A national anthem is a country's national song. The majority of national anthems are marches or hymns in style. The lyrics come from the "Defence of Fort M'Henry", a poem written on September 14, 1814, by 35-year-old lawyer and amateur poet Francis Scott Key after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British ships of the Royal Navy in Baltimore Harbor during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812. Latin American, Central Asian, and European nations tend towards more ornate and operatic pieces, while those in the Middle East, Oceania, Africa, and the Caribbean use a more simplistic fanfare. A national anthem is a patriotic song or musical composition that is either recognized officially by a nation’s government and constitution or is accepted as such by convention through popular use. "The Star-Spangled Banner" is the national anthem of the United States. Let’s take a line-by-line tour of the history and meaning behind the lyrics. The song … This The National song would also go on to inspire the title to the band’s hilarious tour documentary from 2014. The National Q&A: On 'Weird' New Film, Dead Project and What Makes a Bad Show 3. At the time when India achieved independence it certainly was the more popular tune compared to ‘Jana Gana Mana’ which was adopted as the National Anthem by the Constituent Assembly later on. Aaron Dessner explained to The Quietus: "'Loose wool' is 'Terrible Love. Four years on from ‘Murder Me Rachael’, by this point The National had mastered their pent-up, anxious side. History Origins. Dessner’s guitars are like juggernauts towering over the rest of the song. The national anthem reflects the history, struggles, and traditions of a nation and its people and serves as an expression of national identity. "Waltzing Matilda" is Australia's best-known bush ballad, and has been described as the country's "unofficial national anthem". The National’s Matt Berninger has shared a new song, “One More Second,” from his upcoming debut solo album, Serpentine Prison, out October 2nd via Book Records.. The song shares the same status as the National Anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’ barring certain official dictates. And their sixth album may well be their best yet This song's sound is typical of the much denser and heavier instrumentation on High Violet compared to what the National has done previously. Heeney composed it with his melodeon. Band members Matt Berninger and Aaron Dessner delve into their ambitious new collaborative work with filmmaker Mike Mills. The song, as "A Soldier's Song", was composed "early in 1910 or late in 1909", with words by Peadar Kearney, and music by his childhood friend and neighbour Patrick Heeney, who had collaborated on songs since 1903. Their songs are unashamedly intellectual and melancholic, yet the National are one of those rare bands revered by critics and fans alike. 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