At sports events, we sing the first verse of the national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner. How many verses does this song have altogether?

While the first verse is the one we all know and sing, Francis Scott Key's original 1814 poem, "Defence of Fort M'Henry," actually contains a total of four verses. Each one builds upon the narrative of the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812, telling a more complete story than the single stanza we are familiar with.

The rarely-sung subsequent verses continue the dramatic tale. The second verse describes the dim, misty scene through which the American flag is still faintly visible as the enemy retreats in silence. The third is a fiery taunt directed at the British forces, celebrating their defeat. The final, triumphant verse shifts from the specific battle to a broader, more patriotic prayer for the nation, praising the Power that "hath made and preserved us a nation."

Over time, tradition and practicality led to the adoption of only the first verse for public performances. It most vividly captures the central, dramatic image of the flag surviving the bombardment, and its questioning tone resolves into a powerful statement of resilience. The full song is also quite long and vocally demanding, making the first stanza the most suitable and impactful choice for regular use. This final verse also contains the phrase, "And this be our motto: 'In God is our trust!'" which is widely believed to have inspired the official U.S. motto, "In God We Trust."