Others have chimed in, but here's my defense of my statement.
First, let's look at as The Star Spangled Banner and exclude the fact that is the official national anthem and ignore the sentimental value attached to it from near a century of functioning in that capacity.
If you can manage to do that, consider these points:
1. It's really hard to sing giving it's fluctuation and wide range of pitch.
2. The melody isn't that attractive when compared to other national anthems.
3. Pop quiz - what's the first line of any other verse.
4. Do other countries ever complain about singers mangling their national anthem or is this unique to America? My guess is the latter. Why do you think this is?
5. Our national anthem ends in a question mark. The whole time you sing it, you're asking a question!
6. Does it do what it's suppose to do well? What does that first verse say about America? What do the other verses say?
OK, I will give the SSB this: it's distinctive. So many nation anthems sound like... well... canonical nation anthems, even many African, S. American, and Asian ones. Of course, distinctive isn't necessarily good.
So, do you love the Star Spangled Banner because it's a good song in it's own right, or because it's the national anthem of the USA?
PS - After doing some research, I now realize that Poland has the most dated and specific lyrics of all national anthems. Latvia seems to have the most generic, and short. And Bahrain is probably the worst overall.
1. I like that the song requires range. Sounds better with multiple voices.
2.No argument there. It sounds like something you would hear coming out of the stands at Goodison Park during the Merseyside Derby.
3. Seems unfair. How many people from any country can sing more than one verse of their anthem, if it even has one? Heck, I'll bet 20% of Americans don't know how the first verse of the SSB starts.
4. I'd say it's the rabid narcissism of performers like Fergie. Instead of just singing the song, everyone has to jazz it up to stand out.
5. I love the question. It almost evokes the image of Key leaning over the gunwales of the Tonnant that morning. "Oh, say, does the Star Spangled Banner yet wave?" Then he turns around and looks at Admiral Cochrane with a eating grin, flips him off with both hands, and walks away.*
But in all seriousness, it does evoke a sense that it isn't guaranteed. That flag isn't just assumed to fly. Someone has to keep it flying.
6. See 5
For all that, I would agree we could have done better. But it's ours now, and at least it doesn't bore you to death like most anthems. I'm looking at you, Canada.
*History of 'Merica according to Woobie, volume 2: **** Yeah!