Francis Scott Key told a story through these words from his perspective. He was aboard an enemy ship trying to secure the release of prisoners, and he was not allowed to go ashore because he might divulge the disposition of the British ships. The British attacked his country and the only way he knew that the United States was still fighting was by the flashes of the rockets and explosives which illuminated the flag through the night. By dawn’s early light he saw that the flag was still flying. His nation was still free. He was able to communicate this to the prisoners on the ship. To those who think this is some kind of anthem glorifying war I say that they are simply effing retarded Obama morons who can go take a flying .... at the moon.
Correct. For those who would like to delve into the subject in more depth I recommend this book, it is a great read.