"When the Warrior Returns" - Patriotic American Song

In 1801, the fledgling United States faced increasing extortion by the Barbary pirates operating in the Mediterranean Sea. The Barbary states demanded tribute from American merchant vessels; refusal to pay would result in the capture of ships and goods, and often the enslavement or ransoming of crew members. On the orders of President Jefferson, an American naval squadron joined Swedish naval forces (who were then at war with the states) in blockading the pirates, raiding their ports, and escorting merchant shipping.
Written 9 years before “The Star-Spangled Banner,” this song by Francis Scott Key shows that he knew the melody and poetic form well, borrowing the popular tune of the "Anacreontic Song" (John Stafford Smith, c. 1780). The piece praises the efforts and sacrifices of American naval heroes in thwarting the piratical threat. Nevertheless, it served as the model for the future American national anthem, mentioning similar terms such as "the war's desolation,", "the flaming star gleamed," a "terrible glare", and "the brows of the brave", echoing "the home of the brave."
feat. American Music Institute Mens Chorus, Star Spangled Music Foundation, 2014.