You're a Grand Old Flag

George M. Cohan

About You're a Grand Old Flag

"You're a Grand Old Flag" is an American patriotic march. The song, a spirited march written by George M. Cohan, is a tribute to the U. S. flag. In addition to obvious references to the flag, it incorporates snippets of other popular songs, including one of his own. Cohan wrote it in 1906 for his stage musical George Washington, Jr. The chorus is also used (with the words changed) as the team song for the Melbourne Football Club.


Year:
1991
2:57
13,792 
#11

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

There's a feeling comes a-stealing
And it sets my brain a-reeling
When I'm list'ning to the music of a military band
Any tune like "Yankee Doodle"
Simply sets me off my noodle
It's that patriotic something
That no one can understand
"Way down South in the land of cotton"
Melody untiring
Ain't that inspiring!
Hurrah! Hurrah! We'll join the jubilee
And that's going some
For the Yankees, by gum!
Red, white and blue
I am for you
Honest, you're a grand old flag

You're a grand old flag
You're a high-flying flag
And forever in peace may you wave
You're the emblem of
The land I love
The home of the free and the brave
Ev'ry heart beats true
Under red, white and blue
Where there's never a boast or brag
But should old acquaintance be forgot
Keep your eye on the grand old flag

I'm a cranky hanky panky
I'm a dead square honest Yankee
And I'm mighty proud of that old flag
That flies for Uncle Sam
Though I don't believe in raving
Ev'ry time I see it waving
There's a chill runs up my back
That makes me glad I'm what I am
Here's a land with a million soldiers
That's if we should need 'em
We'll fight for freedom!
Hurrah! Hurrah! For ev'ry Yankee tar
And old G.A.R.
Ev'ry stripe, ev'ry star
Red, white and blue
Hats off to you
Honest, you're a grand old flag

You're a grand old flag
You're a high-flying flag
And forever in peace may you wave
You're the emblem of
The land I love
The home of the free and the brave
Ev'ry heart beats true
Under red, white and blue
Where there's never a boast or brag
But should old acquaintance be forgot
Keep your eye on the grand old flag

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


George M. Cohan

George Michael Cohan (pronounced Ko-han; July 3, 1878 – November 5, 1942), known professionally as George M. Cohan, was a major American entertainer, playwright, composer, lyricist, actor, singer, dancer and producer. more »

1 fan

Written by: PAUL J. FREDERICK, VALERIE PETERSON, GEORGE M COHAN

Lyrics © MEGATRAX PRODUCTION MUSIC, INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Historical Significance
"You're a Grand Old Flag" is recognized as the first song from a musical to sell over a million copies of sheet music. It personifies patriotism among American citizens and is often performed at celebrations related to the United States.
Composer
The song was written by George M. Cohan, a notable American songwriter, entertainer, composer, lyricist, actor, singer, dancer, and producer. Cohan is often heralded as the father of American musical comedy.
Original Title
Originally, the tune was named "You're a Grand Old Rag". It was inspired by a Civil War veteran who carried a carefully folded, but clearly aged, American flag.
Title Change
Due to public backlash over referring to the American flag as a "Rag", Cohan changed the song's title and lyrics to "You're a Grand Old Flag".
Release Date
"You're a Grand Old Flag" was written for Cohan's 1906 stage musical, "George Washington, Jr."
Pop Culture
The song has been referenced and performed in many films, TV shows, political functions, and also in schools across America for special patriotic programs.
Singer's Experience
George M. Cohan, the composer and original vocalist of the song, was known to perform it with unbridled enthusiasm and patriotic fervor, often stirring similar emotions in his audiences.
Patriotic Symbolism
The song is often associated with the Fourth of July and other patriotic American holidays due to its spirited celebration of the American flag.
Copyright
Interestingly, the song came just two years after the first copyright law was enacted in the United States.
Centennial Recognition
In 2006, a commemorative, golden anniversary version was recorded by modern Barbershop quartets to mark the song's 100-year anniversary.

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