National Anathema
Is “The Star-Spangled Banner” really who we are?
(July 1, 2010) Controversy has surrounded our national anthem a long time. But what, after all, exemplifies a good national anthem? “God Save The Queen” was the first, and ought to be a prototype, but it has less to do with England than celebrating monarchy. “LaMarseillaise”is splendid, but really about revolution against monarchy. “O Canada”? As boring as gravy on french fries.
In fact, bad examples far outnumber the good. A national anthem should refer to indigenous geographical and cultural qualities. It should be a unifying cultural artifact, recalling history, yet still looking to the future. Above all, it should be easy to sing.
“The Star-Spangled Banner” is none of these. It is a dinosaur, awkwardly phrased, difficult to sing and a reminder of the only war where an enemy not only invaded our country but burned the Capitol. All glaring rockets and bursting bombs, the tune itself isn’t even American — it’s English.
The lyrics are really about war, the War of 1812. First published in 1814, as Frances Scott Key’s poem “The Defense of Fort McHenry,” its tone is confident, defiant, even imperial: “Then conquer we must, for our cause it is just,” says the last verse.
The tune to which Key set his lyric was a popular upper-class drinking song, “To Anacreon In Heav’n” — the theme of The Anacreontic Society of 18th Century London. And it actually does make a quite jovial drinking song, with a dramatic caesura followed by the tipsy high tenor note on the last phrase. It is an uncomfortable participational experience for the same reasons: Try hitting that note sober. Most people don’t bother when they sing it, and ballparks around America grow strangely silent for a beat or two.
The middle part, which also strains the vocal range of ordinary mortals, was intended to be amusing. Where we sing
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there …
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on the cover
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Some Other Proposed North Coast Railroads
Choo-choo Fantasies
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Will chides Andrew for lack of attention to detail and makes plans for his inevitable victory.
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District Soup
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Today
44th Annual Kinetic Grand Championship Race
STAFF PICK / events, art, outdoors, sports, for kids, free / 9 a.m.-6 p.m. A 3-day, 42-mile kinetic sculpture race over land, sand, mud and water! LeMans start at the Noon Whistle on the Arcata Plaza. Follow the race through Manila, Eureka and into Ferndale on Memorial Day for the Glorious Finish. kineticgrandchampionship.com. 889-3024.
Flow 2012 Fashion Show
STAFF PICK / events / 8 p.m. Arcata Theatre Lounge, 1036 G St. Student designed and produced clothing. Fundraiser for Arcata Arts Institute. $35/$25 students. artsinstitute.net. 822-1220.
Woodside Preschool's Rummage/Bake Sale
events / 8 a.m.-noon. Woodside Preschool, 900 Hodgson St, Eureka. www.woodsidepreschool.com. 445-9132.
Lanphere Dunes Restoration
STAFF PICK / outdoors / 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Meet at Pacific Union School. Help remove non-native invasives at the Lanphere Dunes Unit of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Tools and gloves provided, wear work clothes and bring water. Carpool to the protected site. 444-1397.
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FOUR Comments
Comment / By humboldturtle / July 2, 8:05 a.m.
I can’t read Joseph Byrd.
Comment / By Joel Mielke / July 2, 8:46 a.m.
Well, you should read this one. It’s a good critique of our national anthem, with a guided tour of alternatives.
More fans would show up on time for baseball games if we’d simply accept Mr. Byrd’s conclusion.
Comment / By Thirdeye / July 3, 12:41 a.m.
If we must have a national anthem that commemorates the war of 1812, it should be The Battle of New Orleans. “We fired our guns and the British kept a comin’….”
The Brits could have a national anthem that commemorates the sacking of DC.
Comment / By Joel Mielke / July 3, 9:03 a.m.
Here are some colorful, low-brow alternatives: http://www.times-standard.com/entertainment/ci_15400863