Happy 4th!
Seven years ago when I went to the platform to play this piece for my church, the mood in the congregation was tangibly somber. I almost felt that people were ashamed to be Americans. Sometimes I think the mood in America for some people hasn’t changed that much! My music then–and now–is an answer to this feeling.
While our country has done plenty wrong over the years, I’m still proud of the good we have done in the world “under God.” And I’m proud of the hopes we Americans share: “God mend thine every flaw.”
After I put together this medley, I was surprised to discover who the writers of the songs were: an Irish Catholic, a white southerner, a black former slave with the auction block in his rear sites, a Russian Jewish immigrant, and a scholarly woman poet, Americans all.
Songs in my medley:
“I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy” by Irish-American George M. Cohan (1878-1942), starts at 2:50. Here James Cagney’s stiff-legged, athletic dance style seemed to embody early twentieth century American optimism and confidence–while he flew across the stage, seemingly untethered by gravity.
“You’re a Grand Old Flag” also by Cohan. In his own medley, again Cagney lights up the stage, portraying Cohan in the movie Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942).
“Yankee Doodle” apparently originated in the French and Indian War (1754-1763). “Yankee” was a term of derision among English troops during the American Revolution, worn with pride by colonists.
“Dixie” was one of Abraham Lincoln’s favorite songs despite the fact that it became a kind of de facto anthem of the confederate South during the Civil War. It apparently was written by Daniel Decatur Emmett (1815-1904) in about 1859. Notwithstanding the negative associations we now feel for this song, we can relate to its cheerful tune and tender, good-humored, homespun sentiments.
“We Shall Overcome” became the inspiring anthem of the American civil rights movement. The song probably derives from the song “No More Auction Block for Me” (on page 132 of my Music Theory for Choral Singers). In my medley, I intend it as a song to inspire all Americans to overcome perhaps our worst enemies: hatred, prejudice, and injustice.
“America the Beautiful” was inspired by a view from the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado, when poet and professor Katherine Lee Bates (1859-1929) glimpsed Colorado Springs from the lofty height.
“God Bless America” by Russian Jewish immigrant Irving Berlin (1888-1989) was sung by members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives, Republicans and Democrats, on the steps of the US capitol the evening of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on our country (begins about 4:20).
I first posted this article in 2022. I hope you enjoy it and the many links to patriotic music!