Lyrics and Information
Words by Francis Scott Key (1779–1843)Tune: ANACREON IN HEAVEN by John Stafford Smith (1750-1836), 1916Key signature: A flat major (4 flats)Time signature: 3/4Public Domain1. O the say can you see, by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there, O say does that Star-spangled Banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?2. On shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam, In full glory reflected now shines in the stream, ’Tis the Star-spangled Banner— O long may it wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!3. O thus be it ever when free men shall stand Between their loved home and the war’s desolation! Blest with vict’ry and peace, may the heav’n-rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation! Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto: “In God is our trust!” And the Star-spangled Banner in triumph shall wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!