“Upon meeting George M. Cohan, a color bearer from the Civil War pointed to the flag and exclaimed, ‘She’s a grand old rag.'” —America’s Story in Song

Cohan then used the phrase in a song he wrote for his third musical, George Washington, Jr., in 1906. But facing criticism that the lyric was insulting to the American flag, he changed the word “rag” to “flag” and the anthem became a time-honored symbol of American patriotism.

“George Michael Cohan (July 3 or July 4, 1878 – November 5, 1942) was a United States entertainer, playwright, composer, lyricist, actor, singer, dancer, director, and producer of Irish descent. Known as ‘the man who owned Broadway’ in the decade before World War I, he is considered the father of American musical comedy.” —Wikipedia

The American actor James Cagney won the Oscar for Best Actor in 1942 for his role in Yankee Doodle Dandy, a biographical film about the life and career of George M. Cohan.

You’re A Grand Old Flag Lyrics

(Words and Music by George M. Cohan)

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
under Red, White and Blue
where there’s never a boast or brag

But should auld acquaintance be forgot
keep your eye on the grand old flag!