Tuesday, December 21, 2004
A Little Perspective, Please
I am amazed at the amount of attention given to some NC State students yelling "Red" during the line "And the rockets' red glare," and singing the last line as "And the home of the Wolfpack" during the national anthem at sporting events. These antics hardly seem worthy of time on tv news or space in the newspaper.
I value traditions as much as anyone, so my annoyance over performances of the national anthem runs much deeper than some kids messing with the lyrics. Able musicians regularly change the musical score to an incorrect version so common that no one realizes it is wrong.
And when was the last time you heard the song sung straight? Whitney Houston completely bastardized the song in her super bowl performance....er lip-synch. There was only praise for her, not outrage.
So, let's not make too big a deal about the State students.
I value traditions as much as anyone, so my annoyance over performances of the national anthem runs much deeper than some kids messing with the lyrics. Able musicians regularly change the musical score to an incorrect version so common that no one realizes it is wrong.
And when was the last time you heard the song sung straight? Whitney Houston completely bastardized the song in her super bowl performance....er lip-synch. There was only praise for her, not outrage.
So, let's not make too big a deal about the State students.
