Star Spangled Banner
Michigan State University Spartan Marching Band & John T. Madden Lyrics
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O 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
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
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free
And the home of the brave
And still, we can see
As the years have gone by
There's a dream in our land
Like a flame that keeps burning
And the lantern of hope
From the harbor still shines
Those who seek freedom's dream
To its light are still turning
Now we look to the skies
And we lift up our eyes
For we know with the dawn
We will see our flag rise and rise and rise and rise
And so we rise
And this is our star-spangled
Banner unfurled
As a sign to the free
And a hope to the world
O say, does that star-spangled
Banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free
And the home of the brave
Who is she?
I see her beautiful spacious skies
Look at her purple mountains majesty
Behold her amber waves of grain
Flowing from sea to shining sea
With a thoroughfare
Between justice and liberty
What's her name?
America!
The Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem of the United States, and its lyrics hold deep meaning and symbolism. The first verse of the anthem begins with a question, asking if the viewer can see the flag of the United States in the early morning light. It also references the pride that came with the flag being hailed at the end of a previous evening. The "broad stripes and bright stars" refer to the American flag itself, and it expresses how these symbols survived the "perilous fight" of battle. The anthem also portrays the resilience of the American people, as it highlights the "rocket's red glare" and "bombs bursting in air," which served as proof that the American flag continued to fly even in the face of adversity.
In the second verse, the lyrics shift to a reflection of the enduring dream and hope that exist within the United States. The "dream in our land" is described as a flame that continues to burn, and the "lantern of hope" extends from the harbor, symbolizing the guiding light for those who seek freedom. This verse emphasizes the lasting power of the American dream and the ability of people to turn towards the light of freedom.
The third verse of the anthem focuses on the anticipation of a new day and the rising of the flag. It speaks to the collective hope and unity of the American people as they look toward the future. The repetition of "rise and rise" emphasizes the continuous progress and growth of the nation. It symbolizes the resilience and endurance of the American spirit.
The final verse reaffirms the significance of the star-spangled banner as a symbol of freedom and hope, not just for the United States but for the entire world. It reiterates the question posed in the first verse, asking if the flag continues to wave over the land of the free and the home of the brave. The anthem concludes with a proud proclamation of the United States as the home of justice, liberty, and freedom.
In summary, the lyrics of "The Star-Spangled Banner" celebrate the resilience, unity, and enduring spirit of the American people. They speak to the significance of the American flag as a symbol of freedom and hope, both within the United States and as a beacon for the rest of the world. The anthem reflects the values and aspirations of the nation, reminding all who hear it of the strength and enduring nature of the American dream.
Line by Line Meaning
O say, can you see
Can you perceive and understand
By the dawn's early light
In the early morning hours
What so proudly we hailed
What we celebrated and honored with pride
At the twilight's last gleaming
During the final moments of daylight
Whose broad stripes and bright stars
The flag with its wide stripes and shining stars
Through the perilous fight
During the dangerous battle
O'er the ramparts we watched
From the protective walls we observed
Were so gallantly streaming
Were displayed with great bravery
And the rockets red glare
And the red glow of rockets
The bombs bursting in air
The exploding bombs in the sky
Gave proof through the night
Provided evidence throughout the night
That our flag was still there
That our flag remained present
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
Do we still witness the waving of that flag adorned with stars?
O'er the land of the free
Over the country of freedom
And the home of the brave
And the residence of the courageous
And still, we can see
And even now, we perceive
As the years have gone by
As time has passed
There's a dream in our land
There exists an aspiration within our nation
Like a flame that keeps burning
Similar to an enduring flame
And the lantern of hope
And the guiding light of hope
From the harbor still shines
Continues to emit its radiance from the harbor
Those who seek freedom's dream
Those who pursue the ideal of freedom
To its light are still turning
Are still looking to its illumination
Now we look to the skies
Currently, we direct our gaze upwards
And we lift up our eyes
And we raise our eyes upwards
For we know with the dawn
Because we are aware that with the sunrise
We will see our flag rise and rise and rise and rise
We will witness our flag elevate recurrently
And so we rise
And hence, we ascend
And this is our star-spangled
And this is our flag adorned with stars
Banner unfurled
Flag unfolded and displayed
As a sign to the free
As an indication for those who possess liberty
And a hope to the world
And an optimistic outlook for the entire world
Who is she?
Who is this personification?
I see her beautiful spacious skies
I perceive her exquisite expansive skies
Look at her purple mountains majesty
Observe the regal majesty of her purple mountains
Behold her amber waves of grain
Witness her golden fields of grain
Flowing from sea to shining sea
Extending continuously from one coast to another
With a thoroughfare
Providing a pathway
Between justice and liberty
Connecting the concepts of fairness and freedom
What's her name?
What is her identity?
America!
It is America!
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: CLONINGER CLAIRE D, CLYDESDALE DAVID THOMAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind