Posted on 09/13/2008 10:40:20 PM PDT by mdittmar
In 1814, Francis Scott Key wrote new words for a well-known drinking song, "To Anacreon in Heaven," to celebrate America's recent victory over the British. However, only in 1931, following a twenty-year effort during which more than forty bills and joint resolutions were introduced in Congress, was a law finally signed proclaiming "The Star Spangled Banner" to be the national anthem of the United States.
The present copy, one of only five known to have been made by Key, is the earliest of four dating from the period 1840-1842 near the end of his life.
Shown here is a copy of the first printed edition combining words and music -- one of only ten copies known to exist.
The Star Spangled Banner Lyrics
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave! O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave! O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave! |
America has many moments where it’s existence hung in the balance. The war of 1812 was one of those times. James Madison, in spite of populist pressure, held the course and enforced the Constitution (which, of course, he authored). IMHO he was our greatest President, followed closely by Washington.
To Anacreon in Heav'n, where he sat in full glee,
A few Sons of Harmony sent a petition;
That he their Inspirer and Patron wou'd be;
When this answer arrived from the Jolly Old Grecian;
"Voice, Fiddle, and Flute,
No longer be mute,
I'll lend you my name and inspire you to boot,
And besides I'll instruct you like me, to intwine,
The Myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's Vine."The news through Olympus immediately flew;
When Old Thunder pretended to give himself airs.
If these Mortals are suffered their scheme to pursue,
The Devil, a Goddess, will stay above stairs.
"Hark," already they cry,
"In transports of joy,
Away to the Sons of Anacreon we'll fly.
And besides I'll instruct you like me, to intwine,
The Myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's Vine.The Yellow-Haired God and his nine lusty Maids,
From Helion's banks will incontinent flee,
Idalia will boast but of tenantless Shades,
And the bi-forked hill a mere desert will be.
My Thunder no fear on't,
Shall soon do it's errand,
And damme I'll swing the Ringleaders I warrant,
I'll trim the young dogs, for thus daring to twine,
The Myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's Vine."Apollo rose up and said, "Pry'thee ne'er quarrel,
Good sing of the Gods with my Vot'ries below:
Your Thunder is useless"--then showing his laurel,
Cry'd "Sic evitable fulmen" you know!
"Then over each head
My laurels I'll spread
So my sons from your Crackers no mischief shall dread,
While snug in their clubroom, they jovially twine,
The Myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's Vine.'Next Momus got up with his risible Phiz
And swore with Apollo he'd cheerfully join--
'The full tide of Harmony still shall be his,
But the Song, and the Catch, and the Laugh,
shall be mine.
Then Jove be not jealous
Of these honest fellows,"
Cry'd Jove, "We relent since the truth you now tell us;
And swear by Old Styx, that they long shall intwine,
The Myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's Vine."Ye Sons of Anacreon then join hand in hand;
Preserve Unanimity, Friendship, and Love!
'Tis yours to support what's so happily plann'd;
You've the sanction of Gods, and the Fiat of Jove.
While thus we agree,
Our toast let it be:
"May our Club flourish Happy, United, and Free!
And long may the Sons of Anacreon intwine,
The Myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's Vine."
To Anacreon in heaven, where he sat in full glee,
A few sons of harmony sent a petition
That he their inspirer and patron would be,
When the answer came back from the jolly old Grecian:
"Voice, fiddle and flute no longer be mute!
I'll lend you my name and inspire you, to boot.
And besides, I'll instruct you, like me, to entwine
The myrtle of Venus and Bacchus's vine."
WATCH:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHnjq4-Ixck
I was watching satellite feed this afternoon of the hurricane from a station in Houston. A reporter had to show us something on the beach. She walked over to it a few yards away and it was our flag half covered in the sand that had apparently been flying at a home before the storm.
I was yelling at the TV set for them to pick it up for God's sake, but I guess they had to leave it there to show it in the next news cycle.
And reporters wonder why people hate them!
I believe Madison is the most underrated, and perhaps the greatest considering what he did while in office and prior to being elected.
I note from the original manuscript the line is “through the clouds of the fight”, when was the change made?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.