That’s the thing about tradition. Right or wrong, once it gains a foothold , it’s darn near impossible to get rid of.
Like playing the national anthem before sports events. Makes no sense. Why not before a movie, then? One could even argue that it diminishes the anthem by using it so casually. But suggest that we stop singing it, and you’re a commie.
I’d vote ATB #1, This Land Is Our Land #2, and FSK’s poem (sung to the tune of a drinking song) #3 or lower.
Arnold, in the past, the national anthem was played before movies. Not sure how long this practice continued. I believe it was in the 1930’s, 40’s and ended in the fifties.
Come and take a walk with me thru this green and growing land
Walk thru the meadows and the mountains and the sand
Walk thru the valleys and the rivers and the plains
Walk thru the sun and walk thru the rain
Here is a land full of power and glory
Beauty that words cannot recall
Oh her power shall rest on the strength of her freedom
Her glory shall rest on us all
From Colorado, Kansas, and the Carolinas too
Virginia and Alaska, from the old to the new
Texas and Ohio and the California shore
Tell me, who could ask for more?
CHORUS
Yet she’s only as rich as the poorest of her poor
Only as free as a padlocked prison door
Only as strong as our love for this land
Only as tall as we stand
Mad Blog Media 
I guess its too late to make a a minor “course correction” in the National Anthem of the united States of America? Darned shame don’t ya think?
More’s the pity, Arnold. Ray Charles, of course, has the definitive version:
Yep I have to concur with your astute analyses in this case. Hard to believe this tune came up #2 in the anthem race!!
That’s the thing about tradition. Right or wrong, once it gains a foothold , it’s darn near impossible to get rid of.
Like playing the national anthem before sports events. Makes no sense. Why not before a movie, then? One could even argue that it diminishes the anthem by using it so casually. But suggest that we stop singing it, and you’re a commie.
I’d vote ATB #1, This Land Is Our Land #2, and FSK’s poem (sung to the tune of a drinking song) #3 or lower.
Arnold, in the past, the national anthem was played before movies. Not sure how long this practice continued. I believe it was in the 1930’s, 40’s and ended in the fifties.
Gotta add this one.
No body does it better then Ray.
To my mind, the most beautiful song about America was written by Phil Ochs. Singing it here in 1974, two years before his death:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAJRZehnmPI
And the lyrics:
The Power and the Glory
Come and take a walk with me thru this green and growing land
Walk thru the meadows and the mountains and the sand
Walk thru the valleys and the rivers and the plains
Walk thru the sun and walk thru the rain
Here is a land full of power and glory
Beauty that words cannot recall
Oh her power shall rest on the strength of her freedom
Her glory shall rest on us all
From Colorado, Kansas, and the Carolinas too
Virginia and Alaska, from the old to the new
Texas and Ohio and the California shore
Tell me, who could ask for more?
CHORUS
Yet she’s only as rich as the poorest of her poor
Only as free as a padlocked prison door
Only as strong as our love for this land
Only as tall as we stand
CHORUS
If you are going to play the Star-Spangled Banner…..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMhq1L0cJf0