America in music

Feathers268 · September 11, 2009

Since the time of our country's beginning, music has been written to capture the hearts of her people. Whether it is an old marching tune from the Revolutionary War to a modern pop star, songs have been able to make one stand up and cheer, or even bring a tear to one's eye. Some have roots in history and tell stories of great men or heroic events, some are just off in search of "America". We all have stood at the side of the road as a marching band thunders by playing a John Phillip Sousa piece, and some of us were on that street playing it. I have fond memories of recieving a standing ovation after my high school band had just finnished the "Stars and Stripes Forever" in the Pavilion of Nations at the 1986 World's Exposition in Vancouver. Now I'm used to hearing it at the finale of soooo many of the fireworks shows we do, usually on Independence Day. So I ask you, what American songs give you that pride. If you can, find a link let's hear em, and if you have a story about when you heard it, it's history, or anything else that comes to mind about it, let's hear that too.

To get started, I take you to the Civil War. President Lincoln had heard tune that was popular among the northern troops. It paid tribute to John Brown, a minister who's actions against slavery had brought about his death, and the beginning of the Civil War. He liked the tune, but he commented that the words were less than to be desired. Upon hearing this, the minister's wife woke up one night and wrote what has become one of the most famous and inspiring songs of the day.

Near the end of the war, Lincoln was at a celebration. He was told a story how prisoners in a Confederate camp had been told that the North was in retreat. When a new prisoner came in and brought the news that not only was that not true, but the Union Army was advancing, the entire population began singing this song. The chior then performed it for the President. Upon it's completion, with tears running down his face, President Lincoln stood and requested they sing it again, to which the did. To that, I give you, The Battle Hymn of the Republic.

The Battle Hymn of the Republic by Julia W. Howe

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;

He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;

He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword;

His truth is marching on.