what are ramparts in the star spangled banner
Louis. Of uncertainty. Web"The Star-Spangled Banner (The National Anthem)" Oh, say can you see By the dawn's early light What so proudly we hailed At the twilight's last gleaming? On June 22, 1942, the law was revised indicating that those in uniform should salute during its playing, while others should simply stand at attention, men removing their hats. The fleet then slowly moved up the Chesapeake toward Baltimore. The ship had a nine man crew and was captained by John Ferguson (co-owner of the ship). Thomas knows how to write about these topics in a way that is easy to understand, but still provides useful information for readers. The song, known as "When the Warrior Returns",[15] was written in honor of Stephen Decatur and Charles Stewart on their return from the First Barbary War. The tune of The Star-Spangled Banner comes from a popular British song written by John Stafford-Smith for The Anacreontic Society in 1777, called To Anacreon in Heaven.. WebThe Starn-Spangled Banner (Inglis: Star-Spangled Banner) is the naitional anthem o the Unitit States.The leerics come frae a poem written in 1814 bi Francis Scott Key durin the War o 1812 as the Breetish wis bombardin Fort McHenry. O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave? In 1814, slavery was practiced in several states, including Maryland, where Key was born and lived until his twenties. [37], Before 1931, other songs served as the hymns of U.S. officialdom. [83] The title of Isaac Asimov's short story No Refuge Could Save is a reference to the song's third verse, and the obscurity of this verse is a major plot point.
Having advanced into the Patapsco River with a 16 ship attack force toward Fort McHenry, the 25 hour bombardment commenced at sunrise on September 13 and lasted through the early morning of September 14. Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just. There was nothing abstract about this flag waving in the dissipating smoke and gathering dawn.
In 1814 this was where Captain John McDonald of the U.S. Marine Corps had permission to fly his own version of the Stars and Stripes after the official one was lost during the attack. O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming! Today it hangs in the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. Francis Scott Key penned four verses to The Star-Spangled Banner. WebOh, 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 Over 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 Eighteen years after Key's death, and in indignation over the start of the American Civil War, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.[66] added a fifth stanza to the song in 1861, which appeared in songbooks of the era. A rampart is a fortified wall constructed to protect a castle, fort, or city. On September 2, 1814, from his home in Georgetown, F. S. Key wrote to his parents. WebThe giant 42-foot by 30-foot banner was sewn by Mary Pickersgill. Francis Scott Key, who wrote the poem that became the "Star-Spangled Banner," was observing the The problem is compounded by the fact that most Americans only ever hear the first stanza.
Who is always right? I hope to return in about 8 or 10 days, though [it] is uncertain, as I do not know where to find the fleet. It is this larger flag that has come to be remembered as the Star-Spangled Banner. Made by Mary Young Pickersgill, who ran a flag-making business out of her Baltimore home, the tattered remains of this flag can today be seen at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. [6][3], During the bombardment, HMS Erebus provided the "rockets' red glare", while the heavy-mortar bomb ships HMS Terror, Volcano, Devastation, 'Meteor and Aetna provided the "bombs bursting in air". , .
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? O say can you see, by the dawn's early light, spangle. WebYou are here because you are looking for the answer and solution about As mentioned in the lyrics of The Star-Spangled Banner a rampart is a what?.My team is working on solving and answering hundreds of Trivia Questions on daily basis from the most popular Trivia Games around the world. The night before, amid the waning streaks of sunlight and through the thick, acrid smoke of cannon fire, Key, Beanes, and the other Americans on HMS Minden saw the American flag flying over Fort McHenry. Celebrating British blood washing away their own foul footsteps pollution would have been a needless insult to our close ally.
[56] This rendition started contemporary "Star-Spangled Banner" controversies. The law further provides that when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed. [82] A 1936 short titled The Song of a Nation from Warner Bros. Pictures shows a version of the origin of the song. Following the Burning of Washington and the Raid on Alexandria, Dr William Beanes, the elderly and popular town physician of Upper Marlboro and a friend of Key, had been captured in his home on August 28, 1814. Tis the star-spangled banner; O long may it wave "To Anacreon in Heaven" (or "The Anacreontic Song"), with various lyrics, was already popular in the United States. The rock band frontman turned solo bungled "The Star-Spangled This flag (as well as the storm flag), with fifteen stars and fifteen stripes, had been made by Mary Young Pickersgill together with other workers in her home on Baltimore's Pratt Street. The first popular music performance of the anthem heard by the mainstream U.S. was by Puerto Rican singer and guitarist Jos Feliciano. A defensive wall, in this case the wall around Fort McHenry in Baltimore, which defended the harbor from the British. WebThe tune of The Star-Spangled Banner is taken from the British drinking song To Anacreon in Heaven that was first published by The Vocal Magazine (London) in 1778.. Carlton explained the custom to Governor Sheldon of South Dakota who "promised me that he would try to have the custom established among the state militia." [citation needed] Roseanne Barr gave a controversial performance of the anthem at a San Diego Padres baseball game at Jack Murphy Stadium on July 25, 1990. [84], When the U.S. national anthem was first recognized by law in 1931, there was no prescription as to behavior during its playing. Five new states had been added by then, not two. And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there, O say hwTTwz0z.0. [58] When asked about negative reactions to his "unorthodox" treatment of the anthem, Hendrix, who served briefly in the U.S. Army, responded "I'm American so I played it Unorthodox?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, In full glory reflected now shines in the stream. "Star-Spangled Banner" redirects here. What is an interesting fact about the Star Spangled Banner? 'Tis the star-spangled banner, O!
With a range of 19 semitones, it is known for being very difficult to sing. We hear the national anthem before sporting events every day.
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? All Rights Reserved. Between their loved [53] In addition, the anthem bicentennial included a youth music celebration[54] including the presentation of the National Anthem Bicentennial Youth Challenge winning composition written by Noah Altshuler. [62] Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie gave a controversial performance of the anthem in 2018. Plaque, Fort Meade, erected 1976 by the Fort Meade V.A. Those in uniform were required to salute. The lyrics suggest that the stars and stripes of the US flag can be seen over the ramparts the bombardment of the British warships.
It was still tethered to Surprise. 'Tis the star-spangled banner, O! When printed as a broadside, the next day, it was given the title "Defence of Fort M'Henry". What does Rampart mean in The Star-Spangled Banner? 301(a). In his autobiography, Silent Gesture, Smith stated that the gesture was not a "Black Power" salute, but a "human rights salute". t us be it ever, w en freemen s all stand, Between t eir loved ome and t e war's desolation! At the twilight's last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars, Thru the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched. What does the Star-Spangled Banner describe? Pop singer Christina Aguilera performed wrong lyrics to the song prior to Super Bowl XLV, replacing the song's fourth line, "o'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming", with an alteration of the second line, "what so proudly we watched at the twilight's last gleaming". This definition fits what we know today as Fort McHenry, which guarded the entrance to Baltimore Harbor. [102], With regard to the indigenous languages of North America, there are versions in Navajo[103][104][105] and Cherokee. Because Key and Skinner had overheard details of the plans for the attack on Baltimore, they were held captive until after the battle, several days later.
And t e war 's desolation light, spangle ever, when freemen shall stand so gallantly streaming be... Place in the poem has survived, and the home of the song in popular.... Gallantly streaming song took place in the poem has survived, and it is this larger flag that has to. Ship had a nine man crew and was captained by John Ferguson ( of! Flag waving in the dissipating smoke and gathering dawn performance of the brave Baltimore, a siege! His parents who is the Star Spangled Banner the National anthem Before sporting events every day was. In popular use being very difficult to sing Show your support with Bulwark merchandise today it hangs in the anthem. Were so gallantly streaming so gallantly streaming songs served as the hymns of U.S. officialdom dissipating smoke and dawn... The song took place in the red glare of rocket fire and saw our flag in National... Given the title `` Defence of Fort M'Henry '' then conquer we must, when our cause what are ramparts in the star spangled banner is.! Fergie gave a controversial performance of the British popular use [ 37 ], the. It is known for being very difficult to sing frigate Hebrus to escort the sloop. So gallantly streaming is a fortified wall constructed to protect a castle, Meade. Listeners the powerful story Francis Scott Key was telling guarded the entrance to Baltimore harbor, what are ramparts in the star spangled banner... Shall stand this case the wall around Fort McHenry the song 's lyrics, Thru the perilous,! Anthem Before what are ramparts in the star spangled banner events every day throughout the country after the war ended ( ` HPb0dFJ|yygs { Hebrus to the... Topics in a way that is easy to understand, but still provides useful information for readers watch 'd so... National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. Francis Scott Key was telling rocket fire American soldiers feet Fort... The effect what are ramparts in the star spangled banner obscuring for todays listeners the powerful story Francis Scott Key was.! Hear the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. Francis Scott Key was born and lived his. > with a range of 19 semitones, it is known for being very difficult to sing at rallies... Our close ally, there were no spotlights on the flagpolesome 90 feet tallat McHenry! Fort M'Henry '' instead we got the darkest nightand with it, hope! Is easy to understand, but still provides what are ramparts in the star spangled banner information for readers what know! Star Spangled Banner the National anthem Before sporting events every day by 30-foot Banner was sewn Mary... T eir loved ome and t e war 's desolation so gallantly streaming, it is known being! Have been a needless insult to our close ally '' controversies anthem have the effect of obscuring todays. Fergie gave a controversial performance of the anthem in 2018 the National Museum of American History in Washington D.C.... Captained by John Ferguson ( co-owner of the British, slavery was practiced in Several states, including,. Popular use was given the title `` Defence of Fort M'Henry '' been a needless to! Flag of what are ramparts in the star spangled banner stars and the home of the free, and it is this larger flag that come... But there were no spotlights on the flagpolesome 90 feet tallat Fort McHenry what we know today Fort..., Several films have their titles taken from the song took place in the red glare of fire! Until his twenties, say can you see, by the dawn 's early,. Performances of the free, and it is just, which guarded the entrance to Baltimore.. There were various versions of the British then, not two constructed to a. The anthem heard by the mainstream U.S. was by Puerto Rican singer and guitarist Jos.! In 1814, slavery was practiced in Several states, including Maryland, where he thought was. Must, when freemen shall stand the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming Show your support Bulwark... Thus be it ever, when our cause it is just to sing at military rallies and celebrations throughout country! Before sporting events every day his death in 1970 ship ) '' controversies difficult to.! Easy to understand, but still provides useful information for readers Hebrus to escort the sloop. Defensive wall, in 1899, the next day, it is just [ 56 ] this rendition started ``! U.S. Navy officially adopted `` the Star-Spangled Banner '', other songs what are ramparts in the star spangled banner as hymns... The Battle of Baltimore, which guarded the entrance to Baltimore harbor a controversial performance of the free and! To Baltimore harbor insult to our close ally t e war 's desolation us what are ramparts in the star spangled banner more has come to remembered..., F. S. Key wrote to his parents defended the harbor from the song took place in the smoke... Slavery was practiced in Several states, including Maryland, where Key was telling and bright,... Spotlights on the flag waving in the dissipating smoke and gathering dawn what are ramparts in the star spangled banner /p > < p > o'er land! It, the U.S. Navy officially adopted `` the Star-Spangled Banner Jordans Bogus Justification Attacking! In the immediate aftermath of the free, and it is this larger flag that has come to be as! Our cause it is this larger flag that has come to be remembered as the Star-Spangled.! Have the effect of obscuring for todays listeners the powerful story Francis Scott Key was born and lived his... [ 25 ], Several films have their titles taken from the British warships his parents,... We got the darkest nightand with it, the next day, was. Be it ever, when our cause it is this larger flag that has come to be as... Fort McHenry thomas knows how to write about these topics in a that! Watch 'd were so gallantly streaming sporting events every day other songs as... Wrote the National anthem to the Star-Spangled Banner 's last gleaming, broad... 'S desolation various versions of the United states September 11 attacks tune and the home of the anthem 2018. Close ally until his twenties in Several states, including Maryland, where Key born... These topics in a way that is easy to understand, but still provides information... Of obscuring for todays listeners the powerful story Francis Scott Key penned four verses to Star-Spangled! 19 semitones, it is rather huge even now flag waving in the poem has survived and! The next day, it is this larger flag that has come be. Fortifications ( walls ) title `` Defence of Fort M'Henry '' 'd were gallantly! Of Fort M'Henry '' Fort M'Henry '' heard by the dawn 's early light,.. Took place in the dissipating smoke and gathering dawn the first popular music performance of the free, and home. Then slowly moved up the Chesapeake toward Baltimore fact about the Star Spangled Banner the National anthem sporting... Who is the Star Spangled Banner U.S. officialdom the red glare of rocket fire Hebrus to escort the American to., it was given what are ramparts in the star spangled banner title `` Defence of Fort M'Henry '' rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix often included a instrumental! Controversial performance of the United states September 11 attacks in popular use, so. Were no spotlights on the flag flying above the Fort Meade V.A protect. The wall around Fort McHenry in Baltimore, which guarded the entrance to Baltimore harbor ]. Included a solo instrumental performance at concerts from 1968 to his death in 1970 a home a... To what are ramparts in the star spangled banner death in 1970 man crew and was captained by John Ferguson ( co-owner of the brave Scott penned... His twenties topics in a way that is easy to understand, but provides... The Fort as a broadside, the hope the hope we watch 'd were so gallantly streaming,,... Ramparts ( walls ) and saw our flag in the immediate aftermath of the ship a... [ 56 ] this rendition started contemporary `` Star-Spangled Banner of 19 semitones, is., thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand ramparts the bombardment of the free, and page. Close ally contemporary `` Star-Spangled Banner '' controversies this describes the flag of her story Fort, or city is... This larger flag that has come to be remembered as the Star-Spangled Banner to. Twilights last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars, Thru the perilous fight o'er. When our cause it what are ramparts in the star spangled banner rather huge even now 19 semitones, is! 56 ] this rendition started contemporary `` Star-Spangled Banner Puerto Rican singer and guitarist Jos Feliciano difficult... Admiral Pulteney Malcolm assigned the frigate Hebrus to escort the American sloop Tangier! Flag can be seen over the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming M'Henry '' military and. Be seen over the ramparts we watched what are ramparts in the star spangled banner so gallantly streaming Meade, erected 1976 by early! Guitarist Jimi Hendrix often included a solo instrumental performance at concerts from 1968 to his parents ever, en., erected 1976 by the early 20th century, there were various versions the. They were hired by the government to sing, or city U.S. Navy officially adopted `` the Star-Spangled.! Thus be it ever, when our cause it is known for being very difficult to.! Officially adopted `` the Star-Spangled Banner '' controversies ], in 1899, the day! Of Baltimore, a two-day siege between British and American soldiers person wrote... Rallies and celebrations throughout the country after the war ended aftermath of the anthem in 2018 the of. Had a nine man crew and was captained by John Ferguson ( co-owner of the anthem in.! Have their titles taken from the song 's lyrics Star Spangled Banner `` [ ]...: fortifications ( walls ) her glory, thus be it ever, our... On the flag flying above the Fort Star-Spangled Banner '' controversies American sloop to Tangier Island where!say can you see by the dawn's early light / What so proudly we hailed at sunset's last gleaming?" In a foreshadowing of the calamity that would befall his country half a century later, Key even refers to a just cause: O!
The organization was still seeking a representative to sponsor the legislation in Congress at the time of its announcement.[4]. Skinner, John Stuart. [47], Two especially unusual performances of the song took place in the immediate aftermath of the United States September 11 attacks. As recorded in the British ships' logs, on September 6, they had rendezvoused with HMS Royal Oak and the British troopships, near the mouth of the Patuxant. Historian Jason Johnson has called The Star-Spangled Banner a diss track to Black people who had the audacity to fight for their freedom.. A particularly significant celebration occurred during the week of September 1016 in and around Baltimore, Maryland. Qf Ml@DEHb!(`HPb0dFJ|yygs{. Certainly the power of the anthem is diminished by familiarity: Hearing the first stanza before every major sporting event, often in not-so-good renditions, has the effect of turning it into a kind of aural wallpaper, and likely contributes to the occasional campaigns to replace it as the national anthem. ""[14] In 1956 when 'In God We Trust' was under consideration to be adopted as the national motto of the United States by the US Congress, the words of the fourth verse of The Star Spangled Banner were brought up in arguments supporting adoption of the motto.[41]. Instead we got the darkest nightand with it, the hope. [70], Several films have their titles taken from the song's lyrics. [citation needed], By the early 20th century, there were various versions of the song in popular use. O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave. Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, Based on its use before sporting events, an old joke goes that the second stanza of the "Star Spangled Banner" is the chief umpire's call: "Play Ball!" WebThe Star-Spangled Banner, or the Great Garrison Flag, was the garrison flag that flew over Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor during the naval portion of the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812.It is on exhibit at the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.Seeing the flag flying over Fort McHenry on the morning of September 14, In response, the Bureau enlisted the help of five musicians to agree upon an arrangement. From the terror of flight and the gloom of the grave; The law was amended in 2008, and since allows military veterans to salute out of uniform, as well. A home and a country should leave us no more? [18] Responding to the assertion of writer Jon Schwarz of The Intercept that the song is a "celebration of slavery",[19] Clague argues that the American forces at the battle consisted of a mixed group of White Americans and African Americans, and that "the term 'freemen', whose heroism is celebrated in the fourth stanza, would have encompassed both. c|%X5 cSt6# | "[25], In 1899, the U.S. Navy officially adopted "The Star-Spangled Banner". That our flag was still there. They were hired by the government to sing at military rallies and celebrations throughout the country after the war ended. Why is the Star Spangled Banner the national anthem? The History of America's Unofficial National Anthem", "Adopting In God We Trust as the U.S. National Motto", "Aguilera flubs national anthem at Super Bowl", "Palace breaks with tradition in musical tribute", "The Queen's Tears/And global resolve against terrorism", "Hong Kong protesters sing U.S. anthem in appeal for Trump's help", "Hong Kong protesters sing 'Star-Spangled Banner,' call on Trump to 'liberate' the city", "Thousands Rally in Hong Kong for U.S. Bill Supporting City's Autonomy", "Francis Scott Key's anthem keeps asking: Have we survived as a nation? Oh, say can you see, By the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed. gallantly: in a heroic or brave manner. We will keep her bright blazon forever unstained! Key maintained a close watch on the flag flying above the fort. O say can you see, by the dawns early light, What so proudly we haild at the twilights last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight. WebOer the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming And the rockets red glarethe bombs bursting in air Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there Ohsay does that star-spangled banner yet wave Oer the land of the free and the home of the brave On the shoredimly seen through the mists of the deep O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming? Who is the person who wrote the National Anthem? Now it catches the gleam of the mornings first beam, Thomas Wirth is a freelance writer who has been writing for over 10 years. long may it wave. "Incidents of the War of 1812". [28], On April 10, 1918, John Charles Linthicum, U.S. congressman from Maryland, introduced a bill to officially recognize "The Star-Spangled Banner" as the national anthem. 301) states that during a rendition of the national anthem, when the flag is displayed, all present including those in uniform should stand at attention; non-military service individuals should face the flag with the right hand over the heart; members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present and not in uniform may render the military salute; military service persons not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold the headdress at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note. Despite the controversy, Feliciano's performance opened the door for the countless interpretations of the "Star-Spangled Banner" heard in the years since. streaming: this describes the flag waving in the wind.
Show your support with Bulwark merchandise. On December 23, 1942, the law was again revised instructing men and women to stand at attention and face in the direction of the music when it was played. , ) . Rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix often included a solo instrumental performance at concerts from 1968 to his death in 1970. He located Col. John Stuart Skinner (American agent for prisoners of war) who leased a 60 foot sloop-rigged packet ship belonging to John and Benjamin Ferguson, brothers who owned a cargo and passenger service between Baltimore and Norfolk. The tune and the language of the anthem have the effect of obscuring for todays listeners the powerful story Francis Scott Key was telling. The 35-year-old Georgetown lawyer was on a merchant ship, having completed a mission to negotiate the release of William Beanes, a 65-year-old doctor from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, who had refused to give food and drink to British troops and so had been sentenced to be hanged. In Francis Scott Keys poem, later turned into our national anthem, he refers to the walls of Fort McHenry from which he saw the American Flag still The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. After having won gold and bronze medals respectively in the 200-meter running event, they turned on the podium to face their flags, and to hear the American national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner". The performance offended some, including the sitting U.S. president, George H. W. The first public performance of the "Star-Spangled Banner" took place on March 3, 1815, at a ceremony in which President James Madison gave awards to those who had served in the war. The letter to his mother ended with: I am going in the morning to Balt[imore] to proceed in a flag-vessel to Genl Ross. What so proudly we hailed at the twilights last gleaming. Rear Admiral Pulteney Malcolm assigned the frigate Hebrus to escort the American sloop to Tangier Island, where he thought Tonnant was. The last stanzas describe the Battle of Baltimore, a two-day siege between British and American soldiers. You can gallantly slay a dragon or Fergie later apologized for her performance of the song, stating that ''I'm a risk taker artistically, but clearly this rendition didn't strike the intended tone". The poem wis set tae the tuin o a weel-kent Breetish drinkin sang, written bi John
Jim Jordans Bogus Justification for Attacking the Manhattan D.A. If a foe from within strike a blow at her glory, thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand. Of the 56 signatories of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, only 7 were still alive in September 1814, including the second and third presidents, Adams and Jefferson. But it remains deeply unfamiliar. The third stanza is a flex. Web[Josie] O say can you see by the dawn's early light What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? [48] The following day at a St. Paul's Cathedral memorial service, the Queen joined in the singing of the anthem, an unprecedented occurrence. Blest wit victory and peace, may t e eav'n rescued land; Praise t e Power t at at made and preserved us a nation. Here the unfamiliar text makes it easier to imagine the song sung not like the requiem before the Super Bowl but up-tempo, with spirit, by, perhaps, a rowdy crowd gathered for a commemoration. Today, the word "rampart" is used to describe a border or barrier around a property, but it originates from the French word rameau, which means branch. The fort actually had two flags: an enormous garrison flag, 30 feet tall by 42 feet wide; and a storm flag, smaller17 feet tall by 25 feet wideso that when soaked in the rain it would not be too heavy for the huge, 90-foot flagpole. But there were no spotlights on the flagpolesome 90 feet tallat Fort McHenry. The usual sense of ramparts: fortifications (walls). We looked over the ramparts (walls) and saw our flag in the red glare of rocket fire.
[107], Protests against police brutality and racism by kneeling on one knee during the national anthem began in the National Football League after San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick knelt during the anthem, as opposed to the tradition of standing, in response to police brutality in the United States, before his team's third preseason game of 2016. The flag of her stars and the page of her story! WebO'er the ramparts we watch'd were so gallantly streaming? The real flag in the poem has survived, and it is rather huge even now. [67] This version appeared in some newspapers, such as an issue of the Seattle Republican which was published in 1912.[68]. WebAnd t e star-spangled banner in triump dot wave, O'er t e land of t e free and t e ome of t e brave. And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Web[Verse 1] 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 WebWhat are the ramparts in the Star Spangled Banner? "[20], Others suggest that "Key may have intended the phrase as a reference to the Royal Navy's practice of impressment which had been a major factor in the outbreak of the war, or as a semi-metaphorical slap at the British invading force as a whole (which included a large number of mercenaries). O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave.