The National Anthem of the United States is used to symbolize the history and patriarchy of an older and more “traditional” state of America.  Due to this the anthem’s original sound is more opera like and tailored to the older generations and time period of America. However it doesn’t represent what America became, just what it was when it was when it was tailored to white males. With Hendrix’s iteration of the anthem, it became representative of the changing world as well as the many problems that came with it.

His variation of the anthem was performed on an electric guitar with additional rifts and at first listen it just seems like it’s just a rock variation, but if you listen and connect the words to his version certain lines are dragged out. I also noticed that in certain parts its sounds like a wail of pain probably akin to how he feels towards the war and the state of the country. Added on to that emotions was the recent traumas of segregation and oppression of African Americans. That paired with the anthem stating America is the “land of the free, and home of the brave” sparked controversy in his mind.

I scrolled through the comment section of Hendrix’s version and found nothing but praise and agreed with the message. Specifically one comment “Jimi was a genius with this song. He clearly turned the theme around. “Conquer we must for our cause is just” is some of the darkest lyrics I have heard especially at the time they were in. Vietnam was a turning point for the people. They were starting to realize what USA really stood for. World domination. Then Jimi took this piece and made it beautiful. I understand when it was written the separation from England was what they meant but clearly today some of those words ring so true with the invasions taking place in total disregard for other countries governments”. I whole heartedly agree and it’s as if Hendrix was foretelling the future. Even in the years past, the Vietnam War ,the U.S acted as if they were the police of the world and “helped” other countries ni matter the cost.