George M. Cohan was an American entertainer born in 1878 who became famous as a songwriter, playwright, actor, and producer, especially on Broadway.
He started performing as a child with his family in a group called The Four Cohans. Cohan wrote and starred in many musicals, creating over 300 songs, including patriotic hits such as Yankee Doodle Dandy, You’re a Grand Old Flag, and Over There.
He is often called the father of American musical comedy and was known for his energetic stage presence and catchy tunes. He died in 1942, but his music and shows are still remembered today.
About the Song
You’re a Grand Old Flag is a lively and patriotic tribute to the American flag. It celebrates the flag as a proud symbol of the United States, representing freedom, bravery, and unity.
The song expresses deep love and respect for the flag, encouraging people to honor and remember the values it stands for.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | February 6, 1906 |
| Album | George Washington Jr. (1906) |
| Writers | George M. Cohan |
You’re a Grand Old Flag Lyrics by George M. Cohan
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!
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
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!
Similar Songs Like You’re a Grand Old Flag
If you like You’re a Grand Old Flag by George M. Cohan, here are some other songs with a similar patriotic and theatrical vibe.
- Yankee Doodle Boy: This is another famous patriotic tune from Cohan’s 1904 musical Little Johnny Jones and is often paired with You’re a Grand Old Flag.
- Give My Regards to Broadway: A sentimental and widely recognized Broadway anthem from Little Johnny Jones, celebrating New York theater life.
- Over There: Cohan’s famous World War I patriotic song that became a rallying cry for American troops and citizens.
- Stars and Stripes Forever: A lively song from the musical of the same name, capturing the spirit of New York and its surroundings.
Similar Artists Like George M. Cohan
Here are several artists who are considered his peers and contributed greatly to the Broadway tradition.
- Irving Berlin
Genre: Tin Pan Alley, American popular music, Broadway, patriotic songs
Notable Works: Alexander’s Ragtime Band, God Bless America, White Christmas - Cole Porter
Genre: Broadway, Jazz, Popular music
Notable Works: Cole Porter Songbook collections - Victor Herbert
Genre: Operetta, Musical theater, Classical crossover
Notable Works: Operettas, The Red Mill - Jerome Kern
Genre: Broadway, American musical theater, Jazz standards
Notable Works: Musicals: Show Boat, Roberta, Sally, Jerome Kern Songbook - Rudolf Friml
Genre: Operetta, Musical theater
Notable Works: Rose-Marie, The Vagabond King, The Firefly
Frequently Asked Questions
What Inspired George M. Cohan to Write You’re a Grand Old Flag?
Cohan was inspired by a Civil War veteran who referred to his tattered flag as a grand old rag, which moved Cohan to write a song celebrating the American flag and national pride.
For Which Stage was You’re a Grand Old Flag Written?
The song was written specifically for George M. Cohan’s Broadway musical George Washington, Jr., where it was introduced as a show-stopping number.
When and Where was You’re a Grand Old Flag First Performed Publicly?
You’re a Grand Old Flag was first performed on February 6, 1906, at the Herald Square Theater in New York City during the premiere of George Washington, Jr.
