Overview
"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.
History
The song was first publicly performed on February 6, the play's opening night, at Herald Square Theater in New York City. "You're a Grand Old Flag" quickly became the first song from a musical to sell over a million copies of sheet music.
Uses
The song is often performed by marching bands on Flag Day, as the holiday is intended to celebrate the flag of the United States. A version with modified lyrics is used as the theme song for the Melbourne Demons Australian rules football team.
Lyrics
Verse 1 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! Verse 2 I'm no 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! Chorus 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 'Neath the Red, White and Blue, Where there's never a boast or brag. But should auld acquaintance be forgot, Keep your eye on the grand old flag.
See also
* "The Stars and Stripes Forever" *Flag anthem
Other uses
The song has been modified for use as the fight song of the Melbourne Football Club who play in the Australian Football League, as well as by state league clubs West Perth Football Club in the WAFL, Sturt Football Club and Norwood Football Club in the SANFL, North Hobart Football Club in the TSL, Port Melbourne Football Club and the Casey Demons in the VFL as well as the Mansfield Eagles in the Goulburn Valley Football League. A modified version of the song was also used by the Yippies in 1968 for their nomination of Pigasus.
External links
* 1906 sheet music from the Library of Congress * Billy Murray solo recording (as "The Grand Old Rag") * Billy Murray and the American Quartet (as "You're a Grand Old Flag")