By Count Friedrich von Olsen
All this talk about the 100 year anniversary of the start of American involvement in what we now call World War I but which, when I was young, we called The Great War has me whistling and singing songs from the hit parade of 1917. If you look me up, I’ll seranade you by voice in person. In the meantime, you can enjoy the lyrics on the printed page!
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 went to London
Just to ride the ponies
I am a Yankee Doodle boy
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
Every heart beats true
For the red white and blue
Whenever there’s a boast or brag
Should old acquaintance be forgot
Keep your eye on the grand old flag
Keep the Home Fires Burning,
While our hearts are yearning.
Though the lads be far away
They dream of home.
There’s a silver lining
Through the dark clouds shining,
Turn those dark clouds inside out
Til the boys come home