It’s July 4th and I’m thinking about the national anthem. Heather’s reposted her version from a couple of years ago when our gig was canceled (thunderstorms?) – this year she writes :
“No gig this year at which to sing the anthem. I think most vocalists do not have a deep personal connection to this song, beyond it being a vocal challenge and an opportunity to showcase your talents in front of large crowds. I have sung some of its other verses in my career … and I think it’s no secret they are problematic. It, like my country, is an imperfect piece of art that is sometimes beautiful, but too often does not reflect my values.”
Seventeen years ago America was attacked heinously. The first gig we played after 9/11 was at Jammin Java and we weren’t sure whether to play or not because everyone was traumatized. We went ahead and played the show, partially because I agree with the idea that changing your behaviour lets The Terrorists Win™, but also music is part of OUR healing process – and hopefully healing for our audience as well…
But during practice I’d asked if we could put together a version of the National Anthem – because I wanted us to sing something about what America SHOULD be, can be… this was also before Bush had “responded” by bombing the Hell out of a country that had nothing to do with the actual attack and I felt like I wanted to praise his forbearance despite the almost universal call for him to do SOMETHING… ANYTHING!!!
For better or for worse my very American (white, Asian, black, Jewish) band voted me down. It’s the danger of democracy writ small, right? In hindsight I guess I’m glad they did. As I remember “we” bombed Iraq during the show. But I’ve thought about playing the National Anthem at shows ever since even though I’ve always felt it’s not something that I’M able to perform (though maybe it’s something where I need to get over my “I can’ts” and figure it out) I’d like to OWN this song – because I was raised on the idea of Melting Pot and the American Dream. The idea that we’ve let our flag and our anthem become symbols of right-wing propaganda – that is horrifying. Would we really rather abandon the symbols of these dreams of justice and freedom than fight for their meaning?
I get it. I grew up thinking the American Flag was kind of a dirty symbol of oppression. I was grumpy about being told you’ve GOT to stand for the Pledge. But when you grow up and get some perspective – and come to realize what else is out there in the world – you need to realize that even on our worst day there’s a REASON why millions of people a year fight through figurative Hell and literal high water to get here.
I’m American – we’re an American band. I believe the xenophobic minority doesn’t speak for me and has no right to own the meaning of the United States.
Happy Fourth of July and Happy Birthday America.
Something will rise again, but it ain’t the South.
