Title of Song:
"The Stars and Stripes Forever"Composer:
The melody and lyrics of this patriotic song was written in 1896 by John Philip Sousa. Popularly called "The March King," Sousa's patriotism resonates from the numerous marches he wrote throughout his life. He was an American composer of marches, a conductor, performer and bandleader. "The Stars and Stripes Forever" is considered his most famous work.The Song Today:
As stated in the 1987 US Code, Title 36 Chapter 10, "Stars and Stripes Forever" was designated the official march of the United States. The last 32 measures, also called the grandioso of "Stars and Stripes Forever," is played after "Ruffles and Flourishes" to honor senior civilian government officials. Many music ensembles, such as the Boston Pops, play this march during their concerts; it's also a favorite march of many school bands.Interesting Facts:
This song was written by Sousa while he was on board a ship called the Teutonic. At the time, he was contemplating the death of his band manager, David Blakely, and the daunting tasks that awaits him upon his return to New York. In his own words, "Suddenly, I began to sense a rhythmic beat of a band playing within my brain. - John Philip Sousa, "Marching Along; An Autobiography." As they reached shore, Sousa began to write the march persistently playing in his head, completing it on Christmas Day 1896. "Stars and Stripes Forever" was so well-received that it became a part of his band's repertoire.Lyrics (Excerpt):
Let martial note in triumph floatAnd liberty extend its mighty hand
A flag appears 'mid thunderous cheers,
The banner of the Western land.
The emblem of the brave and true
Its folds protect no tyrant crew;
The red and white and starry blue
Is freedom's shield and hope.
Other nations may deem their flags the best
And cheer them with fervid elation
But the flag of the North and South and West
Is the flag of flags, the flag of Freedom's nation
