britons so pathetic that they have to cling to petty historical facts to feel better about their own country's history?

Answer 4

Wow, that's cool. I still think america needs to get a new national anthem.

Answer 5

Yes very happy!! And from the rest of the Americans I say Thank You Very Much!!!

Answer 6

I believe the melody of it was derived from a British drinking song too.

Answer 7

Hey we're all friend here, we kicked butt in the revolution, ya'll kicked butt in the war of 1812. then we came together to opress tyranny in WWII, and now we are still kicking but with iraq.

Answer 8

yes it was, a true amarican, you are, know your history. most americans are immigrants from other countries...and they don't know nuthin, makes me sick.

Answer 9

That's nice.

Answer 10

i did not know that