Music and lyrics by George M. Cohan (1906), arr. by Thomas Getty

Vocalist: Chris Alfonso

Piano: Thomas Getty

Grand Old Flag

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.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

Keep your eye on the grand old flag.

—

Yankee Doodle

I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy,

A Yankee Doodle, do or die;

A real live nephew of my Uncle Sam's,

Born on the Fourth of July. 

I’ve got a Yankee Doodle sweetheart,

She’s my Yankee Doodle joy. 

Yankee Doodle came to London,

Just to ride the ponies;

I am the Yankee Doodle Boy!

George M. Cohan (1878–1942) is often credited with helping create the modern Broadway musical. A true theatrical polymath, he was an actor, singer, dancer, playwright, composer, lyricist, and producer who wrote more than 50 shows and published over 300 songs—many of which remain staples of American popular music. Born in Providence, Rhode Island to a theatrical family, Cohan began performing on the vaudeville circuit at the age of eight. In recognition of his extraordinary impact on American theater, an eight-foot bronze statue of Cohan stands in Times Square, erected in 1959. It remains the only statue of an actor on Broadway.