O thus be it ever when free-men shall stand
Between their lov'd home and the war's desolation;
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserv'd us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust!”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
THAT doesn't sound forlorn to me, but POWERFUL
There's actually more to that song, did you know that?
I knew posting on FR there would be a knowledgeable person on this topic. My education only extends to the commonly performed version. Thanks for the cheer up.
Considering the history of the poem, it is. I think my kids and I will review the entire poem. It is still chilling.