By Common Sense

February 16, 2011 8:41 AM | Link to this

Yes, I do know the lyrics. But don’t they usually have the words running across the scoreboard (or at least somewhere) of any game this is being sung at?

By Common Sense

February 16, 2011 8:49 AM | Link to this

@ Alternate, Shouldn’t you be standing on a ledge somwhere?

By Retired Air Force

February 16, 2011 9:00 AM | Link to this

Sure do. I have sang it many times before, during and after my service to the United States of America.

By Alternate

February 16, 2011 9:00 AM | Link to this

Yes, Common Sense, with you…as we all get ready to jump to our doom as a country. “Shouldn’t” should be spelled with a small “s”…”somwhere” is spelled “somewhere”. I learned this in school prior to schools becoming grief counselor centers, and self image is now taught instead of spelling.

By Common Sense

February 16, 2011 9:09 AM | Link to this

Hee hee hee, That’s the best you got….a spelling correction! Maybe you should go lay down now. Your meds are starting to wear off perfesser.

By Alternate

February 16, 2011 9:20 AM | Link to this

Being able to spell has one up on you.

By Common Sense

February 16, 2011 9:41 AM | Link to this

Ahhh, Then i shall bow down to the chosen one. You are spell…binding sir.

By Retired Sgt

February 16, 2011 10:01 AM | Link to this

I don’t think that Christina “forgot” the lyrics, I think it was probably more of Christina “searching” for the next note, and how she was going to sing the fraze, and became confused where she was at in the song, then tried, unsuccessfully, to cover the flub. It happens. In answer to the question, yes, I know the lyrics to teh Anthem.

By Alternate

February 16, 2011 10:04 AM | Link to this

Naw…Common Sense…no need to. You’re just a smart a$$ like I am…..

By The Throat

February 16, 2011 10:14 AM | Link to this

Too bad the singer Minni Riperton (spelling, sorry) died in the 80’s. She had a three octive voice (more, possibly) and I’m sure she could have aced our “difficult to hit the notes” National Anthem.

By The Throat

February 16, 2011 10:17 AM | Link to this

…also the lyrics…

By rm miamisburg

February 16, 2011 10:30 AM | Link to this

Retired Sgt. No disrespect on your point of view, Aguilera stated after the show, that she had rehearsed the song 4 or 5 times before the game to get all set up and was in sync, just lost the words. Which to me is strange as was pointed out by Common Sense. It is shown on the scoreboard, all she would have to do was look up or around to see the words. I have been to GABP for many games over the last few years, have hear it sung many times, by many groups and single people. None of them screwed it up. On Father’s day of 2003, The Oak Ridge Boys, sang the SSB. Did it so well it had many with tears in their eyes. They didn’t screw it up, nor should this female singer. Singing the SSB is not brain surgery. I know it is not a easy song to sing, but if one has sung it many times before as she says she has, then use the scoreboard and look at the words. What I thik is plain stupid, the comment by this Glasper woman. YOU SHOULD NOT SING It -Rather We should listen to the person singing it. WTF is wrong with her. We all should sing it. Bad voices and all. As a Army Veteran, son of a WW 2 Veteran, Brother of a Nam Vet, Who also had a Son serving-he spent time in Iraq and then Afghanistan- for a person saying OH DON’T sing it. Please. Sing it loud and strong and who cares if your voice is bad. Still for a STAR singer to screw it up. Just stupid. The newest word when one screwes up is called doing a Aguilera..

By Dr. Meds

February 16, 2011 10:58 AM | Link to this

rm miamisburg is correct. But!…(here comes the “but”), drug use will impare your faculties no matter how long you practice. You think Aguilera and the boys were watchin’ football prior to half time?! They were imbibbing insome recreational substances. Too bad she used our National Anthem as her on air DUI test.

By null

February 16, 2011 11:04 AM | Link to this

Even if she HAD remembered the words, Christina’s rendition was awful. I wish these performers would skip the urban yodeling and save artistic interpretation for their pop songs. Reminds me of that SNL skit with Maya Rudolf a few years back.

By Common Sense

February 16, 2011 11:05 AM | Link to this

@ Alternate, You’re just saying that because it’s true.

By Alternate

February 16, 2011 11:21 AM | Link to this

Well, Common Sense, “Common Sense” is closer to the truth than being an “Alternate”…so you win! (smart a$$).

By Magic

February 16, 2011 11:25 AM | Link to this

I know the lyrics quite well. Not only because I’m an Army veteran (‘66-‘68)but mainly because I am an American. There are far too many excellent singers out there that perform the national anthem in a professional,respectful manner. I personally recommend Karen Newman from the Detroit Redwings, even Mike Rowe from tv’s Dirty Jobs has performed the Star Spangled Banner a thousand times better than most of these people who try to give their own personal rendition.

By Squirrellygirl

February 16, 2011 11:34 AM | Link to this

David Cook sang it straight up, just like it was meant to be. Christina’s version takes away from the meaning of the song, with all of those unneeded and annoying runs. She was concentrating more on how she sounded, and not so much on the message of the song. I know Christina is a human being and humans do make mistakes, but I wouldn’t have liked her version even if she had gotten all the words correct. BTW, yes, I know all the words to the song. I’m an American.

By Amerigo Vespucci

February 16, 2011 11:45 AM | Link to this

Chris Columbus talked to me in depth about naming the land we discovered…and he thought “Vespucciland” was a little bit too ethnic. (O.K…..Amerigo>>>”America”>>>get it?) The national anthem he proposed was also a little bit too “operatic & ethnic” in his words…(between you and me…he said it’s like a fine Italian dish with way too much Linguini sauce) so he decided to wait and let Francis Scott Key compose it. Turns out that Fran screwed it up more than any Italian opera singer could. Hey…just thought you’d want some insider information…it’s called “history”. (P.S. There must’ve been alot of “tenors”…dudes with tight pants, in those days).

By Common Sense

February 16, 2011 11:48 AM | Link to this

@ Alternate, Now you’re just being mean.

By Songs

February 16, 2011 12:17 PM | Link to this

Helen Keller could sing the National Anthem better that most I’ve heard through the years. Magic and Squirrellygirl are correct in the suggestions of people who can sing it. I did enjoy Amerigo’s versions of history, though!! LOL!

By neebuck

February 16, 2011 2:34 PM | Link to this

Bill Ashworth and Laranda Glasper should be ashamed of themselves - not sing our country’s national anthem because it’s rude??? What?? Better yet, you don’t even know the words??? Shameful and unAmerican. As for Aguilera’s faux pax, shameful for an American, not to mention a professional. Ya get what ya pay for!!

By Retired Sgt

February 16, 2011 2:56 PM | Link to this

Since we are talking versions, one of the best versions I have ever heard is Whitney Houston’s version (Before the meltdown).

By Lea

February 16, 2011 3:04 PM | Link to this

If you don’t know the words, go back to school. And it should be sung in a straightforward manner - we don’t care who you are or how much money you waste, we just want to hear you pay tribute to our country. And yes, I know all the verses.

By Phil Atio

February 16, 2011 3:12 PM | Link to this

Where is it written that it should be sung in a “straigthtforward manner”? What does that even mean? So Lea’s interpretation should be how everyone sings it?

By Clint Toris

February 16, 2011 3:16 PM | Link to this

What does being a veteran or knowing a brothers ex-neighbors friends former cat owner who also served in the Army have to do with it? Quit promoting yourself. They asked if you knew the lyrics, not what your affiliation with the armed services record is or was.

By Lea

February 16, 2011 3:56 PM | Link to this

@Phil Atio: Go to a music store. Buy the sheet music. Learn the song AS IT WAS WRITTEN. This way, you could be Pavarotti, a little kid, or tone deaf - and still sound good singing it. All the garbage added to it isn’t about paying tribute to our country, it’s about glamorizing the singer.

By Roberta Perry

February 16, 2011 4:06 PM | Link to this

Okay, i want to know how many people could stand in front of billions of people and sing the anthem. She is human and we all make mistakes. I have song the anthem before it certainly is not the easiest song to sing and it has a lot of words. So, if you are not accustom to singing that song i understand how she missed a few words but i also think that your heart has to be in the right place and remember for whom you are singing that song to and the reason. Depending on who you are and what you stand for a certain song is embedded in your mind and heart but if you are just singing it just because you were asked on one of the most watched events in America well you just might mess up. Go easy on her, she has already beat herself up.

By Mantis

February 16, 2011 6:36 PM | Link to this

I agree with Retired Sgt, Whitney Houston’s version of the Star Spangled Banner is on of the best ever. I would rank it number 2, behind Jennifer Hudson’s version. Having said that, does anyone agree with me that “America The Beautiful” should be the National Anthem?

By Andy Phucter

February 16, 2011 7:13 PM | Link to this

Mantis, you should call your congressman with that brilliant idea. I’m sure they would love to shake things up b/c you like that song better. Tradition be damned.

By Anonyms

February 16, 2011 7:37 PM | Link to this

At least the comments about our National Anthem from from Phil Atio, Clint Toris, and Andy Phucter are heterosexual in nature.

By nyc

February 16, 2011 8:54 PM | Link to this

i see no reason for them to continue playing the song …everytime there is a sporting event…if you’ve heard it once ..there is no need to play it again…it holds no meaning for me…

By Cathy

February 16, 2011 8:55 PM | Link to this

It’s called the “National” Anthem. That means that every American should know the words. And be able to sing it everytime it is played. I hate going to events that feature singers who add notes and go away from the way it was written. I have never heard anyone ever do such a thing to Canada’s “God Save The Queen.” I for one also sing along regardless. It is MY nations anthem and I am proud to be a part of it and should be able to sing it too.

By bill

February 16, 2011 9:11 PM | Link to this

I don’t care if someone makes a mistake singing the national anthem, I just wish they would learn how to properly hang their flags…

By rm miamisburg

February 17, 2011 9:53 AM | Link to this

Hey Clint. Being a Veteran gives us a much better reason for knowing the words and singing them at events. We were on the front lines fighting, thus we are proud to sing the SSB. So your comments on what does serving in the military have to do with this, well go stick your head back in the sand. If a veteran who put his neck out in service of the US, can’t make it plain how they feel about a SINGER, screwing up the SSB, then something is wrong with you,not us. None of us who served are PROMOTING Ourselves as you seem to believe. If that was true, then we would have run for an elected office. It is “We few, we Band Of Brothers” who put it on the line. We had friends die in our arms, We carried these men to there resting places. In my case In my case, my brother was KIA, We carry the shards of metal from those long forgotten battle’s, So excuse me if We are proud to say We served. Can you say the same thing Clint? I think perhaps the Song should be changed to God Bless America, from the SSB, but that is up to Congress and they can’t agree on what type of bottle water to serve in the lunch room’s. Perhaps all sports events should go to a recording of the SSb, that way we will stop having stupid people screwing up the words. Sorry Clint, I hope no one winds up in a fox hole with you when the chips are down.

By Retired Sgt

February 17, 2011 10:20 AM | Link to this

Isnt Canada’s National Anthem “O Canada” (we stand on guard for thee)? Just asking…

By Clint Toris

February 17, 2011 10:21 AM | Link to this

No it doesn’t. It’s for everyone, not just for members of the military. They asked if you knew the lyrics, not for your life story. Read it again jack wagon, nobody is doubting your patriotism. I asked why you have to tell us your life story and promote your own history, which you’re still doing. I don’t recall reading anywhere that it said it was more special for military members. You can feel as different as you want, but just b/c someone didn’t serve in the military doesn’t mean they don’t feel the same way. And I did serve, so how dare you. I’ll do you one better. I hope nobody winds up within 30 feet of your ignorance whether the chips are down or not. I’m sure you’d just talk about yourself the whole time.

By Nance

February 17, 2011 10:59 AM | Link to this

Personally, I think Rosanne Barr did the best job….

By agreed

February 17, 2011 11:28 AM | Link to this

I agree with the comments regarding Whitney’s rendition. I believe she came in off the rehab bus, nailed the anthem, and then got right back on the bus. Don’t mess with Whitney, baby. Donna Summer’s would be the second best, followed by some lady I once heard sing before a 5k race.

By Squirrellygirl

February 17, 2011 11:37 AM | Link to this

No, I don’t think we should change our national anthem to America The Beautiful. The national anthem will give you goosebumps if you really think about the words, “the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night, that our flag was still there…” It’s a beautiful song. Our brave soldiers defended our country and the flag is still there. We need to remember how much and how many lives have been sacrificed so that we can stay a free country, a Republic, and not a “democracy” like China or Iran. And David Cook is my favorite singer of the national anthem. Yes, Christina is still human and still makes mistakes, yet all the fake runs makes me think she cared more about how her voice sounded then the content of the song she was singing, and for that I don’t care for her as an artist nor as an American. Straight up is how our national anthem should be sung, anything else is OVER THE TOP and draws attention away from the flag and back on to the artist who is merely there to have their ego stroked!

By Human

February 17, 2011 11:57 AM | Link to this

So much vitriol in the posts! I assume ALL adult Americans know the lyrics when given a reasonable chance to recall them. Is there the potential for ANYone of us to confuse the words when singing solo at a steady pace in front of many people though? Of course! That said, if the lyrics were available on a screen somewhere within her field of vision, Christina has little excuse. Of course, the best version I’ve heard is Whitney’s (regardless of her subsequent fall)!

By NCF

February 17, 2011 12:30 PM | Link to this

I know the first verse. If asked to sing it for a major event, I’d sing the first and the LAST verses, and in such a way as people could sing along — and in the key of G major. I think Ms. Glasper’s answer epitomizes the issue, in that all too often it becomes a performance. That would be like not singing the hymns in church because the choir, minister, or worship team is ‘performing’. The singer of the National Anthem is to lead us, not to entertain or amuse us.

By Enrico Palazzio

February 17, 2011 4:48 PM | Link to this

“dah da da dah da da daah … ”

By Timothy

February 17, 2011 6:53 PM | Link to this

In my opinion the real reason she messed up the National Anthem is because everyone born here learned a specific way to sing it. This is repeated throughout their young life. At some point, some entertainers try putting their style to a song. A make their own as you will. In doing this, the two styles conflicted her. This caused her to stumble her singing, thus the mistake. As for my singing along, I do. Everyone SHOULD! To me it shows disrespect not to sing along. People go to concerts and sing a long. If you want to just listen, buy a cd.

By jus me

February 17, 2011 8:29 PM | Link to this

at least she did not grab her crotch and spit….

By Lydia

February 18, 2011 3:34 AM | Link to this

The Superbowl is a high-stakes, high-stress event. Flubbing a line or fumbling a ball shouldn’t be made into a big deal. She knows the lyrics, is American-born, and a great singer. Stress = occasional mistakes. Tried public speaking lately? Even the pros screw up every now and then. She’s publicly sung it twice before without incident. Give the woman a break!

By Superbowl fan

February 18, 2011 11:25 AM | Link to this

Hey Rm and Clint. Cool off. I see where Rm is coming from. His brother was KIA, He served and then Clint, you have the asp to call him names. Just step back you two. So the question is IF you know the lines for it. Still I salute you both,Clint that is if you did serve- you have a fake name so must be hiding something- give us when and where. Or are you a Veteran Wannabe? Rm, I thank you and your family for serving,you gave a brother, then went and served, now your son and a nephew serving. So both of you clam down. IF this is the RM I know, then Clint you have no clue about him or his family. If this is the same RM, He rarely talks about his service , give 100% back to Miamisburg, works hard on many committes around the Burg, so Clint until I know who you are, I am writing you off as a no body. I mean Please Clint Toris. What an asp you must be. Or better yet, I’ll contact the DDN and have them remove your posts.. NAy that wouldn’t work, you would just come back on here as someone else.

By Common Sense

February 18, 2011 12:17 PM | Link to this

@ Lydia, I understand your point, but in a public speaking event one doesn’t have the words running across a huge screen that they can see. She had that luxury and still didn’t get it right. Maybe she was more focused on trying to hit various vocal ranges than to just SING THE SONG.

By Stargazer

February 18, 2011 1:36 PM | Link to this

Seems we got away from the point…that being…that generation and other gens cannot sing the NA or recite the Pleage of Alleigance because it is not being taught in schools for fear of offending someone. We have and are moving away from the very core this country was built on by our forefathers. Where is the respect for the flag and our country? Just take a walk thru Arlington Cemetary and visit the Vietnam Wall. Then let me know. I sing the NA with my hand over my heart every chance I get and stand up and recite the Pledge of Alleigance. God Bless the USA!!!!!

By In 2 generations all gone

February 18, 2011 1:37 PM | Link to this

Words used to be framed and on the school room wall along with Pledge of Alligience and pictures of Geo. Washington and Abe Lincoln. I realize that nowadays that is ancient history kinda like the pyramids. Certainly of no value to young people because it it not on their I-pod.

By BigJack

February 18, 2011 1:48 PM | Link to this

I’ve sung the National Anthem numerous times for various audiences. That said, I did lose track and got them wrong singing at a WSU basketball game years ago. It was embarassing becuase I know the anthem, I just lost my place. Stuff happens- at least it didn’t happen to me in the Super Bowl!

By Clint Toris

February 18, 2011 2:04 PM | Link to this

Superballs fan, you’re not the validation for anything. Nor do I need to prove anything to you, I give two shiznits what you think. Contact the man in the moon for all I care. I said what I wanted and stand by it.

By Beaver

February 20, 2011 12:50 PM | Link to this

Oh, 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, thro’ the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watch’d, were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof thro’ 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?

By tiredofit!

February 22, 2011 11:01 AM | Link to this

i wish those singing it would not feel compelled to change the melody, i know the words but id never attempt to sing it by myself solo at an event like that.because i cant sing a lick.