United States's National Anthem
The national anthem of the United States is called “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The music for the song was originally written around 1773 by John Stafford Smith. The lyrics were taken from the poem “Defence of Fort M’Henry” written by Francis Scott Key in 1814. The inspiration for the poem and the part taken for use in the national anthem were inspired by the U.S. flag that Key observed during the War of 1812.
The national anthem was first recognized for official use in 1889, although it was not adopted officially until 1931. Prior to this, it grew in popularity as a patriotic song, while hymns were being used during official functions. The national anthem of the United States has four stanzas but typically the first is sung. The song has a theme of patriotism, highlighting what Key felt while watching the flag flu over Fort Henry. The national anthem features a range of 19 semitones, making it one of the most difficult national anthems to sing.