It Ain't Broke, People

I just finished watching an interesting documentary on our national anthem.  It's interesting how people have wanted to change it throughout the years.  Many have not cared for it due to the reason it's 'hard to sing.'  Others don't like the fact it's a 'violent song.' 

Okay, so it's not an easy song to sing.  Yet this is a country that is supposed to be comprise of people who thrive on challenges.  That's how we got started back in 1775.  And now, many of us are saying that a tune defeats us?  Sad is the only word that comes to mind.  This documentary had a voice teacher saying The Star Spangled Banner is actually a perfect song, as when we sing it at sporting events, our blood is stirred.  He pointed out the other tunes considered wouldn't do so.

For the PC crowd, yes, the song describes violence.  Yes, it talks of destruction.  But this nation wasn't won in a poker game or quilting bee.  Francis Scott Key's ballad reminds us of this, and not one of the other songs considered remind us of this.  Each and every one of them were wonderful songs telling of the beauty of America, but The Star Spangled Banner truly deals with the sacrifice needed to win our freedom.  The veterans interviewed in this documentary wondered if those wanting to change the national anthem had served.  Each of them said when they were in the military, The Star Spangled Banner gave them chills, and it still does.

It isn't busted, so let's just leave it alone.  Keep the ballad reminding us why we're a nation.  When there was once a movement to replace it, Irving Berlin, our nation's foremost songwriter, and Arthur Fielder, conductor, conductor of the Boston Pops, spearheaded a movement to head it off.  They pointed out that no one less than John Philip Sousa had led the way to make the song the national anthem, and who better to tailor America's taste in music?

                                                            

So when you next hear our national anthem, do the correct thing.  Take off your hat, put your hand over your heart, and remember why you're grateful.  Sing out, and do so properly.  You may not have the best voice in the world, but you are able to do so, due to the generations that came before us.  Do it for them.