The song is To Anacreon in Heaven, and yes, it was a favorite drinking song at
the time. In fact, there were groups formed to the dedication of drinking to
it. American history is full of that sort of stuff. From British solders
ridiculing us as faux macaroni's and our falling in love with it, setting it to
song, to our marine hymn, which came from a vaudeville bit about gay solders.
We've got a very colorful and irreverent history.
>>> "Simmons, Reid W" <reid.w.simmons@intel.com> 07/05 4:25 PM >>>
I seem to remember being told that the tune for the 'Star Spangled Banner'
is an old British drinking song somewhat akin to our "99 bottles of bear on
the wall". How ironic.
Reid
'79 Spitfire (original owner)
-----Original Message-----
From: Laura.G@141.com [mailto:Laura.G@141.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 04, 2000 8:28 AM
To: Spitfires@autox.team.net; al-stewart@things.org
Subject: Rockets Red Glare...off topic
Happy Fourth to you all.
I was just watching a documentary about the history of the Star Spangled
Banner. Very interesting-when they went through the story of Fort
McHenry-it's really a very moving story and moment in our history. When you
know the story, it really brings to life the words of the song-and makes
them all the more poignant and dramatic.
Too bad the melody is so difficult!
Maybe instead of a movement to replace it entirely, there should just be new
music composed for it-something that would keep to the spirit of the peice,
but easier to sing without opera training!
Anyway, Happy Fourth!
Laura G.
|