Mom always liked you best -

[JPSmit]

JP - if you read about the USA at the time the words were written, the Star Spangled Banner makes perfect sense. But societies change (thank heaven!), and some of the references aren't exactly positive in today's world. The song didn't become our national anthem until 1931.

Key was on a British prison ship during that battle, and during the night didn't know who was winning. When the sun came up the next morning, and he saw the USA flag still flying - it was quite a relief, and sign of hope for the new country's future.

Long may it wave - and long may we keep improving.

I do know the story (Obviously not as well as you but then you were there) Still to my ears a better poem than an anthem, but can't quibble with your last line.

 

[Silverghost]

Adding to the thread creep......without doubt, the greatest lyricist of all time is.....KC of KC and the Sunshine Band!

As evidence I present:

Do do do do do do do do do
Do do do do do do do do do
Do do do do do do do do do
Do do do do do do do do do

Oh, that's the way, uh-huh, uh-huh
I like it, uh-huh, uh-huh
That's the way, uh-huh, uh-huh
I like it, uh-huh, uh-huh
That's the way, uh-huh, uh-huh
I like it, uh-huh, uh-huh
That's the way, uh-huh, uh-huh
I like it, uh-huh, uh-huh

How can one man man do so much with so little?!

And yes, I am very much kidding!

 

[AngliaGT]

How about Oliver's "Good Morning Starshine"?