The US National Anthem at Major Sporting Events?

[UKRavenStockers]

Simple enough question coming here. You guys have one of the best national anthems across the world and the rendition I've just heard at the BCS National Title game reinforces a question I've had in mind for some time:


Why on earth do event coordinators allow artists to routinely butcher it at major events? You'd think you couldn't sing it badly but singers are consistently coming up with new ways to absolutely murder a great anthem.


Greatest respect to the anthem, but seriously, why the constant butchering?

[HoustonRaven]

Agreed.

Im not too thrilled about the Miller guy at Ravens home games. He has talent, but I get annoyed at his rendition.

[purplepoe]

The National Anthem should be sung the way it was written.

If people wanna go off on tangents with other songs or add something to other songs, then fine.

Count me in with the crowd that cringes when the singer strays from way the song was written.

It's embarrassing.

Totally agree with Houston. Miller has a great voice. I just wish he'd sing it the way it's supposed to be sung.

PP

[The Fanatic]

The National Anthem should be sung the way it was written.

If people wanna go off on tangents with other songs or add something to other songs, then fine.

Count me in with the crowd that cringes when the singer strays from way the song was written.

It's embarrassing.

You can put me in this class as well.

Just come out, sing the song with feeling and emotion without adding your voice fluctuations and harmonizing riffs to try and add your own flavor to it.

Can't stand when singers do that.

The guy at our games really hasn't been that bad as of late IMO.

At least not compared to some of the other crap you here.

With that being said...
Still wouldn't mind seeing a variety of folks sing it rather then the same guy for 8 freakin' years.

[crazyraven]

Greatest respect to the anthem, but seriously, why the constant butchering?

These fans don't give a shit about the anthem. You want to talk about embarrassing and butchering the anthem, how about when a entire city is the screaming "OOOO" during the Anthem. Its pathetic and has no place in the american way. Show some respect baltimore and lose that crap.

[The Fanatic]

You want to talk about embarrassing and butchering the anthem, how about when a entire city is the screaming "OOOO" during the Anthem. Its pathetic and has no place in the american way. Show some respect baltimore and lose that crap.

I agree with this too.

Never been a big fan of that act either.:patriot:

[purplepoe]

These fans don't give a shit about the anthem. You want to talk about embarrassing and butchering the anthem, how about when a entire city is the screaming "OOOO" during the Anthem. Its pathetic and has no place in the american way. Show some respect baltimore and lose that crap.

Generalize much?

I NEVER scream "OOO" during the anthem as I think it's disrespectful.

A couple more years of the Angelos regime might just take care of it anyway.


PP

[AZRAVEN]

Simple enough question coming here. You guys have one of the best national anthems across the world and the rendition I've just heard at the BCS National Title game reinforces a question I've had in mind for some time:


Why on earth do event coordinators allow artists to routinely butcher it at major events? You'd think you couldn't sing it badly but singers are consistently coming up with new ways to absolutely murder a great anthem.


Greatest respect to the anthem, but seriously, why the constant butchering?

Have you ever tried to sing that thing? Unless you're a trained opera singer it's not possible. Singers "personalize" their renditions to cover for the fact that most of them (and most of the human race) can't reach some of those notes. Musically it's a mess.

[copenhaggard]

Have you ever tried to sing that thing? Unless you're a trained opera singer it's not possible. Singers "personalize" their renditions to cover for the fact that most of them (and most of the human race) can't reach some of those notes. Musically it's a mess.

I've heard plenty of people sing it fine. No one is asking for a symphony, or masterpiece. Just sing the damn song. The people that sung it before my football games sung it better than some of the trash I see on TV.

[Greg]

Considering that the music was originally an English drinking song, the range wasn't a problem because the singers and listeners were drunk. Sober, you realize the big range the song requires.

[copenhaggard]

Considering that the music was originally an English drinking song, the range wasn't a problem because the singers and listeners were drunk. Sober, you realize the big range the song requires.

So you're telling me you're not usually drunk when you hear that song? Gotcha :thumbup: :laugh:

[Mr.Boh]

I guess I'll be the dissenter here. I have no problem with the anthem being adapted by the performer or the "O!". In fact I think it was never done better or with more passion than when hendrix covered it at woodstock. Purplepoe, you said to sing it as it was intended? It wasnt intended to be sung at all. The tune was added later, and is in fact an old english drinking song that was popular at the time.
What I find offensive is that damn Lee Greenwood song we are subjected to every game. And some people expect you to stand for that one. Never. It's not a national anthem! Meaning aside, that is just a crappy song.

[Drkraven]

You don't stand because of Lee Greenwood's song, you stand out of respect for the colors being presented on the field. I can't stand freelancers with the National Anthem and the OOOOOOOOOO is like fingers on a chalk board to me. Miller has done pretty good year and he has the range to nail it. The Anthem needs to be down about 3 octaves for most of the nation to be able to sing it properly.
Whitney Houston in the early 90's BEST EVER at the Superbowl.

[Mista T]

Im not too thrilled about the Miller guy at Ravens home games. He has talent, but I get annoyed at his rendition.

While Mr. Miller used to routinly butcher the National Anthem, let's give him some credit for stepping up the tempo and getting it a lot closer to the actual tune (or perhaps the credit goes to Steve Bisciotti's staff for reigning him in.) He still has a way to go, but he is no longer irritating.

I'd like to see some variety. Ten home games each year with the identical pregame show is a bit too much. Invite guest singers periodically.



These fans don't give a shit about the anthem. You want to talk about embarrassing and butchering the anthem, how about when a entire city is the screaming "OOOO" during the Anthem. Its pathetic and has no place in the american way. Show some respect baltimore and lose that crap.


It may have started with the O's, but it's not going away anytime soon. I have heard the O's cheer during the National Anthem at most stadia I have visited (NFL, college, and MLB). Last away game at Seattle, there weren't more than 50 Ravens fans, but there were several thousand who gave the O's yell. I have no idea why .....




What I find offensive is that damn Lee Greenwood song we are subjected to every game. And some people expect you to stand for that one. Never. It's not a national anthem! Meaning aside, that is just a crappy song.

Couldn't disagree more, Boh Man. Were it not for the near 200-year old tradition of the Star Spangled Banner:usa: , I believe that I'm Proud to Be an American would be an excellent candidate to become our National Anthem. It really gained in popularity after 9/11. It is played as the #2 song in many NFL stadia. At the same time, the movement to replace the Star Spangled Banner as the National Anthem with the mundane & lifeless America the Beautiful appears to have fizzled out.

[purplepoe]

Purplepoe, you said to sing it as it was intended? It wasnt intended to be sung at all. The tune was added later, and is in fact an old english drinking song that was popular at the time.

Let me clarify exactly what I mean.

Not everyone is going to sing the song the same. I understand that.

And whether or not it was intended to be sung or not is irrelevant IMO.

Im talking about the complete free lancing that some people do that sounds horrific.

Holding notes for extreme lengths of time is one example.

Maybe it wasn't intended to be sung but throughout the years there has been a certain standard set that I think many performers don't live up to.

A tweak here and there is understandable, especially when it's being performed live.

Does that make more sense?

PP

[Mr.Boh]

Couldn't disagree more, Boh Man. Were it not for the near 200-year old tradition of the Star Spangled Banner:usa: , I believe that I'm Proud to Be an American would be an excellent candidate to become our National Anthem. It really gained in popularity after 9/11. It is played as the #2 song in many NFL stadia. At the same time, the movement to replace the Star Spangled Banner as the National Anthem with the mundane & lifeless America the Beautiful appears to have fizzled out.
I guess we just have to agree to disagree. I still say Greenwood's song is uninspired and hackneyed, and musically void of merit.
If I had to pick a #2 song for America, imho no song captures the essence of patriotism like Guthrie's "This land is your land", but thats just me.

:usa: :usa: :usa: :usa:

[ravenjoe]

I think Miller does Not deviate from the song. He used to; but, now, I believe, he is singing it the way it should be sung! He has a powerful voice, and he can sing the anthem for as long as he wants to, imo! Also, Proud to be an American is very powerful, and it should continue to be part of the game day ceremonies as well, imo! I would agree that Baltimoron fans should dispense with the OOOOOO during the anthem!

[Mista T]

no song captures the essence of patriotism like Guthrie's "This land is your land", but thats just me.

:usa: :usa: :usa: :usa:



:iagree:

[pyite32]

I love the way that Miller has sung the Anthem this past year. He stayed very vanilla with it this past year and did not vary much. Plus he has an awesome voice, give me chills at the end.

God Bless the USA is a terrible song, there is no way I will ever stand for a country-music song. I sit just to make a point about how crappy the song is even if the colors are being walked out in preparation for the Anthem. Add to this I have actually convinced a few people in my section to sit during this song!!

As far as the OOH goes, I disagree with you all and really like that. We live in a free country, and as far as that goes we are expressing pride in our particular part of that country when we say OOH. It makes me feel closer to Baltimore and love hearing it, especially on the road. Even more so considering the local history with the Anthem being written on our harbor I think it's good that we have a local twist on it.

[Dade]

Have you ever tried to sing that thing? Unless you're a trained opera singer it's not possible. Singers "personalize" their renditions to cover for the fact that most of them (and most of the human race) can't reach some of those notes. Musically it's a mess.


I don't think most people realize that. Especially now a days with everybody doing personalized renditions. I understand most people can't reach those notes but don't bring someone in who completely butchers the song. Or does those "pop" versions (I really hate those).

[ravenwoman]

:iagree:
Simple enough question coming here. You guys have one of the best national anthems across the world and the rendition I've just heard at the BCS National Title game reinforces a question I've had in mind for some time:


Why on earth do event coordinators allow artists to routinely butcher it at major events? You'd think you couldn't sing it badly but singers are consistently coming up with new ways to absolutely murder a great anthem.


Greatest respect to the anthem, but seriously, why the constant butchering?

I agree with many of you on the National Anthem, although I think M. Miller does a fine job here at M&T Bank Stadium. I could do without the Lee Greenwood song for reasons that I won't get into here. I personally would like to hear God Bless America by Kate Smith. It sends chills every time I hear it. I don't get the "O" thing. Does that have something to do with the Orioles? If it does, then, who cares about them?

[festivus]

Thanks for the, umm, props UKRavenStockers, but as national anthems go I'm not a big fan of our own.

Setting aside the huge range it requires, the traditional key (not sure what it is) makes it even more difficult. Lyrically it is downright bizarre; I believe grammatically the entire song is composed of two very long questions, the first one ending only at "was still there?" Both questions also beginning with "Oh say. . ."

Give me "America the Beautiful" any day for our national anthem, thank you very much.

Anyway lyrically and musically the song is painful, and I have no problem with performers applying their own personal stylings to it.

[Losac]

Baltimorons do the "O!" chant because we feel a certain connection to the song since it was, you know, written in Baltimore. You don't like it, just stand there and sulk.

The Lee Greenwood song is beyond corny, hackneyed and lame. People who like that song remind me of the rodeo crowd in Borat.

[Rochardrik]

Simple enough question coming here. You guys have one of the best national anthems across the world and the rendition I've just heard at the BCS National Title game reinforces a question I've had in mind for some time:


Why on earth do event coordinators allow artists to routinely butcher it at major events? You'd think you couldn't sing it badly but singers are consistently coming up with new ways to absolutely murder a great anthem.


Greatest respect to the anthem, but seriously, why the constant butchering?
AMEN!!! I call to mind the rendition in the Simpsons when Homer went to Capital city to be the guest mascot.. The singer began when the sun was high in the sky, and finished as it was setting below the horizon... A quite accurate depiction of how the anthem has become a complete joke! Thanks for allowing me to vent!!!!!

[FellsPointRaven]

If you're looking for a new national anthem, I'd like to nominate "America, F*ck Yeah"

j/k

:patriot:

[Rochardrik]

Have you ever tried to sing that thing? Unless you're a trained opera singer it's not possible. Singers "personalize" their renditions to cover for the fact that most of them (and most of the human race) can't reach some of those notes. Musically it's a mess.

This is absolutely correct. It's a complete mess. AND, in this day and age of politically correctness, how is war a good way to commemorate your country. It should be changed. God Bless America is much more apropo... But you can take the Kate Smith version and burn it as far as I am concerned... She hurts my ears with that singing it like it was a drunken bar fight song. It's as if she's trying to make it a rallying cry (which she was) for going to war... which is the same thing. America The Beautiful would be a MUCH better choice!!!!!JMO

[ravensfan1996]

I have a question to those that think yelling "O" during the national anthem is disrespectful.....In some stadiums and even ours, some people sing along with the national anthem..is that disrespectful? Its not like people are singing or saying a slang term, or changing the words, they are only singing part of the song. IMO it puts the stamp of baltmore on the song. I love hearing it in away stadiums, knowing that other baltimorons are in the crowd.

That being said, I attended the army v Navy game this year and did NOT say O, and didnt hear very many if any "o" chants.....i guess in some situations it just doesnt seem right.

Protocol:
When the song is performed in public, the US National Anthem Code, adopted in 1942, specifies the etiquette rules for playing and responding to the song. The audience members are expected to face the American flag if one is displayed, and stand in an attitude of respectful attention.[7] If the flag is not present, the audience faces the direction of the music and still stands in a respectful attention.[8]

People in uniform, including military personnel, fire service and law enforcement officers, are expected to salute or "present arms" during the national anthem from the first note and hold the salute until the last note is played. People not in military or other uniforms are expected to remove their hats and place their right hands over their hearts.[8]

[Rochardrik]

Baltimorons do the "O!" chant because we feel a certain connection to the song since it was, you know, written in Baltimore. You don't like it, just stand there and sulk.

The Lee Greenwood song is beyond corny, hackneyed and lame. People who like that song remind me of the rodeo crowd in Borat.

1. RIGHT
2. RIGHT... and he gets paid every time it is used!

[HoustonRaven]

You can tell those who never served by their reaction to Lee Greenwood's song.

I, for one, love it and it bring up very fond memories of my service. Keep in mind WHEN that song is played. I bet every veteran on that field has goose bumps while they march out to that song.

"God Bless the USA" is a very service-oriented song and something Im proud to hear during the games. We're one of the very few teams that honors our Vets at all, let alone with a song that is close to the hearts of all vets.

[Rochardrik]

I guess I'll be the dissenter here. I have no problem with the anthem being adapted by the performer or the "O!". In fact I think it was never done better or with more passion than when hendrix covered it at woodstock. Purplepoe, you said to sing it as it was intended? It wasnt intended to be sung at all. The tune was added later, and is in fact an old english drinking song that was popular at the time.
What I find offensive is that damn Lee Greenwood song we are subjected to every game. And some people expect you to stand for that one. Never. It's not a national anthem! Meaning aside, that is just a crappy song.

That Jimi Hendrix version is an absolute masterpiece!! Incredible genius! You can't equate that with the hacks who butcher it routinely!!!! In any way shape or form!!!!

[Rochardrik]

:141847_bdmoon:
While Mr. Miller used to routinly butcher the National Anthem, let's give him some credit for stepping up the tempo and getting it a lot closer to the actual tune (or perhaps the credit goes to Steve Bisciotti's staff for reigning him in.) He still has a way to go, but he is no longer irritating.

I'd like to see some variety. Ten home games each year with the identical pregame show is a bit too much. Invite guest singers periodically.





It may have started with the O's, but it's not going away anytime soon. I have heard the O's cheer during the National Anthem at most stadia I have visited (NFL, college, and MLB). Last away game at Seattle, there weren't more than 50 Ravens fans, but there were several thousand who gave the O's yell. I have no idea why .....




Couldn't disagree more, Boh Man. Were it not for the near 200-year old tradition of the Star Spangled Banner:usa: , I believe that I'm Proud to Be an American would be an excellent candidate to become our National Anthem.:ralph: :ralph: :ralph: It really gained in popularity after 9/11. It is played as the #2 song in many NFL stadia. At the same time, the movement to replace the Star Spangled Banner as the National Anthem with the mundane & lifeless America the Beautiful appears to have fizzled out.

I'm proud to be an american the national anthem! Puke... Puke all over... Puke again.... PUHLEEEEEZE!!!!!:ralph:

[ravenjoe]

"God Bless the USA" is a very service-oriented song and something Im proud to hear during the games. We're one of the very few teams that honors our Vets at all, let alone with a song that is close to the hearts of all vets.
I agree 200%! Great song, and should be a mainstay, along with Miller singing the national anthem!!

[Bez513]

I guess I'll be the dissenter here. I have no problem with the anthem being adapted by the performer or the "O!". In fact I think it was never done better or with more passion than when hendrix covered it at woodstock. Purplepoe, you said to sing it as it was intended? It wasnt intended to be sung at all. The tune was added later, and is in fact an old english drinking song that was popular at the time.
What I find offensive is that damn Lee Greenwood song we are subjected to every game. And some people expect you to stand for that one. Never. It's not a national anthem! Meaning aside, that is just a crappy song.

I think Miller sang great this year. I have been a strong critic of his in years past. I think he was told to cut the crap out and sing it respectfully and he did that this year.

How can you find Greenwood's song offensive?? :grbac: It's a good song and it was cool when he sung it live during he playoffs. How hard is it to sand for that song too? Geez....2 minutes of standing to thank our troops shouldn't be that hard. I won't remove my cap because it's not the anthem but I will stand.

[Fcowher]

I just thank God they dont let the band play the National Anthem by themselves. They butcher every other song so I am glad there fat asses have to sit in those great seats while the patriotic tunes are played. As for bad songs played at the stadium, how about our own Ravens fight song? Now that song blows dead monkey.

[pyite32]

Yet another thread telling all of us how to live by your rules...

"Patriotism is the virtue of the vicious" - Oscar Wilde

[HoustonRaven]

Yet another thread telling all of us how to live by your rules...

"Patriotism is the virtue of the vicious" - Oscar Wilde

So quoting a socialist makes you .... ????

And where in any of the threads does it say you should live a certain way?

If a socialist has issues with patriotism, then patriotism is a good thing indeed! :patriot:

[pyite32]

So quoting a socialist makes you .... ????

First off Oscar Wilde was more of an Anarchist than a Socialist.

Second being able to read others views on subjects and then drawing ideas from different sources and differing ideas makes me what? Smart? Well Read? Not someone who blindly follows one idea under the guise of Patriotism? It does not make me a socialist, b/c I am not one. However that doesn't mean just because on a whole socialism is a rotten system that some of the ideas don't have merit. Look at some of the social programs that we have in the US. Are they all bad too?


And where in any of the threads does it say you should live a certain way?

If a socialist has issues with patriotism, then patriotism is a good thing indeed! :patriot:

PurplePoe
"The National Anthem should be sung the way it was written.
If people wanna go off on tangents with other songs or add something to other songs, then fine"
CrazyRaven
"how about when a entire city is the screaming "OOOO" during the Anthem. Its pathetic and has no place in the american way. Show some respect baltimore and lose that crap."
RavenJoe
"I would agree that Baltimoron fans should dispense with the OOOOOO during the anthem!"
HoustonRaven
"You can tell those who never served by their reaction to Lee Greenwood's song."
-So we are bad Americans if we have never served and can't stand this hokey Country-Western song?
Bez513
"How hard is it to sand for that song too? Geez....2 minutes of standing to thank our troops shouldn't be that hard."

[nattybohfiend]

Anyone remember Stevie Ray Vaughn getting booed when he played a blues-style guitar rendition of the song at a Houston Astros game??

[Greg]

This is absolutely correct. It's a complete mess. AND, in this day and age of politically correctness, how is war a good way to commemorate your country.
It isn't commemorating the war, it is commemorating the stand the soldiers in Fort McHenry and those at North Point held against the strongest fighting force in the world. It is to remember the heroic battle these fine men put up against terrible odds. The Brits burned DC (can we hire them to do it again) but were stopped cold in our harbor and on land at North Point.


It should be changed. God Bless America is much more apropo...
You just mentioned political correctness and then want God Bless America to become the anthem?

[HoustonRaven]

First off Oscar Wilde was more of an Anarchist than a Socialist.

Oooooohhhh .... that makes it better. :insane: Not to mention, completely incorrect. Hitler made the trains run on time, too. Good deads dont out weight the essense of what a person is.


Second being able to read others views on subjects and then drawing ideas from different sources and differing ideas makes me what? Smart? Well Read? Not someone who blindly follows one idea under the guise of Patriotism? It does not make me a socialist, b/c I am not one. However that doesn't mean just because on a whole socialism is a rotten system that some of the ideas don't have merit. Look at some of the social programs that we have in the US. Are they all bad too?

Dude, I didnt question anything about you. Take a chill pill. And last time I checked, this isnt a political message board.


PurplePoe
"The National Anthem should be sung the way it was written.
If people wanna go off on tangents with other songs or add something to other songs, then fine"
CrazyRaven
"how about when a entire city is the screaming "OOOO" during the Anthem. Its pathetic and has no place in the american way. Show some respect baltimore and lose that crap."
RavenJoe
"I would agree that Baltimoron fans should dispense with the OOOOOO during the anthem!"
HoustonRaven
"You can tell those who never served by their reaction to Lee Greenwood's song."
-So we are bad Americans if we have never served and can't stand this hokey Country-Western song?
Bez513
"How hard is it to sand for that song too? Geez....2 minutes of standing to thank our troops shouldn't be that hard."

Call me crazy, but the last time I checked people have been giving their opinions on message boards for as long as I can remember -- which, ironically, is something Wilde would have been opposed to given his socialistic views. Dont read it if you dont want people's opinion.

And dont confuse custom over patriotism .... its customary to shake hands, stand during the pledge, chew with your mouth shut, etc.

[pyite32]

Oooooohhhh .... that makes it better. :insane: Not to mention, completely incorrect. Hitler made the trains run on time, too. Good deads dont out weight the essense of what a person is..

You are comparing Oscar Wilde to Hitler... Don't even know where to begin with this one.




Dude, I didnt question anything about you. Take a chill pill.


So quoting a socialist makes you .... ????

But yeah you didn't question anything about me... :liar:


Call me crazy, but the last time I checked people have been giving their opinions on message boards for as long as I can remember -- which, ironically, is something Wilde would have been opposed to given his socialistic views. Dont read it if you dont want people's opinion.

I agree with this, I give MY opinion too, my problem is when people get on their high horse and say this is what everyone else should do. Goes a little further than an opinion.


And dont confuse custom over patriotism .... its customary to shake hands, stand during the pledge, chew with your mouth shut, etc.

Yes I agree it is customary to stand for the National Anthem, which I proudly do. It is not however any custom to stand for Country-Western crap songs. Do you stand for "Friends in Low Places" or the worst of the worst... "Our Country"?

[UKRavenStockers]

Oooooohhhh .... that makes it better. :insane: Not to mention, completely incorrect. Hitler made the trains run on time, too. Good deads dont out weight the essense of what a person is.

That was Mussolini. ;)

[festivus]

Yet another thread telling all of us how to live by your rules...

"Patriotism is the virtue of the vicious" - Oscar Wilde

:ww:
:ww:

An Oscar Wilde quote on the Ravens board!!

My day is complete. OutSTANDING Pyite!! :thumbup:

[ravensfan1996]

A brit asks a question about the US national anthem and turns into 2 americans fighting over nazi's, socialism, and political correctness......

FUNNY!

[HoustonRaven]

A brit asks a question about the US national anthem and turns into 2 americans fighting over nazi's, socialism, and political correctness......

FUNNY!

Only in America! :)

[HoustonRaven]

Disagree...Patriotism and saying oooo in the National Anthem.....equals no connection....no disrespect...

BTW 3-7 Infantry Ft Stewart, Georgia HQ Co. I was active duty during war time

Thank you for your service!

795th MP Batalion and then 29th MP Company (MDARNG) here .... in for a little over 10+ years between active and Guard. Got out right after 9-11.

[ladyraven127]

"Friends in Low Places"

I love standing and singing that song (while drinking of course) :beer1: I happen to like country music. I will admit I'm quite a hick . . . . it's in my blood.

Good grief . . . . what a thread :bag:

[flraven]

As long as we're mentioning service,

US Navy active duty June 80 - Sep 85.
Served on USS Coronado in Bahrain (Arabian Gulf) during the Iran hostage thing, USS Hunley in Scotland (what a great place!!), and Fort Meade supporting the NSA staff there. Currently working for a defense contractor down here trying to improve the Navy's damage control efforts onboard ships. I don't support the war but I do support keeping our guys safe.

end of resume.

As for the anthem, it is quite hard to sing but its OUR anthem and we should be proud of it. My seatmate (Army dude) and I often have to tell people to take their hats off (UNCOVER!!!) during the anthem. I understand a recent law/decree allows veterans/retired military to salute during the anthem, whether or not in uniform. Myself, the hand over the heart is enough.

As for the O cheer during the anthem, I believe it sprang from Wild Bill's O-R-I-O-L-E-S cheers back in the 70s. It was a uniquely Baltimore thing that spread. I'm thinking people do it now at places outside Baltimore just to let people know they are from Baltimore, no disrespect intended. I used to do it all the time but in recent years, have not.

[HoustonRaven]

Could be worse.

Could be "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue" by Toby Keith .... and I like that song!

[Admin Steve]

Yup. Miller has definitely reigned it in this last year. Someone reads the various boards methinks :)

[ladyraven127]

"Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue"

:usa:

[Drkraven]

Yup. Miller has definitely reigned it in this last year. Someone reads the various boards methinks :)I agree, he has been much better the last 2 years actually, and he has a beautiful voice with a lot of range, but all the moaning an vibrato crap sucks. I also understand that he has to hold a note or 2 if there is a flyover and they are timing it.



Courtesy of the Red White and Blue
works for me:patriot::usa::thumbup:

[camdenyard]

Miller has done the anthem great for at least 2 years - I know he started doing it "right" for a big nationally televised game, I just can't recall what game that was. As long as he does it the right way, I don't mind if he's the only one that does it here.

[Rochardrik]

It isn't commemorating the war, it is commemorating the stand the soldiers in Fort McHenry and those at North Point held against the strongest fighting force in the world. It is to remember the heroic battle these fine men put up against terrible odds. The Brits burned DC (can we hire them to do it again) but were stopped cold in our harbor and on land at North Point.


You just mentioned political correctness and then want God Bless America to become the anthem?

I only brought up God Bless America because someone else suggested it be our anthem....( and actually likes to hear Kate Smith butcher it!) In the vein of politically correctness(which is a crock in most instances), I agreed it would be more apropo, but recommended if it were to be changed, it be changed to America the Beautiful.

[Rochardrik]

You can tell those who never served by their reaction to Lee Greenwood's song.

I, for one, love it and it bring up very fond memories of my service. Keep in mind WHEN that song is played. I bet every veteran on that field has goose bumps while they march out to that song.

"God Bless the USA" is a very service-oriented song and something Im proud to hear during the games. We're one of the very few teams that honors our Vets at all, let alone with a song that is close to the hearts of all vets.

I sit with a navy man, who served in Kuwait 2 years ago, and missed every game.. He was training Police officers. He will not miss the Lee greenwood song, and I understand that the military have a special connectiion... But I CAN'T STAND IT!!!! The only thing worse is "Our Country" . One does not need to like bad music to be a Patriot!!!!!... The constitution sez so!!!

[HoustonRaven]

One does not need to like bad music to be a Patriot!!!!!... The constitution sez so!!!

Uhh ... ok. When did I say otherwise????

All I was pointing out was it's a service oriented song. Like or dislike whatever song you want.

[riprulz8]

"You can tell those who never served by their reaction to Lee Greenwood's song."

My father served in Vietnam and he is not a fan of this song.

[HoustonRaven]

"You can tell those who never served by their reaction to Lee Greenwood's song."

My father served in Vietnam and he is not a fan of this song.

I was refering to people on the boards. Like it or not, it's drilled into the brain of any person who has gone through the service in the last 10+ years. And I didnt say people who serve like it automatically. Try reading better next time, Ricky.

Can this thread go away now? We're really arguing about the merits of a song?