“The white cracker who wrote the National Anthem knew what he was doing. He set the word "free" to a note so high nobody could reach it. That was deliberate.”
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Tony Kushner on the National Anthem
“The white cracker who wrote the National Anthem knew what he was doing. He set the word 'free' to a note so high nobody could reach it. That was deliberate.” - Tony Kushner
Quote Analysis
In this quote by Tony Kushner, he suggests that the composer of the National Anthem deliberately made the word "free" unattainable by setting it to a high note. This commentary on the anthem reflects Kushner's belief that true freedom is something that cannot easily be achieved or grasped. By infusing the word "free" with unattainable high note, the composer may have been making a statement about the elusive nature of freedom and the challenges in truly obtaining it.
The National Anthem and its Relevance Today
Tony Kushner's quote about the National Anthem sheds light on the intentional exclusion embedded in the lyrics. By setting the word "free" to a note that is nearly impossible to reach for many, the anthem subtly reinforces the idea of freedom being unattainable for certain groups of people. This deliberate act speaks to the systemic inequalities and barriers that still exist in society today.
Reflection Questions:
Reflect on Tony Kushner's assertion that the composer of the National Anthem purposely set the word "free" to a high note, making it unattainable. How does this statement resonate with you personally? In what ways do you think music can be used as a tool for conveying deeper societal issues and messages? Additionally, how does this quote make you think about the concept of freedom and who it is truly accessible to in society?
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