Star Spangled Banner
Brian Mcknight & Boys Choir Of Harlem Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
By the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed
At the twilight's last gleaming
And the rockets red glare
The bombs bursting in air
Gave proof through the night
Oh, say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free
And the home of the, of the brave
The lyrics of Brian Mcknight's version of the Star Spangled Banner are an ode to American pride and freedom. The song starts with a question, "Oh, say can you see," inviting the listener to join in singing the national anthem. The dawn's early light symbolizes a new beginning, and what follows is a display of patriotism, as "we" (Americans) proudly hail our flag at twilight, the last light before darkness falls.
Then comes the rockets' red glare and the bombs bursting in air, which evoke an image of battle and conflict. However, the context is not a call to arms but a reminder of the country's resilience and strength. This is where the true meaning of the lyrics becomes evident. While war may ravage the land, the flag remains standing, a symbol of hope and perseverance.
The last part of the song is a plea for the star-spangled banner to keep waving proud and free over the land of the brave, and the home of the free.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, say, can you see
Can you perceive and comprehend what is unfolding before you?
By the dawn's early light
As the sun begins to rise, shedding light on our surroundings.
What so proudly we hailed
The object of our admiration and honor, held high and with great respect.
At the twilight's last gleaming
As daylight fades into darkness, the last remnants of brightness shining through.
And the rockets red glare
The imagery of missile's bright and fiery display in the sky.
The bombs bursting in air
The loud explosion resonating through the atmosphere as explosive devices are detonated.
Gave proof through the night
The demonstration of our country's capabilities even in the darkness of night.
That our flag was still there
That the symbol of our nation, the stars and stripes, was still flying and present.
Oh, say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
Is our flag, which has withstood so much, still flying high and proud?
O'er the land of the free
Above the country that is known for its personal freedom and liberties.
And the home of the, of the brave
Where the brave and courageous live, fight, and protect the freedoms of their country.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: David L Brunner, Francis Scott Key
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
vg4life
So when one has the last name mcknight they can automatically sing? Awesome
Där B.
It's crazy how similar their voices are. I mean dang, it sounded like Brian was harmonizing with himselg. Greatness.
YoungBlaze
Damn , that dude knocked the note right out of him, he aint have to yell at him like that
Mrs Latasha
that was no need for the cursing before the anthem, just extra but that young man handled it so well, like an adult.. iluv
john p
saw these guys at the Heat game and think they can hang,and they just a duo too. The National Anthem
Shemeha Haynes
yes they sound so much like their dad I use to love me some Brian McKnight :-)
mello60ful
perfect
Lavish Lord
AAAAAAWWWWWEsome!!!!
Dei Barnes
very cool Niko. he would've gotten a very different finger pointed at him from me. it's not what you say but how you say it. no you don't have to remove a hat if your outside and no, sadly all Americans are not taught proper etiquette in regards to patriotism. That's why it's important how you say things, you can't assume everyone knows.
Nerdiest_Justin
It is a gesture of respect to take your hat off of your head. Glad he complied. Great rendition by McKnight and his sons!