What’s up with that version of the National Anthem at the Beijing Olympics?

I was watching one of the first medal ceremonies of the Olympics; Michael Phelps was being awarded his first gold medal of the Beijing Olympics. As the opening notes of the American National Anthem began I thought, “this is what the Olympics are all about.” Not three notes later it seemed like it wasn’t even the National Anthem anymore. It felt like some distant version.

“What the hell is this?” I said to my mom.

“I don’t know. Sounds weird.”

It felt awkward.  Usually, when I hear the National Anthem I swell with pride; always saying to anyone who will listen, “we really have the best National Anthem.” I remember being so proud to conduct it, as a student conductor in high school and how glad I was I played the trumpet so I could be part of that great moment that ended with a cymbal crash.

This Olympic version of the American National Anthem, has minimal brass and NO cymbal crashes. What the hell? That’s hands down the best part, next to the last few measures which make me want to belt, “Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave/O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”  It’s makes me proud to be American. (Note: I love cymbal crashes).

Here’s the thing, I don’t think my mother and I were the only ones who felt completely awkward watching and hearing that Olympic version of the national anthem. When Michael Phelps was awarded his 10th gold medal, making him the greatest Olympian of all time, he stood next Ryan Lochte. As the two stood next to each other during the National Anthem they at first were serious, then suddenly they were giving each other looks of, “WTF?” Suddenly, Phelps and Lochte started laughing. I deeply believe it was that damn version of the National Anthem that had them laughing. Of course there are endless possibilities, but if you watch footage of the entire team they all seem uncomfortable during this moment.

Every time a medal ceremony begins and it’s the American National Anthem that is going to be played I too find myself laughing. I feel guilty laughing, but I know I’m not the only one who feel this way about this music. I want to know, does anyone else hate this version? Does it make you cringe to hear a massacre of such great music. I think of Francis Scott Key and I am sure he rolling over in his grave.

Last night or the night before, whichever night it was when Phelps won that 10th gold medal I remember laughing with my mother as we watched the men’s swimming team burst out in laughter, I told my mom

“I have to know what they’re laughing at but I bet they are laughing at that freakin’ national anthem.”

“Seriously.”

If you know what I’m talking about PLEASE, this is the place to vent about it.

Tags: 10th Gold medal, American National Anthem, Beijing Olympics 2008, China, Francis Scott Key, Greatest Olmpian of all time, Michael Phelps, Olympic Men's swimming, Random, Ryan Lochte, swimming, USA