The songs were written long ago, but they persevere, summoned in the mind at a moment’s notice: “A Change Is Gonna Come,” “For What It’s Worth,” “What’s Going On,” “We Shall Overcome.” So many more, rich in significance and tied by a single bond: They never lose their meaning.

The national anthem, sad to say, is no longer among them. It’s time to put the grand old tradition on the shelf and unveil it only at the most appropriate times.

This becomes abundantly clear in the realm of sporting events, at which “The Star-Spangled Banner” no longer represents a nation’s glory. It stands for confusion, a country divided and an instant demand for athletes to make a choice.

For or against? Standing or kneeling? And once you’ve made that call, what are you saying, exactly? Is it about the flag, the military, the political climate, racism — what? Designed to stir the patriotic emotions of the public, the anthem is now the purveyor of furious debate. If there’s a change coming on this front, it will be many decades in the making.

The United States barely existed when this song was written, during the War of 1812, in the wake of British attacks on American soil. Evidence shows it was played in Philadelphia before baseball’s Opening Day in 1897. It had a very conspicuous unveiling during the 1918 World Series, with World War I about to end. And it was especially powerful after World War II, a time of like-minded celebration and intense national pride. To this day, veterans of that brutal war feel a surge of emotion at the onset of “O Say Can You See.”

They must feel wistfully alone in that regard.

Nobody’s more aware of the anthem and its fading relevance than those who have covered baseball on a daily basis for eight months. Scanning the press box and field-level seats in pre-pandemic times, you might see a few people singing, or pressing a hand to the heart. Mostly you see those who are merely tolerating the exercise. Cynical types take note of a performance lasting way too long, or perhaps they just head to the bathroom — anything but stand there and endure what usually amounts to a mediocre rendition.

I once heard someone mutter, “We know what damn country we’re in. Get on with it.” And it’s true: This is not a globally universal exercise before routine affairs. To me, national anthems come alive at international events, particularly the Olympics. To watch a victorious athlete overcome by emotion as the anthem comes forth at the medal ceremony — that gets me every time, regardless of country.

“I’m the most patriotic person you’ve ever been around,” former U.S. national men’s soccer team coach Bruce Arena recently told ESPN analyst Taylor Twellman. “There were times when I was in tears, honored to represent the United States in World Cups and international matches. But I question why we’re playing the national anthem at sporting events in our country. I think it puts people in awkward positions. We don’t see it in movie theaters, or on Broadway, other events in the United States. It’s becoming too big of an issue.”

Turn now to a nation ravaged by a pandemic, with major sports charting their return to action. As the NBA summons everyone to a single campus in Orlando, and the WNBA plots a similar course in nearby Bradenton, games will be played before empty stands, but players will take advantage of ready-made platforms to make statements on behalf of social-justice issues. For some of the them, it’s the only reason they’ve chosen to perform in such a health-risk environment.

With players free to send personalized messages via slogans on the back of their jerseys, a great many have made their choices, including Black Lives Matter, Equality and Say Their Names. It has been confirmed that Black Lives Matter will be displayed on all game courts, and it’s likely the leagues will allow such messages to be displayed on the rotational courtside signage. There will be creative pregame displays of unity from the teams involved, reflecting a strong sense of purpose.

It’s a platform come to life, in full view of national television audiences, and you wonder how “The Star-Spangled Banner” has even the slightest relevance in that setting. The NBA has long insisted that players stand during the anthem, but the players haven’t raised a fuss in recent years. Far removed from the impactful courage of Colin Kaepernick, the kneeling gesture has become common, not to mention a lightning rod of attention to those who prefer to stand.

To really make their point against the horrific behavior of police and all forms of racism in this country, athletes need to speak, be heard, be seen in places where they can really make a difference. A bold statement in writing, across the back of a jersey during competition, makes a person’s point all game long. We’re also likely to see a number of NBA and WNBA players post videos through the TV networks throughout their “bubble” experience.

How does the national anthem fit into this progressive new landscape? It doesn’t. Toss it out of the pandemic world and it won’t be missed. Then bring it back with care and sensitivity, and most of all, with a proper sense of time.