Aaron Lewis, singer for sorta-metal band Staind and occasional dabbler in country music and guest vocalizing, has tweeted and posted an apology for flubbing a line of “The Star-Spangled Banner” before game five of the World Series last night. The lyrics are a little complicated, and Lewis did a good job putting the performance back on its feet after sensing—along with the crowd—that something had gone slightly wrong. (He mixed up the line about “gleaming” with the line about “streaming.” Honest mistake.) On his website, Lewis went a little over the top with the sorry, stating,
“All I can say is I’m sorry and ask for the Nation’s forgiveness. My nerves got the best of me and I am completely torn up about what happened. America is the greatest country in the world. The Star-Spangled Banner means so much to so many, including myself. I hope everyone can understand the intensity of the situation and my true intent of this performance. I hope that the Nation, Major League Baseball and the many fans of our national pastime can forgive me.”
Lewis has yet to apologize for “It’s Been Awhile,” a far greater crime against music and lyrics. Watch the “Star-Spangled Banner” below.