1. I like that the song requires range. Sounds better with multiple voices.
2.No argument there. It sounds like something you would hear coming out of the stands at Goodison Park during the Merseyside Derby.
3. Seems unfair. How many people from any country can sing more than one verse of their anthem, if it even has one? Heck, I'll bet 20% of Americans don't know how the first verse of the SSB starts.
4. I'd say it's the rabid narcissism of performers like Fergie. Instead of just singing the song, everyone has to jazz it up to stand out.
5. I love the question. It almost evokes the image of Key leaning over the gunwales of the Tonnant that morning. "Oh, say, does the Star Spangled Banner yet wave?" Then he turns around and looks at Admiral Cochrane with a
eating grin, flips him off with both hands, and walks away.*But in all seriousness, it does evoke a sense that it isn't guaranteed. That flag isn't just assumed to fly. Someone has to keep it flying.
6. See 5
For all that, I would agree we could have done better. But it's ours now, and at least it doesn't bore you to death like most anthems. I'm looking at you, Canada.
*History of 'Merica according to Woobie, volume 2: **** Yeah!
Depending on what key it's started in, I'm either going to miss the high notes or the low ones.
