History of North America

Why is the first verse of star spangled banner most common?

The Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem of the United States of America. It is sung on many occasions, but the first verse is the most well-known and commonly sung part. This is because the first verse is the most patriotic and inspiring, and it encapsulates the main themes of the national anthem. It also mentions events from its origins: the War of 1812.

Here is the first verse of the Star-Spangled Banner:

> Oh, say, can you see by the dawn's early light,

> What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?

> Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,

> O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?

> And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

> Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;

> Oh, say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave,

> O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?