Author". It remains puzzling why Smith did not make more effort to associate himself with the Song. Until the discovery of Stevens's Recollections, there was some controversy over whether Smith was in fact the composer. However, no alternative story for the music's origins (whether as the work of a different composer or as a pre-existing tune) ever gained a consensus among historians. Lichtenwanger suggests that "[p]erhaps Smith composed the song for Tomlinson for money, for a flat fee, which meant yielding his legal rights in it to Tomlinson or the Society". Date The date of the composition of the Song is uncertain. It cannot predate the foundation of the Anacreontic Society (around 1766). Lichtenwanger suggests a composition date as late as 1776; but if the Marsh journal is accurate then the Song must have existed by December 1773. The age of John Stafford Smith may also be of interest; Smith was in his mid-teens in 1766, while by 1773 he was in his early twenties and a published, prize-winning composer. Publication The lyrics of the song were published in The Vocal Magazine, 1778, attributed to "Ralph Tomlinson, Esq.". The music, along with the words, was published in The Vocal Enchantress, a collection published in 1783. There are also various undated publications of the music which likely date to the early 1780s. None of these publications name the composer of the music. Particular interest attaches to the first Longman & Broderip edition of the music, published between 1777 and 1781. This was likely the first publication of the music and the official edition from which others were copied. Broderip, a partner at the firm, is known to have attended meetings of the Society. Lyrics The lyrics are "a good-natured takeoff on a bit of pseudoclassical mythology". The following is taken from the first Longman and Broderip edition: 1 To 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 arriv'd from the "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 "The Myrtle of with 's Vine." 2 The news through immediately flew; When pretended to give himself Airs. "If these Mortals are suffer'd their Scheme to , "The Devil a Goddess will stay above Stairs. "Hark!