Anthem Quote by Jose Feliciano
“I got tired of seeing people rush through the national anthem so they could have their popcorn and get to the game. Nobody ever sang the anthem with soul. It was always done clinically and they always stuck to the original. I put feeling into it. I sang it in a soulful manner.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: 1990s TV interview with Jose Feliciano, 1995
He expresses frustration that the national anthem is performed mechanically, lacking emotion, and he chose to sing it with feeling.
In simple terms: He wanted to add emotion to a routine performance.
Key Takeaway
Add genuine feeling to rituals.
Themes
authenticity
expression
tradition
Mood
reflective
defiant
Type
inspirational
personal
When to use this quote
- sports events
- public ceremonies
- personal performances
Key Concepts
performance art
cultural ritual
Questions to Reflect On
- How does emotion change perception of a ritual?
- When is it appropriate to alter a national symbol?
A Different Perspective
May be seen as disrespectful to tradition.
