USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Correction: “The Star-Spangled Banner” was always conceived of by Key as a song and he wrote his “lyric” to fit a specific melody of his own choosing. Usually referred to as a poet, Francis Scott Key is more accurately remembered-at least in connection with “The Star-Spangled Banner”-as a lyricist.

Detailed explanation-2: -On September 14, 1814, Francis Scott Key pens a poem which is later set to music and in 1931 becomes America’s national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The poem, originally titled “The Defence of Fort M’Henry, ” was written after Key witnessed the Maryland fort being bombarded by the British during the War of 1812.

Detailed explanation-3: -On September 14, 1814, U.S. soldiers at Baltimore’s Fort McHenry raised a huge American flag to celebrate a crucial victory over British forces during the War of 1812. The sight of those “broad stripes and bright stars” inspired Francis Scott Key to write a song that eventually became the United States national anthem.

Detailed explanation-4: -Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star Spangled Banner” and its initial verse on the back side of a letter while watching the large American flag waving over the fort that morning. Back in Baltimore, he continued working until he had completed four verses (only one of which is commonly known today).