Some Notes About Patriotic Music

Music has always been influential. It can create intense impact on emotions and people’s psyche as well. Just a few notes from some of the best patriotic songs will invoke strong nationalistic emotions. In truth, there are only a few topics that can do the same. Music has always played a role in inciting people to do things for their country. You can even argue that patriotism and music go hand in hand.

Some of the Best Patriotic Songs

Music is indeed a constructive force. It inspires and rouses people to do something worthwhile. The lyrics of the best patriotic songs in the United States still fuel national spirits. Over the years, these songs have been played in every major national event. They are played in the areas of education, entertainment and even sports.

Some of the best patriotic songs include 'My Country ‘Tis of Thee' by Samuel F. Smith, 'Columbia the Gem of the Ocean' by David T. Shaw, 'When Johnny Comes Marching Home' by Patrick S. Gilmore, 'The Stars and Stripes Forever' by John Phillips Sousa, 'America the Beautiful' by Katharine Lee Bates, 'You’re a Grand Old Flag' and 'Over There' by George M. Cohan, 'God Bless America' by Irving Berlin, 'This Land is Your Land' by Woody Guthrie, 'The New Colossus' by Irving Berlin, 'God Bless the U.S.A' by Lee Greenwood, 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' and 'Red, White and Blue' by Lynrd Skynrd, 'U.S. Navy Hymn: Eternal Father', 'Strong to Save' by William Whiting, 'U.S. Army Anthem: The Caissons Go Rolling Along' by Major Edmund L. Gruber, 'U.S. Navy Anthem: Anchors Aweigh' by Captain Alfred H. Miles and Charles A. Zimmerman and a lot more.

The Stories behind the Best Patriotic Songs

There are some interesting and surprising facts about some of the best songs around. America the Beautiful was originally a poem which was published in 1885. You probably do not know that this song actually has several melodies.

If you like the song Over There, you probably know George M. Cohan, the composer and singer of the song. Cohan was actually a superstar in Broadway. He had a film biography which was entitled Yankee Doodle Dandy, but he thereafter made a song which was his tribute to America and he entitled that song Yankee Doodle Boy.

One of the best patriotic songs around is God Bless America. You probably do not, however, that its songwriter, Irving Berlin cannot read music. He started to write this song after World War I, but he was only able to complete it before the World War II. It was Kate Smith who first performed the song. Over the years, there has been a lot of clamor for change of national anthem and many people insist on changing the anthem from Star Spangled Banner to this song, God Bless America.

You are probably familiar with The Stars and Stripes Forever and in fact, have sung along whenever it is played. This song was composed by John Phillips Sousa on Christmas Day of 1896. This is the United States’ official march song. Sousa actually wrote lyrics for this song, but little is known of the lyrics.

The best patriotic songs will always play a role in invoking nationalistic feelings in people. You may have always sung along whenever these songs are played but you should consider learning about the stories behind these songs. You will likely appreciate them more.