Stars and Stripes Forever

by John Philip Sousa

　　

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Stars and Stripes Forever (1896), is considered the finest of the one hundred thirty seven American patriotic marches composed by John Philip Sousa. It was declared the national march by Congress in 1987, and is one of the few marches for which Sousa composed lyrics. Much more familiar is his Marine Band's instrumental, which invoke patriotic pride (and a temptation to march and wave a flag) by all who hear it. Featured in our collection of American Patriotic Songs

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Stars and Stripes Forever sheet music, 1897

　　Enjoy this recording of the U.S. Marine Corps. Band playing Stars and Stripes Forever, conducted and narrated by John Philip Sousa.

　　

　　[First Strain] Let martial note in triumph float And 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. [Second Strain] 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. (repeats) 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. [Trio] Hurrah for the flag of the free! May it wave as our standard forever, The gem of the land and the sea, The banner of the right. Let despots remember the day When our fathers with mighty endeavor Proclaimed as they marched to the fray That by their might and by their right It waves forever. [Repeat of the First Strain] Let eagle shriek from lofty peak The never-ending watchword of our land; Let summer breeze waft through the trees The echo of the chorus grand. Sing out for liberty and light, Sing out for freedom and the right. Sing out for Union and its might, O patriotic sons. [Grandioso] Hurrah for the flag of the free. May it wave as our standard forever The gem of the land and the sea, The banner of the right. Let despots remember the day When our fathers with mighty endeavor Proclaimed as they marched to the fray, That by their might and by their right It waves forever.

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Stars and Stripes Forever was featured as TheShort Story of the Day on Wed, Jul 04, 2018

　　

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Sousa's march is featured in our collection of American Patriotic Songs

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