Sports, America, and Beauty Jan31 '05
You know what I like the most about sports, in America?
It’s NOT the feeling of waking up on game day, knowing that you will not sleep again, until it’s all "said and done" – until the score is settled, and the victors crowned.
That’s great – but no, that’s not what I like the most.
It’s also NOT those last few minutes right before the game, when the adrenaline is flowing, and the rest of the world is shut out – with the only focus being YOU, and THEM.
That’s great too – but no, that’s not what I like the most.
It’s also NOT the beautiful consistency that sports creates – like the rising of the sun – in sports, there is always another game, on another day, in another way.
That’s even more great – but no, that’s not what I like the most.
What I like the most about sports is the singing of "The Star Spangled Banner" before every game.
The subtle hush and silence, before the song begins. The beauty of a single person, or small group of people, standing in front of thousands, staring up into the sky, and singing at the top of their lungs, as if nothing else in the world matters at that moment.
The look in the singer’s eyes. You can always tell how much it means. You know they are singing from the heart.
And the players. Most have their heads bowed, or their hands on their hearts, or tears in their eyes. You can understand that the game they are about to play is not just a game, and that they are just people, like you or I.
As we get caught up in our daily lives, just a single listen to "The Star Spangled Banner" can remind us of what’s really important.
Other notes on "The Star Spangled Banner"
I prefer solo over studio
Any artist can record their version of "The Star Spangled Banner" in a studio, with instruments, backing vocals, and all.
But it’s those artists who sing solo, unedited, and full of feeling, that inspire me so much.
US 99
If you listen to country music – US 99, here in Chicago, plays "The Star Spangled Banner" every day at 12 noon. It’s a little tradition they have, and I think it’s a good one. I certainly enjoy the arrival of noon, just to hear that.
Super Bowl Sunday
When you watch the Super Bowl this Sunday, take the time to tune in early – or right before kickoff, and listen and watch "The Star Spangled Banner" being performed.
Watch the singer’s eyes. Watch the players body movements. Watch the crowd.
More than the celebration of the victors, "The Star Spangled Banner" is truly magnificient.
Categories: Miscellaneous 
, Sports
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I love to hear the star spangled banner sung live or performed live it always gets all the hairs on my arm to rise. The song means so much that wo ... Read more.