Star Spangled Banner and Lift Every Voice and Sing, a
detailed look at each.
"Lift Every Voice and Sing," often referred to as
the Black National Anthem, is a powerful hymn written by James Weldon Johnson
(lyrics) and set to music by his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson, in 1900. It's a
song that encapsulates the struggles, resilience, hope, and faith of the
African American experience. Here's a breakdown of its verses and their
meanings:
Verse
1
·
"Lift every voice and
sing, Till earth and heaven ring":
This opening calls for everyone to sing with such volume and spirit that their
voices reach and resonate through the heavens and earth, symbolizing a
universal cry for freedom and equality.
·
"Ring with the harmonies
of Liberty": It emphasizes the desire for the
harmonious existence of freedom, suggesting that liberty for African Americans
is integral to the nation's harmony.
·
"Let our rejoicing rise
High as the listening skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea": The song encourages joy and pride to rise and expand
boundlessly, comparable to the natural grandeur of the sky and the sea,
symbolizing the vastness and depth of their collective aspirations and the
strength of their voices.
Verse
2
·
"Sing a song full of the
faith that the dark past has taught us":
This line acknowledges the painful history of slavery and segregation but also
the strength and faith gained from enduring these hardships.
·
"Sing a song full of the
hope that the present has brought us":
It reflects on the progress made towards equality and justice, expressing
optimism for the present.
·
"Facing the rising sun of
our new day begun Let us march on till victory is won": This is a call to action, suggesting that with the dawn of
a new day (symbolizing hope and new beginnings), the fight for justice and
equality must continue until it is achieved.
Verse
3
·
"Stony the road we trod,
Bitter the chastening rod":
These lines describe the difficult and often violent path towards freedom and
equality.
·
"Felt in the days when
hope unborn had died": Reflects
moments of despair when it seemed like progress was impossible.
·
"Yet with a steady beat,
Have not our weary feet Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?": Despite the challenges, the African American community has
made significant strides towards achieving the dreams of their ancestors for
freedom and dignity.
Verse
4
·
"We have come over a way
that with tears has been watered":
Acknowledges the sacrifices and struggles endured on the path to freedom.
·
"We have come, treading
our path through the blood of the slaughtered": Remembers those who died in the struggle for civil rights
and freedom.
·
"Out from the gloomy past,
Till now we stand at last Where the white gleam of our bright star is
cast": Suggests emerging from a dark
history into a promising future where they can finally realize their potential
and freedom.
Verse
5
·
"God of our weary years,
God of our silent tears":
This verse is a prayer acknowledging God's guidance through the difficult
times.
·
"Thou who has brought us
thus far on the way; Thou who has by Thy might Led us into the light": It thanks God for leading them towards progress and
enlightenment.
·
"Keep us forever in the
path, we pray": A plea to remain on the path of
righteousness and progress.
·
"Lest our feet stray from
the places, our God, where we met Thee":
A reminder to not forget the spiritual and moral foundations of their struggle.
·
"Shadowed beneath Thy
hand, May we forever stand. True to our God, True to our native land": Concludes with a pledge of loyalty both to God and to
their country, emphasizing a desire to stand firm in their faith and commitment
to justice and freedom within the United States.
Each verse of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" tells a
part of the African American journey from slavery to the fight for civil
rights, and it remains a symbol of hope, resilience, and unity.
Verse
1
·
"O say can you see, by the
dawn's early light": This
opening line sets the scene in the early morning hours, questioning the
observer if they can see the flag in the first light of dawn, following the
battle.
·
"What so proudly we hailed
at the twilight's last gleaming":
Refers to the American flag, which was proudly observed as the evening came,
symbolizing the nation's ideals and sovereignty.
·
"Whose broad stripes and
bright stars thru the perilous fight":
The flag, described in detail, represents the United States enduring through
the dangers of the war.
·
"O'er the ramparts we
watched, were so gallantly streaming?":
Indicates that the observers (including Key himself) watched the flag flying
over the fort's walls during the battle.
·
"And the rocket's red
glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag
was still there": Describes the chaotic battle with
bombs and rockets, which illuminated the flag, reassuring the observers of
their nation's persistence.
·
"O say does that
star-spangled banner yet wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of the
brave?": Ends the verse with a rhetorical
question, highlighting the flag's endurance as a symbol of the nation's freedom
and the courage of its people.
Verse
2
·
"On the shore dimly seen
through the mists of the deep":
Describes the uncertain visibility from the shore, peering out into the foggy
aftermath of the battle.
·
"Where the foe's haughty
host in dread silence reposes":
The British forces, described as arrogant, are silently regrouping or
reflecting after the battle.
·
"What is that which the
breeze, o'er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half
discloses?": The flag is partially hidden and
revealed by the wind, symbolizing the ongoing struggle for clarity and victory.
·
"Now it catches the gleam
of the morning's first beam, In full glory reflected now shines in the
stream": The dawn's light reveals the flag
in full glory, a metaphor for triumph and resilience.
·
"‘Tis the star-spangled
banner, O long may it wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the
brave": A hopeful declaration that the
flag (and thus, the nation it represents) will continue to endure and symbolize
freedom and bravery.
Verse
3
·
"And where is that band
who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion": Questions the fate of the British attackers who
confidently promised destruction.
·
"A home and a country,
should leave us no more?":
Challenges the enemy's threat to take away the Americans' home and nation.
·
"Their blood has washed
out their foul footsteps' pollution":
The sacrifice of American soldiers has cleansed the land of the enemy's
presence.
·
"No refuge could save the
hireling and slave From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave": Asserts that no one fighting against the U.S., whether
mercenaries or those with no choice, could escape the consequences of their
actions.
·
"And the star-spangled
banner in triumph doth wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of the
brave": Reaffirms the victory of the
United States and its ideals, symbolized by the flag.
Verse
4
·
"O thus be it ever, when
freemen shall stand Between their loved home and the war's desolation!": A call for future generations to defend their country and
its freedoms with the same valor.
·
"Blest with vict'ry and
peace, may the Heav'n rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and
preserved us a nation!":
A prayer of gratitude for divine protection and victory, hoping for peace.
·
"Then conquer we must,
when our cause it is just, And this be our motto: ‘In God is our trust.’": Declares a moral obligation to triumph in just causes,
placing faith in divine guidance.
·
"And the star-spangled
banner in triumph shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the
brave": Concludes with the vision of the
flag waving over a nation that remains free and courageous, a lasting symbol of
American identity and values.
Each verse of "The Star-Spangled Banner"
contributes to the overarching theme of American resilience, patriotism, and
the sacrifices made for freedom, encapsulating the emotions and values at the
heart of the United States' national identity.
Historical
Context and Origin
·
"The Star-Spangled
Banner" was penned by Francis Scott Key in
1814 during the War of 1812, inspired by the sight of the American flag still
waving after a night of bombardment on Fort McHenry by the British. It reflects
a specific moment of American resilience against external aggression.
·
"Lift Every Voice and
Sing" was written by James Weldon Johnson
in 1900 as a poem and later set to music by his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson.
It was initially performed as part of a celebration of Abraham Lincoln's
birthday at a segregated school. The song emerged from the African American
experience, particularly reflecting the struggles and aspirations of African
Americans post-slavery and during the Jim Crow era.
Themes
and Messages
·
"The Star-Spangled
Banner" focuses on national pride, the
physical flag as a symbol of American resilience and freedom, and the victory
over British forces during a specific battle. Its themes are patriotism,
military valor, and national unity against external threats.
·
"Lift Every Voice and
Sing" addresses the journey of African
Americans from slavery to the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality.
It speaks to themes of hope, faith, resilience, and the fight for justice and
liberty within the nation.
Tone
and Perspective
·
"The Star-Spangled
Banner" adopts a tone of triumphant
nationalism, celebrating a specific historical event where the American flag
symbolized the nation's survival and victory.
·
"Lift Every Voice and
Sing" offers a broader, more reflective
tone that acknowledges past struggles, celebrates progress, and looks forward
to a future of equality and freedom. It serves as a hymn of encouragement and a
prayer for divine support in the ongoing journey towards justice.
Cultural
and Symbolic Role
·
"The Star-Spangled
Banner" serves as the national anthem of
the United States, symbolizing the country's sovereignty, military history, and
unity. It is played at official events and sports games, representing national
pride.
·
"Lift Every Voice and
Sing" is often referred to as the Black
National Anthem, symbolizing the African American fight for freedom and
equality. It holds a special place in African American culture and history,
frequently performed at civil rights events, schools, churches, and community
gatherings.
Purpose
and Use
·
"The Star-Spangled
Banner" is primarily used as a patriotic
anthem, intended to evoke pride in the United States and its history,
particularly celebrating its resilience and independence.
·
"Lift Every Voice and
Sing", while it also evokes pride,
primarily serves as an anthem of solidarity, resilience, and hope among African
Americans. It is a reminder of the past struggles and a call to continue
striving for a just and equitable future.
In summary, while both songs are deeply important to
American cultural identity, "The Star-Spangled Banner" focuses on
national pride and the country's success in battle, serving as a symbol of
unity against external threats. In contrast, "Lift Every Voice and
Sing" reflects the internal struggle for equality and justice within the
country, serving as a hymn of hope and resilience for African Americans and a
call for continued progress towards civil rights.
Why is it important for people at a
sporting event to sign both songs? Is the black national anthem inclusive of
people other than blacks, if so, how and where in the song do we find this
inclusivity?
Importance
of Singing Both Songs
·
Recognition of Diversity: Performing both anthems highlights the diverse fabric of
American society, acknowledging that the national experience encompasses
multiple narratives, including those of racial and ethnic minorities.
·
Educational Value: It serves as an opportunity to educate attendees about the
historical significance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and the
African American experience, promoting awareness and understanding.
·
Solidarity and Unity: Including the Black National Anthem is a gesture of
solidarity and recognition of the African American struggle for justice and
equality, fostering a sense of unity and inclusiveness within the national
identity.
Inclusivity
of "Lift Every Voice and Sing"
"Lift Every Voice and Sing" transcends its
specific origins within the African American community to embody universal
themes of hope, resilience, and the quest for freedom and justice. While it
speaks directly to the African American experience, its messages can resonate
with a broader audience. Here's where we find inclusivity in the song:
·
Universal Themes: The song's themes of overcoming adversity, maintaining
faith through trials, and striving for a better future are universal. These
themes can resonate with anyone who has faced or is aware of the struggle for
rights, recognition, and equality.
·
Call to Unity and Action: The song, while rooted in the African American experience,
calls for unity and collective action towards a just society. This message encourages
all listeners to support the ongoing fight for equality and to stand together
in solidarity.
·
Acknowledgment of Shared
Struggles: By recognizing the specific
challenges faced by African Americans, the song also opens the door to
acknowledging and addressing other injustices within society. It fosters a
culture of empathy and support for all who struggle against oppression and
inequality.
Inclusivity
in the Lyrics
The lyrics of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" do not
explicitly mention race, making its calls for liberty, faith, and perseverance
applicable to a wide audience. Phrases like "Let us march on till victory
is won" and "true to our God, true to our native land" emphasize
loyalty, faith, and the continuous struggle for justice, themes that many can
identify with, regardless of their racial or ethnic background.
In conclusion, singing both "The Star-Spangled
Banner" and "Lift Every Voice and Sing" at sporting events is a
practice that enriches the collective American identity by including the voices
and experiences of African Americans. "Lift Every Voice and Sing"
offers messages that, while rooted in the specific history of one community,
have the power to inspire and unite people across different backgrounds in the
shared values of hope, resilience, and the pursuit of justice.
Understanding
the Concerns
Some individuals might view the designation of "Lift
Every Voice and Sing" as the Black National Anthem as exclusionary or
divisive, arguing that it could foster racial separation rather than unity.
This perspective might stem from:
·
Misunderstanding the Purpose: Not fully understanding the song's historical context or
its role in celebrating the African American journey towards freedom and
equality.
·
Concerns About National Unity: Fearing that having multiple national anthems could
undermine a unified national identity.
Context
and Inclusivity
However, considering the song as racist overlooks its
inclusive and universal themes of hope, struggle, and liberation. "Lift
Every Voice and Sing" transcends racial boundaries by:
·
Emphasizing Shared Human Values: The song's themes are universal, advocating for freedom,
justice, and resilience in the face of adversity—values that can resonate with
people of all backgrounds.
·
Acknowledging Diversity Within
Unity: Recognizing and celebrating the
unique experiences of African Americans does not negate the shared American
identity but rather enriches it. It allows for a more inclusive national
narrative that acknowledges the contributions and histories of all its people.
Educational
and Reconciliatory Role
Rather than being racist, the song and its recognition serve
an educational role, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of
American history and the diverse experiences of its people. It can be a tool
for reconciliation and healing, offering a way to:
·
Acknowledge Historical
Injustices: Recognizing the specific struggles
faced by African Americans through history and in the present.
·
Promote Dialogue and
Understanding: Encouraging conversations about
race, history, and the ongoing quest for equality and justice in America.
Conclusion
The
perception of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" as racist by some non-Black
individuals may stem from misunderstandings or concerns about national unity.
However, acknowledging and appreciating the song's significance is a step
towards a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of American identity.
It's important to approach such discussions with empathy, openness, and a
willingness to understand the historical and cultural contexts that give rise
to these expressions of identity and experience.
Understanding
the Historical Context
"Lift Every Voice and Sing" was written as a
response to the specific historical circumstances and systemic injustices faced
by African Americans. It's a song born out of the legacy of slavery, segregation,
and the struggle for civil rights, encapsulating hope, resilience, and a
longing for justice and equality. The song's purpose is not to segregate or
exclude, but rather to acknowledge a history of oppression and the ongoing
fight against it.
The
Concept of Inclusivity vs. Exclusivity
The idea of inclusivity—central to the ethos of "Lift
Every Voice and Sing"—is about recognizing and valuing the diverse
experiences that make up the fabric of a society. When the song is played at
sporting events or other public forums, it's an acknowledgment of the
contributions and sufferings of African Americans, aiming to foster a more
inclusive national identity that accounts for all its histories, not just the
dominant narrative.
Addressing
the Idea of a "Song for White People"
The notion of creating a song to celebrate
"whiteness" is problematic within the context of racial dynamics,
primarily because the historical and social experiences associated with being
white in America (and many other parts of the world) are markedly different
from those of being a person of color. Whiteness has been positioned as the
societal norm or default, often at the expense of marginalizing and oppressing
non-white people. Thus, a song celebrating "whiteness" ignores the
power imbalances and historical contexts of racial inequality.
The
Importance of Recognizing Specific Struggles
Acknowledging the struggles of African Americans through
"Lift Every Voice and Sing" does not negate or minimize the hardships
faced by early white settlers or any other group. However, it's important to
distinguish between the adversities faced by settlers, often by choice or as a
consequence of seeking new opportunities, and the systemic, forced oppression
of African Americans through slavery, segregation, and institutional racism.
Navigating
Feelings of Offense
Feeling offended by the inclusion of "Lift Every Voice
and Sing" in sporting events might stem from feeling excluded or believing
that it represents a form of reverse discrimination. However, it's essential to
approach this from a place of empathy and understanding. The song's inclusion
is not about capitulating to one group at the expense of another but about
recognizing and honoring the specific journey and contributions of African
Americans to the nation's history.
Moving
Forward with Empathy and Understanding
Engaging with these issues requires open dialogue, empathy,
and a willingness to understand the complex layers of history and identity.
It's about recognizing that honoring the struggles and achievements of one
group does not diminish the worth or significance of others. Instead, it's a
step towards a more inclusive and equitable society where all histories and
experiences are valued and acknowledged.
In summary, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" serves as
a historical acknowledgment and a call for unity and justice, reflecting the
specific experiences of African Americans. Its inclusion in public life,
including sports, is an opportunity for all Americans to recognize the
diversity of their collective history and to move forward with a greater
understanding and respect for one another.
Reflecting
a Diverse History
·
Historical Acknowledgment: "Lift Every Voice and Sing" is often referred to
as the Black National Anthem because it encapsulates the African American
struggle for freedom and equality. Its increased visibility is part of a
broader effort to acknowledge the contributions and experiences of African
Americans, which have historically been marginalized or overlooked.
·
Inclusivity: Playing "Lift Every Voice and Sing" at public
events, including sports, is a gesture towards inclusivity, recognizing that
the American experience is not monolithic but a tapestry of diverse narratives
and histories.
Addressing
the Current Social Climate
·
Response to Social Movements: The recent emphasis on "Lift Every Voice and
Sing" comes in the context of renewed movements for racial justice and
equality, such as Black Lives Matter. These movements have prompted
institutions and organizations to reevaluate how they represent and honor
different communities within the nation.
·
Educational Opportunity: Introducing the song more broadly serves as an educational
tool, offering a moment to reflect on parts of American history that are often
neglected or misunderstood. It provides a way to engage with and understand the
significance of the African American experience.
National
Unity and Identity
·
Unity in Diversity: Embracing "Lift Every Voice and Sing" alongside
"The Star-Spangled Banner" can be seen as an effort to unify diverse
American experiences under a shared national identity. It's not about division
but about enriching the understanding of what it means to be American.
·
Evolving National Identity: Societies and their symbols, including anthems, evolve
over time. Incorporating "Lift Every Voice and Sing" into public
ceremonies is a recognition that national identity is dynamic and can include
multiple perspectives and histories.
Moving
Forward
·
Dialogue and Understanding: The conversation about anthems is part of a larger
dialogue about race, history, and national identity. It's an opportunity for
reflection and growth, encouraging a more inclusive and comprehensive view of
America's past and its aspirations for the future.
In essence, the discussion around having "two national
anthems" is not about formalizing two official songs for the United States
but rather about recognizing and valuing the complex, multifaceted nature of
American history and identity. "Lift Every Voice and Sing" offers a
way to acknowledge the specific struggles and achievements of African
Americans, contributing to a richer, more inclusive understanding of what it
means to be American.
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