Like so many famous songs of yore, "The Star-Spangled Banner" started as a poem, called “The Defence of Fort McHenry.” It was written by Francis Scott Key in 1814 during the War of 1812.

Rather than return to his home outside Washington, D.C., Key checked ... lyrics and song in sheet music, under the title "The Star-Spangled Banner: A Patriotic Song." Key's timing could not ...