Star Spangled Banner Music Originally From Drinking Song [VIDEO]

If this happened today, you know someone would be getting sued. Everyone knows the Star Spangled Banner, and most remember all the lyrics, although some can't quite get it right. Lyrics were inspired by the Battle of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 by Francis Scott Key, but the accompanying music, not so much. The melody for the song was actually from an 18th century London drinking song called 'To Anacreon in Heaven'.

It's nice to know that one of the most inspiring patriotic songs was inspired by one of America's past-times. So this July 4th, as you're cracking open a cold one (whatever cold one you prefer), make a salute not only to the author of the song, but also to those who supplied the music that we know so well.