For some reason (maybe the upcoming 4th) I have had this little obsession or something with singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” as I’m working. My family sometimes thinks it’s funny; most of the time they are quite annoyed and ask me to shut up. Guess I can’t blame them. I do sing quite loudly, and stop abruptly with an “Umm…” when I can’t remember the words or melody. I did that while doing the dishes on Tuesday. So next thing I know, Dad comes out with a printed sheet of the full lyrics! That was encouraging. 
He especially likes the last stanza:
O! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war’s desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav’n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
And while we’re at it, thought I’d share this great performance of our national anthem, sung a cappella by five young girls. They only sing the first stanza, but it really sounds beautiful! Check it out!
Awww! Your family tells you to be quiet? You poor thing. To be honest, I know how you feel. Happens all the time ’round here!
And I have always loved the national anthem, especially when played with just orchestra music before a ball game. So good!
We tell you to be quiet?? Either I don’t see that, or they do and it doesn’t have any effect.
It’s good to know the words. But look out– if you sing it in public, people may stand up and remove their hats. Not a bad thing, but we’re “supposed” to rise at the sound of the National Anthem.