We didn't watch the Superbowl---we don't do sports. I have heard the score, and apart from that, the entire and only subject has been the National Anthem---how truly bad it was, how many thousands of twitters and comments chimed in to complain, and what a lasting distaste it left for the listeners.
In honor of all of us whose idea of singing the National Anthem is just as written---respectful, honoring our nation and not the singer, and without bells, whistles, furbelows, ten-note syllables, agonized facial features, grandstanding, or LOOK AT MEEEEE---
HAVE A MINT.
Two words come to mind -- disgrace and travesty. Sgt. Contreras where were you?
ReplyDeleteAMEN!! You and Southern Lady could not have said it any better! Thank you both.
ReplyDeleteAmen. It was dreadful. She even skipped parts.
ReplyDeleteI agree, totally agree.....
ReplyDeleteI agree that the anthem was butchered. I do not agree that you had any business skipping the Superbowl. It seems.....un-American somehow. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link to them Texan gals. I have sent that one out across the fruited plain to folks who will appreciate it.
I have one more comment and then I'll hush. I loved the video of the little girls singing it the way it should be sung -- with respect and following the music instead of making up their own tune as they went along.
ReplyDeleteEven if Miss Aguilera had sung the correct words, it would STILL have been a disgrace.
Sorry, Rachel ... I'm hushin' now.
Shame on her
ReplyDeleteI missed it because I kept going back and forth from the game coverage to some ballet movie with Anne Bancroft and Shirley Maclaine. I did not think the game was ever going to start! By the time I tuned in, they were about two minutes in.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree. Just sing the song! And have a little respect while you're at it, please!
Well, I must say, that I can forgive her fogetting the words. It is not an easy thing to stand and sing in front of millions of people. How many of us could do it? But, she should be adept at that, as well. But, even with that understanding, I was so ashamed at how she sang what she DID sing. That was not my National Anthem. When sung correctly, it leaves you with a feeling of awe, and reverence. But, all she left me with was an ear ache!
ReplyDeleteI know that everything is sung in a certain style. The traditional songs and hymns that we know and recognize are sung in a style, it's just a style that we are used to. I know all that. BUT - so many people who do the national anthem try to make the song about THEM and the fabulous things that they can do with their instrument - vocal or otherwise (I'm talkin' to YOU Mr. Hendrix). I think that our national anthem is NOT about a singer, but about something bigger. I really think that the best way to do the national anthem is a big, giant singalong. It means more if you are singing it WITH your fellow Americans.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't matter how it is spelled, we always know what people mean. It's a lovely flower and I wish I had a few of them in my yard.
ReplyDeleteJust this morning I wrote in the comment section on AOL exactly what you have written on the top here today.
Taking the opportunity to "show off" while singing our anthem has bothered me for a long time...and I voiced it this morning. I was relieved to read what you wrote publicly here. Thank you!
I cant forgive forgetting the words. There are not that many of them, for pete's sake. Now I'm so glad we missed the game - my husband is still foaming at the mouth about Whitney Houston's rendition years back, and she got all the notes and words in (as well as many extra notes of her own).
ReplyDeleteIts a stirring, military song. It is not intended to be nor does it work bel canto.
Yesterday we got to hear a sailor sing it as part of the 100 years of Navy Flight celebration. He sang it clean and true, and by the end our hats would have been off to him, if they hadnt already been off for Old Glory.