Audio By Carbonatix
Jazz singer Rene Marie’s decision to sing different words to the National Anthem in advance of Denver mayor John Hickenlooper’s July 1 state of the city speech got us thinking: If she can do it, why shouldn’t we? The answer will be obvious when you see what we came up with — a rewrite of Francis Scott Key’s original words that focus on the subsequent controversy, just in time for belting out at Fourth of July picnics, weekend ballgames or those moments when you’d like to aggravate everyone around you…
Oh, say can you see By the cameramen’s light What so proudly Hick hailed We’re $2,500 away from our spring campaign goal! His pearly whites gleaming The state of the city And fighting the good fight So why is everyone In the city council steaming? ‘Cause there was no rocket’s red glare No bombs bursting in air Just Rene Marie Getting the thousand-yard stare Oh, say, should that happen In the home of the brave When this song is so damned hard To sing anyway?Keep Westword Free
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Hate it? Feel free to protest. That’s the American way. — Michael Roberts