Yes. Why can't people just sing it straight? Don't mess around with it. Don't try to hyper-stylize it. It is hard enough to sing as written (which I think is why you have so many people insert vocal melisma into it). I get that they were trying to highlight the musical traditions of New Orleans, but the national anthem is not the song for it.
Yes. Why can't people just sing it straight? Don't mess around with it. Don't try to hyper-stylize it. It is hard enough to sing as written (which I think is why you have so many people insert vocal melisma into it). I get that they were trying to highlight the musical traditions of New Orleans, but the national anthem is not the song for it.
I spent my career as a military musician. I really care about the anthem and hate the "artistic" embellishments. Especially the extra note in "banner."
I’d visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier several times before attending a wreath laying. Every soldier’s motions were precise, the exception being the bugler who had an almost imperceptible hitch in his stride. I assume you can put the soldier in a musician, but you can’t take the musician out of a soldier. Thank you for your service.
As a singer I think the Anthem is a terrible song. as a piece of music it leaves much to be desired . And the subject , the lyrics are not that interesting or compelling.
How about a song that celebrates peace, abundance and LIBERTY!
How about as a song that helped birth this nation, you simply leave it alone, except to sing it beautifully as it was composed, and be happy it helped birth and build the nation!
It is unfortunate you come away thinking that way. For the last 100 years or so MOST of America would not consider any other song or any other lyrics and LOVE the hard to reach LOWS and HIGHS. Doing so accentuates the striving for perfection against all odds that has made the Country Great.
We don't need a "modern anthem". We need to understand the context of when the National Anthem was written. "The Star-Spangled Banner," was written during the Battle of Fort McHenry, which took place during the War of 1812, when Francis Scott Key witnessed the American flag still flying over the fort after a night of British bombardment in Baltimore, Maryland. Had not the flag still been flying in the morning it might have resulted in the eventual defeat of our fledgling country.
This is not to say Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" is not a wonderful song. I love hearing it, I love singing along and I appreciate the version you posted.
But nothing should ever replace the National Anthem and what it stands for, why we sing it, why we are forever proud of it.
A lot of people paid the ultimate sacrifice during the battle, and in doing so, helped preserve the new country. Does anyone actually think the British were here, battling and killing our forefathers in that war, not to utterly destroy the country and re-impose their crown on us?
Yes. Why can't people just sing it straight? Don't mess around with it. Don't try to hyper-stylize it. It is hard enough to sing as written (which I think is why you have so many people insert vocal melisma into it). I get that they were trying to highlight the musical traditions of New Orleans, but the national anthem is not the song for it.
Right??? Just sing it. No need for the embellishments! 🙄
I spent my career as a military musician. I really care about the anthem and hate the "artistic" embellishments. Especially the extra note in "banner."
I’m with you!
I’d visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier several times before attending a wreath laying. Every soldier’s motions were precise, the exception being the bugler who had an almost imperceptible hitch in his stride. I assume you can put the soldier in a musician, but you can’t take the musician out of a soldier. Thank you for your service.
Yep. Our band leader sang it for the Daytona Beach race week, parade and meet at the north turn, and did it perfectly.
THIS is how you sing it. I always get goosebumps.
https://youtu.be/mualqVqJPTE?si=7ptWaI1sKci88Ywl
I don't think anyone can top Whitney! Goosebumps!
She is TOPS!
Both wife and I got goosebumps listening.
Thank you.
The guy who sings the anthem for the Chicago Blackhawks, Jim Cornelison, is The GOAT. Brings tears every time. His “O Canada” is pretty awesome too.
@NAB, responding to your OP....AMEN & AMEN! Just sing it as written. The embellishments make me want to scream.
As a singer I think the Anthem is a terrible song. as a piece of music it leaves much to be desired . And the subject , the lyrics are not that interesting or compelling.
How about a song that celebrates peace, abundance and LIBERTY!
How about as a song that helped birth this nation, you simply leave it alone, except to sing it beautifully as it was composed, and be happy it helped birth and build the nation!
Perhaps you missed US History 100 and 101?
Amen, brother!! Not hard to do, if folks weren't focused on their "artistic" license to sing it anyway they want and remember what it means.
America....God shed his grace on thee....
It is unfortunate you come away thinking that way. For the last 100 years or so MOST of America would not consider any other song or any other lyrics and LOVE the hard to reach LOWS and HIGHS. Doing so accentuates the striving for perfection against all odds that has made the Country Great.
Well said!
suggestions??? certainly YMCA or Macho Man have a chance under the new Admin.
"America the Beautiful" emphasizes beauty and abundance, as opposed to war. Brings tears every time I hear it. Is a perfect anthem.
Not hardly but the words of this one would certainly make for a modern Anthem. BTW it was written in 1984!
This version with the different people is AMAZING.
https://youtu.be/0Japc8M8RQw?si=9h8UieJwxxzaEoqc
We don't need a "modern anthem". We need to understand the context of when the National Anthem was written. "The Star-Spangled Banner," was written during the Battle of Fort McHenry, which took place during the War of 1812, when Francis Scott Key witnessed the American flag still flying over the fort after a night of British bombardment in Baltimore, Maryland. Had not the flag still been flying in the morning it might have resulted in the eventual defeat of our fledgling country.
This is not to say Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" is not a wonderful song. I love hearing it, I love singing along and I appreciate the version you posted.
But nothing should ever replace the National Anthem and what it stands for, why we sing it, why we are forever proud of it.
One version of the story said that there were people sacrificing themselves to keep that flag flying through the night.
A lot of people paid the ultimate sacrifice during the battle, and in doing so, helped preserve the new country. Does anyone actually think the British were here, battling and killing our forefathers in that war, not to utterly destroy the country and re-impose their crown on us?
Chills and tears. Absolutely beautiful and flawless. Thank you.
True! But heaven forbid marginalizing strong women. 🙄
Macho TransMan could be more inclusive to some
No.
Springsteen? No? OK, Lee Greenwood's unofficial anthem it is then...see we could do A LOT WORSE than The SSB
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAyCFrwH0LA
Will this work for you? Gavin Newsom style?