Patriotic songs have a special place in U.S. culture, reflecting the nation's strivings and ideals. From anthems of hope to rallying cries of unity in times of war, these songs transcend generations. Here, we'll explore those that have most significantly shaped American history.'The Star-Spangled Banner'The importance of the United States' official national song is a no-brainer. It is sung at every public occasion that seeks to stir collective pride.
In 1814, Francis Scott Key witnessed the British bombard Fort McHenry with more than 1,500 cannonballs. When the defenders raised their flag the following morning, Key felt inspired and began scribbling a verse on the back of a letter. He had the resulting poem published with instructions to sing it to the tune of "To Anacreon in Heaven."
Inspired by Anacreon, an ancient Greek poet who wrote in praise of wine, this had been the official song of a British social club called the Anacreontic Society. The tune was written by John Stafford Smith. The lyrics circulated within the club's oral tradition for several years before being published in 1778.
This is one of America's oldest songs. And like many old things, this tune also originated outside of America.
Irving Berlin lived to be 101 and composed more than 1,000 songs. One of his most beloved is "God Bless America."
After becoming a U.S. citizen in 1918, Berlin was stationed at Camp Upton, New York, where he wrote "Yip, Yip, Yaphank," a musical comedy, to boost morale. For the finale, he composed "God Bless America." He ended up setting it aside, though, thinking it too solemn.
Twenty years later, with war looming again, Berlin dug the song out of an old trunk. He spent three days revising it into a patriotic anthem. Singer Kate Smith introduced it on her radio show for Armistice Day, where it became an instant hit.
The song remained obscure until, in 1940, the composer Aaron Copland came across an old Shaker songbook, "The Gift to be Simple." He ended up incorporating the title song into the score of his orchestral work "Appalachian Spring."
People would often tell Copland that they could "see the Appalachians" when they heard his suite. Copland replied that he didn't know the title when he composed the music, yet their perceptions remained unchanged.
While technically an instrumental piece rather than a song per se, America's official national march deserves a nod on this list.
On Christmas Day in 1896, while returning from Europe, Sousa heard a sad piece of news. His friend David Blakely had died, the man who had first approached him with the seemingly dubious idea to resign from the Marine Corps and start a band. His homesickness for the "glorious" sight of his native flag inspired the idea for a new march, and upon getting back home he put "Stars and Stripes Forever" to paper.
Hearing Sousa perform the piece himself was a thrilling experience. Virtually the whole population of Philadelphia would turn out for his concerts. When "The Stars and Stripes Forever" started to play, an electric light flag would turn on above the band. The audience would stand as if listening to the national anthem, erupting with cheers after the brass played the finale. Sousa received their prolonged tributes graciously, bowing over and over.
While Francis Scott Key's lyrics tend to launch patriotic events, Sousa's masterpiece often closes them, bringing the good feelings full circle.