March 30 - John Stafford Smith (The Musical Birthday Series)

John Stafford Smith (30 March 1750 – 21 September 1836) was a pioneer in the collection and study of musical manuscripts, a friend of Haydn and Mozart, and a minor composer.  One of his drinking songs was adapted to new words as the national anthem of the United States.

The Tragical Ballad of J. S. Smith; or, To Anacreon in America

You may not have heard

Of one John Stafford Smith

Who composed in the old English manner,

But you may have been stirred

By this John Stafford Smith

And his tune for the Star Spangled Banner.

The songs he preferred

(Cheerful John Stafford Smith),

Sang of wine, and the gods, and the Greek.

Though his vision was blurred,

(Tispy John Stafford Smith),

He premiered such a song just last week.

His friends all concurred,

Telling John Stafford Smith

That his song was the finest he’d written;

He often averred,

Stolid John Stafford Smith,

That he wrote for the loyal in Britain.

He thought it absurd,

Did John Stafford Smith,

When anyone told him beware

Of those who were spurred,

Against John Stafford Smith,

To borrow his fine English air.

And he was not deterred,

Not brave John Stafford Smith!

When the 1812 War came along —-

And then it occurred!—-

(Ahh, John Stafford Smith!)

That Francis Scott Key stole his song.