Was The Melody Of The Star Spangled Banner Taken From An Old Drinking Song

Rumor has it that the melody of “The Star Spangled Banner” was taken from an old colonial drinking song. If so, what were the original, pre-Francis Scott Key words? Can you print them uncut and complete so I can get a singalong going in the clubs?—Reena Pearl, West Hollywood, California

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You probably have the idea that “To Anacreon in Heaven” is some raucous foot-stomper, and by comparison to the national anthem I suppose it is. However, a generation raised on “99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall” may find it pretty heavy going. Here’s the first verse:

To Anacreon, in heav’n, where he sat in full glee, A few sons of harmony sent a petition That he their inspirer and patron would be; When this answer arriv’d from the jolly old Grecian– Voice, fiddle, and flute, No longer be mute; I’ll lend ye my name, and inspire yet to boot: And, besides, I’ll instruct ye, like me, to intwine The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus’s vine.

RIBBON RAP RUDELY RIPPED

The first widespread “yellow ribbon fever” was not in 1981 [March 1] but rather 1973, when the POWs were released from Vietnam. I distinctly remember newsreels of wives, daughters, and sweethearts wearing or displaying this emblem when greeting their loved ones. In fact, I believe the song’s massive popularity at the time was due to popular belief that the “prison” mentioned in the lyrics was the Hanoi Hilton.

Art accompanying story in printed newspaper (not available in this archive): illustration/Slug Signorino.