Top 10 Songs in My Family Around the 4th of July

Most years around the 4^th of July, my family and I usually do quite a bit together if we can all get together anymore. I have discovered that we have similar tastes in songs for the 4^th of July so that is what I decided to make a list of for you.

Granted, we don't always sing all these songs when we get together, but for the most part we enjoy singing these songs around each other on the 4^th of July.

God Bless America

The first of these songs we usually sing is God Bless America. Why? Well for the most part my family is a Christian family. Yes, both my father's and mother's side. We honor God for allowing our country to have the freedoms it has, and for allowing us to break free of England's grasp on us after the Revolutionary War. We are proud that we live in the United States of America, and that is was possible, not just through the military, but God as well.

To God be the Glory

Again, when we sing To God be the Glory, we are thanking God that we have the freedom of religion, and that we are not oppressed. Our right to have such a freedom is often taken for granted by many in the US. This is more of a prayer type of song that we sing before eating around the 4^th of July. Kinda makes one think about what life is truly about.

America, the Beautiful

When I sing America, the Beautiful, it reminds me of the adventures that Lewis and Clark sought out, and all the wonderful things they saw before our country became what it is today. I can only imagine the dangers they faced. This also makes me wonder what others in my family think of when they sing it.

The Star-Spangled Banner

The Star-Spangled Banner is definitely a fireworks song. One person will start it and before you know it well are all singing this on the 4^th of July. When weather permits we either go to a park or a lake as a family reunion, and play baseball, too. If we play baseball, we will sing this song before the game.

The Battle Hymn of the Republic

I have an uncle who will bring up this song whenever he shows up for our reunion. Two of my uncles were in the military, but only the one would think to sing The Battle Hymn of the Republic. Of course this particular uncle can remember entire lyrics to songs that we all should know. He is quite a hoot.

It's a Grand Old Flag

Once my family gets going singing patriotic songs we start singing the rest of them. It's a Grand Old Flag is mostly sung well by those in my family who have served in the military. The rest of us are fumbling for the words, which gets us to giggling too while singing it.

America (My Country 'Tis of Thee)

The nostalgia in us comes out as we all chime together on America. The someone will inevitably sing Neil Diamond's version of this, while the rest of us just sit and listen. I think I will shock them this year by learning how to sing it the way he does, and belt it out on the 4^th of July.

This Land is Your Land

Yes, we get rather patriotic on the 4^th of July by singing This Land is Your Land. I still sing it like I did back in grade school, so I sing it very softly. I sure hope my brother will get to come back to the states in time to celebrate with us. We all worry about him as he is out protecting our country.

Yankee Doodle Dandy

Of course, what would the 4^th of July be without the classic Yankee Doodle Dandy? With all the kids shouting, "Ooh, ooh, ooh! I got one, I got one!" we know that one of them is going to be this song. We might as well have Arnold Horshack from "Welcome Back Kotter" among the kids to help them get any attention.

Stars and Stripes Forever

Yes, I am saving the best for last simply because we still have to pass around the words for this song, as I am going to do for you. Most of you know Stars and Stripes Forever as a marching song, but there really are words to it. We like to end our firework show each of the three nights ( when the 4^th is on a weekend) singing this song with the music in the background on someone's tape player.

If you have forgotten what the tune sounds like you can find it on the internet. Here are the words to Stars and Stripes Forever.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 might endeavor
Proclaimed as they marched to the fray,
That by their might and by their right
It waves forever.

I hope you enjoy the 4^th of July this year, and that you get to spend it with family and friends. Should you think you have to spend it along, don't. If you can, get away to a celebration somewhere with a crowd and enjoy it. Maybe they will sing most of these songs, and you can be prepared for them. Happy 4^th of July to all of you in advance.