“The Star Spangled Banner,” the national anthem, is easily the most enduring song from the War of 1812, but it was not the only one.

Many lyrics for songs written in the 18th and early 19th centuries were based upon popular melodies.

“To Anacreon in Heaven”  –  The song was written for the Anacreontic Society, probably around 1771. The tune is now thought to have been written “collectively” by members of the society, led by John Stafford Smith. The society met every two weeks to get drunk, sing songs and to indulge in some debauchery. Anacreon himself was a Greek poet from about 570BC who was noted for his erotic poetry  and his drinking songs.

Since there are many version of the same melody, I wrote my own version called “A world on it knees.”

"To Anacreon in Heaven" 
Published in 1778 (words only) c. 1780 (music)
Composer(s)	John Stafford Smith,  Lyricist(s) 


To Anacreon in Heav'n, Where he sat in full glee, 
A few Sons of Harmony, Sent a petition. 
That he their Inspirer and Patron would be;
When this answer arrived from the Jolly Old Grecian:
"Voice, Fiddle, and Flute, No longer be mute,
I'll lend you my name.  And inspire you to boot,

And besides, I'll instruct you, Like me, to intwine
The Myrtle of Venus,  With Bacchus' Vine."