Who wrote the lyrics for the Star-Spangled Banner, one of the most iconic national anthems in the world? The answer to this question may surprise many, as the lyrics were penned by a little-known lawyer and amateur poet named Francis Scott Key.
Francis Scott Key was born on August 1, 1779, in Frederick, Maryland. He came from a prominent family, and his father, William Key, was a member of the Continental Congress during the American Revolution. Key received his education at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, and later studied law at the Litchfield Law School in Connecticut.
In 1814, Key was a lawyer living in Baltimore when he was detained by British soldiers during the War of 1812. He was aboard a British ship, where he witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry, a key American fort in Baltimore. After several days of uncertainty, Key was released and returned to Baltimore.
It was during this time that Key was inspired to write the lyrics for the Star-Spangled Banner. The poem was written on September 14, 1814, and was first published in a Baltimore newspaper the following day. The poem was set to the tune of a popular English drinking song called “To Anacreon in Heaven,” composed by John Stafford Smith.
The Star-Spangled Banner quickly gained popularity and was adopted as the national anthem of the United States in 1931. Over the years, it has become a symbol of American pride and resilience. Francis Scott Key’s lyrics, which describe the American flag waving triumphantly over Fort McHenry during the bombardment, have resonated with generations of Americans.
Despite the anthem’s enduring fame, Key’s own life was relatively modest. He practiced law, served as a diplomat, and even became a judge. However, his greatest legacy is undoubtedly the Star-Spangled Banner, a testament to his patriotism and the power of his words. Today, we remember Francis Scott Key as the man who wrote the lyrics for the Star-Spangled Banner, a song that continues to inspire and unite Americans.
