Patriotic Soundtrack
It’s easy for Independence Day to come and go with merely a few fireworks and a cookout. Hopefully it’s also a time to reflect on our nation’s journey to freedom. Chances are, this July 4th you’ll hear some of the best stories of our history and may not even know it.
We’ve compiled a few patriotic pieces for your own fireworks soundtrack and included why these songs became part of our American narrative:
Fanfare for the Common Man
For creating such a distinctly American style of composition, Aaron Copeland is known as the dean of American composers. He wrote this dramatic and powerful piece during World War II as a morale booster for the nation.
Stars and Stripes Forever
Probably the most recognizable march on the planet, John Philip Sousa composed this piece in 1896 after serving as the head of the Marine Band. Today the composition has been officially declared the National March of the USA. Sousa, known as “The March King,” also composed the well known “Washington Post March.”
America, the Beautiful
Probably the most popular patriotic song aside from our national anthem. In 1895 Katherine Bates, an English professor, took a cross country journey that inspired her to write a poem that was published two years later on July 4th. Her lyrics were then added to music by Samuel Ward. Unfortunately, the two never met and Ward died before ever hearing the inspiring combination.
The Star Spangled Banner
The lyrics come from a poem written in 1814 by Francis Scott Key, after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British ships during the War of 1812. After the fighting stopped, Key anxiously waited till dawn to see whose flag would be flying – of course the stars and stripes were still there. Our military began using the song in the late 19th century, which led to it becoming our national anthem in 1931.
God Bless America
Written by famed composer Irving Berlin in 1918 while he served in the Army, the tune was meant as a prayer for guidance. Berlin revived it and rewrote a few lyrics in 1938 as a peace song in response to Hitler’s increasing threat. The song was a hit and Berlin dedicated all the royalties to the Boy and Girl Scouts of America.
Battle Hymn of the Republic
Written and made popular during the Civil War, the song by William Steffe and Julia Howe has evolved from a military song of the North to a part of our unified nation’s fabric. Interestingly, it was written by an abolitionist more than 100 years before Martin Luther King, Jr. quoted the song in what would be his final sermon before his assassination. His final public words were, “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”
