Grand Old Flag

Words & Music:

George M. Cohan

This is the complete version of the song.  Most people only sing the chorus as the simpler version of the song.  The second verse is interesting; promoting peace among all Americans, regardless of personal differences.  Love it.

 

CHORUS:

         G     C   G              D7          G

You're a grand old flag, you're a high-flying flag,

      G D7     G     Ddim7   D7

And forever in peace may you wave.

Am7        D7 Am  D7     G    B7 Em       A7                       D7

You're the emblem of the land I love, the home of the free and the brave.

      G     C     G     D7        G    D       G

Every heart beats true ‘neath the Red, White & Blue,

G7            E7               Am

Where there's never a boast or brag.

D7         G   D7 G          D7

But should auld acquaintance be forgot,

          A7         C     D7  G    Ddim 7  D7

Keep your eye on the grand old flag!

 

There's a feeling comes a-stealing, and it sets my brain a-reeling,

When I'm listening 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:

 

I'm a 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 every 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!

 

CHORUS:  [2x]