The Star Spangled Banner

I heard somebody sing a song –
He made a few mistakes;
It was a song he should have
Gotten right, for goodness’ sakes!

So many people get it wrong –
Sing “for” instead of “o’er;”
I think when singing anthems
You should learn the words before.

Perhaps he didn’t understand,
(He wouldn’t be alone)
That “o’er” is short for “over,”
Which he really should have known.

I’ve heard this error many times.
It always makes me cringe;
For someone’s ignorance should not
On other folks infringe.

But when we’re standing, hands on hearts,
A patriotic sight,
It shouldn’t be too much to ask
To get the lyrics right!