Welcome to the ultimate guide to the Star-Spangled Banner lyrics! Here, you’ll find the complete text of the U.S. national anthem, including all four verses, along with historical annotations, multilingual translations, and free downloadable resources. Whether you’re a patriot, educator, student, or music enthusiast, this page is your go-to resource for understanding and celebrating the anthem that symbolizes American resilience and freedom.
The Complete Lyrics of the Star-Spangled Banner
The Star-Spangled Banner was written by Francis Scott Key in 1814 during the War of 1812, inspired by the defense of Fort McHenry. Below are all four verses, as preserved by the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
Verse 1
O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light*,
What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watch’d 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,
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
Verse 2
On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream,
’Tis the star-spangled banner, O long may it wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Verse 3
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore,
That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion
A home and a Country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wash’d out their foul footstep’s pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave*
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave,
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Verse 4
O thus be it ever when freemen shall stand
Between their lov’d home and the war’s desolation!
Blest with vict’ry and peace may the Heav’n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserv’d 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!
Multilingual Translations
The Star-Spangled Banner resonates globally. Here are translations of the first verse in Spanish, French, and Mandarin, verified for accuracy.
Lyric Meaning and Symbolism
The Star-Spangled Banner is more than a song—it’s a symbol of American endurance. Key’s lyrics capture the resilience of a young nation during the War of 1812. “The dawn’s early light” signifies hope after battle, while “the bombs bursting in air” reflects the violence of war. The repeated refrain, “O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave,” underscores the values of liberty and courage that define the United States.
Learn more about the anthem’s history and its creation during the defense of Fort McHenry.
Accessibility Features
We’re committed to making the Star-Spangled Banner accessible to all. In addition to our large-print PDF, we offer:
- Audio Narration: Listen to the lyrics narrated for visually impaired users. (Placeholder—upload an audio file later)
- Sign Language Video: A video interpretation in American Sign Language (ASL) will be added soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore More
Love the lyrics? Dive deeper into the Star-Spangled Banner’s story:
- Discover the history behind the anthem’s creation.
- Watch iconic performances by artists like Whitney Houston.
- Download sheet music to play the anthem yourself.