Thank you for the history lesson! And thank you Katherine Lee Bates. Maybe we should post all of the verses of "America the Beautiful" on the Jumbotrons at events/games to "refresh" the true meaning of our country. Brandi Carlile, you rock!
I always considered "America the Beautiful" the REAL anthem. The SSB is an ugly song, and that's not even taking into account the lyrics. We really blew it on that one.
People have strong opinions on this one. I’ve always been a SSB fan b/c it has such an amazing crescendo and makes my heart swell with national pride. But now that I know the backstory, I would have much preferred the homegrown ATB.
FWIW, Chris Dalla Riva had a good post comparing various candidates to replace the national anthem. He didn't go into as much depth in the history as Thea but it is a good survey: https://www.cantgetmuchhigher.com/p/the-new-national-anthem
His conclusion is
All things considered, I could be convinced into supporting “God Bless America”, “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, or “America the Beautiful” as a new national anthem. I don’t suspect we will see a change anytime soon, though. According to a 2020 poll by YouGov, 60% of Americans think the national anthem should remain “The Star-Spangled Banner”. And that’s fine. All I know is that I’ll be spinning ten different renditions of “America the Beautiful” before Independence Day is over.
I get it. People love tradition, and they don't actually listen to the words or know what it means (as I didn't until Thea's post). They just love that it's the national song they've sung their whole lives, which gives it special meaning. Who doesn't love singing "ba-bombs bursting in air"?
Thank you for the history lesson! And thank you Katherine Lee Bates. Maybe we should post all of the verses of "America the Beautiful" on the Jumbotrons at events/games to "refresh" the true meaning of our country. Brandi Carlile, you rock!
Yes! And post them in schools. Thanks for reading!
I always considered "America the Beautiful" the REAL anthem. The SSB is an ugly song, and that's not even taking into account the lyrics. We really blew it on that one.
People have strong opinions on this one. I’ve always been a SSB fan b/c it has such an amazing crescendo and makes my heart swell with national pride. But now that I know the backstory, I would have much preferred the homegrown ATB.
That crescendo is certainly a test of vocal prowess!
You gotta be Whitney Houston to hit it!
War lyrics to an English men's song, absolutely absurd -- and gives entirely the wrong message about who Americans are.
America the Beautiful is sooooooo much better. Maybe there should be a movement to change it.
FWIW, Chris Dalla Riva had a good post comparing various candidates to replace the national anthem. He didn't go into as much depth in the history as Thea but it is a good survey: https://www.cantgetmuchhigher.com/p/the-new-national-anthem
His conclusion is
All things considered, I could be convinced into supporting “God Bless America”, “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, or “America the Beautiful” as a new national anthem. I don’t suspect we will see a change anytime soon, though. According to a 2020 poll by YouGov, 60% of Americans think the national anthem should remain “The Star-Spangled Banner”. And that’s fine. All I know is that I’ll be spinning ten different renditions of “America the Beautiful” before Independence Day is over.
But yes, you and I can both play "America the Beautiful" on July 4th and start a new trend!
I get it. People love tradition, and they don't actually listen to the words or know what it means (as I didn't until Thea's post). They just love that it's the national song they've sung their whole lives, which gives it special meaning. Who doesn't love singing "ba-bombs bursting in air"?
A movement to change it could erupt into another civil war!! People have very strong opinions on this one!