The Star Spangled Banner
Cedarmont Kids Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Oh 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 rockets' red glare
The bombs bursting in air
Gave proof through the night
That our flag was still there





Oh say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave

Overall Meaning

The Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem of the United States of America. The first verse of the song features in almost all performances, including sports events like American football, baseball, and basketball games. The song is an expression of pride in America and its flag, and it symbolizes the country's resolve and valiance during a battle.


The first four lines raise a question, asking if the listener can see the flag by the dawn's early light, highlighting the image of the flag waving proudly in the wind. It expresses a sense of hope in the face of danger as it describes how the flag was still visible through the attacks of the previous night.


The next lines use the metaphor of the flag to describe the bravery and strength of the country's soldiers, who fought valiantly through a challenging time. The rockets and bombs symbolize the perilous fight the soldiers faced, and how they persevere through that challenging time to keep the flag waving proudly.


Overall, the song is a symbol of love, pride, and resilience in America, and its lyrics highlight the bravery and determination of its people. It is a tribute to the country's heritage and history, and its enduring spirits in difficult times.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh say, can you see
Can you perceive with your eyes


By the dawn's early light
As the sun rises and illuminates the landscape


What so proudly we hailed
What we rejoiced in and honored


At the twilight's last gleaming
As the day turned to dusk and the sky shone brightly


Whose broad stripes and bright stars
The flag's wide bands and shining stars


Through the perilous fight
During a dangerous conflict


O'er the ramparts we watched
Over the fortifications we kept watch


Were so gallantly streaming
Were bravely and boldly waving


And the rockets' red glare
The colorful explosions of rockets in the sky


The bombs bursting in air
The explosive sounds and bright flashes of bombs


Gave proof through the night
Demonstrated by evidence during the dark hours


That our flag was still there
Our symbol of freedom and independence remained present


Oh say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
Is our flag still waving and shining with its starry pattern


O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave
Above the nation of freedom and courageous citizens




Lyrics © Histoire et Chansons, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Francis Scott Key

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions