Have to say that the Iron Maiden song “Aces High” is pretty intense…
Most of the songs mentioned make me feel patriotic, but there’s one that nobody mentioned. “Born in the USA” by Bruce Springsteen. I’ve only heard that song a couple times, but when I hear it is makes me smile, and thank God I was born here.
Zion, have you even HEARD the lyrics to “Born in the USA”? It isn’t exactly positive about the US of A.
I think it depends on the ballpark. The fans at Jacobs Field to watch the Indians are pretty respectful as a whole.
As for songs, The Star Spangled Banner played by Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock in 1969. Some people called it disrespectful at the time but if you listen, ain’t no disrespect in it.
Problem with National Anthems is they’re a little tricky to dance to. Over here, over here………I’d go with ‘Jerusalem’. It’s more about building equality than an out and out patriot song but it’s the one that can the hairs on the back of your neck all aquiver. Lift’s the roof off every time.
American: Has to be Woody Guthrie and ‘This Land is Your Land’, Loose Windscreen’s version is pretty good.
Coldfire, agree with you – Loose’s ‘Born in the USA’ is a damn jaundiced view of the country.
Coldfire: No, I’ve only heard the song…maybe two times. And both times I heard mostly the chorus, which seemed like nothing more than the title repeated a million times. Anyway, thanks for letting me know that it’s not a good song. I’ll consider that next time I ever hear it again.
“Proofread your posts Adam…proofread your posts Adam…”
That last sentence should read, “I’ll consider that if I ever hear it again.”
Omigod…
At the end of the 2nd week of Navy boot camp (1 point 5 day for anyone who remembers) the CC’s spent a whole day abusing and yelling and screaming and swearing at us.
So there’s 60 sweaty tired pissed off women standing in a circle and the CC’s put on “God Bless the USA” by what’s-his-face Green and EVERYONE starts bawling.
Psychological torture, I’m sure, but to this day it gives me goosebumps and makes me choke up.
<sniffle>
Easy. The Alaska Flag Song
Depends on who is singing it.
Well, when some would-be Aretha Franklin or Tom Jones begins performing a massacre on it, it hurts a lot.
As the son of a Vietnam combat veteran who missed the birth of both of his children while being shot at, I’ll thank you not to lecture me on either patriotism or the value of sarifice.
Hey, I just thought of another one…the Grateful Dead’s “U.S. Blues” !
Now THAT should be the National Anthem! It’s got a good beat, and you can dance to it.
pl, What makes you think they are? What do you think of people who ignore the fact that the National Anthem is playing? If they’re gabbing or drinking their beer or squeezing in front of everybody trying to get to their seat, do you really feel they are thinking about what the anthem means? My impression is that they really don’t care too much and aren’t impressed.
I agree that patriotism should not be forced, so I don’t have a problem if somebody doesn’t want to salute and sing, etc. But could they please at least shut up and hold still and not ruin it for everybody else? As far as I’m concerned, it’s disrespectful to the country and to those who feel it is important.
Pldennison:
I couldn’t disagree with you more on the issue of the National Anthem at sporting events. I guarantee that you will not be able to make me see eye to eye with you on this point. I also realize that the people we recognize through the playing of the National Anthem at these events and with the upcoming Memorial Day Holiday sacrificed so that we could disagree. I respect our right to disagree on issues such as this one. I wasn’t lecturing but I apparently hit a nerve.
I do not wish to hijack my own thread, but I personally see it as a small sacrifice out of our day to listen to someone attempt the National Anthem. I have heard good and bad attempts at Lambeau Field, County Stadium, Comiskey Park, the Marshmallow dome uh… Metrodome, and The Bradley Center. At that point, good or bad rendition, I feel the power and that I owe a debt of gratitude to a great many people that I will never know.
What the…
Who the hell left this soapbox under my feet???
Sorry, tried not to get up there. My feelings are strong on this matter
Even if they don’t hit the notes I’m sure it still sounds better than a diving Stuka. 
One more song,
Allied Pride again.
Sink the Bismarck!
Regarding ChiefScott’s negative encounter with Lee Greenwood. All I can say is that in this case, I don’t care how much of an asshole the guy is. Truth be told, I never thought much of him at all one way or the other. I considered him one of those soft-pop ‘country’ acts like Gene Watson, Eddie Rabbit, Gary Morris, etc…that did nothing for me.
The song (Proud to Be an American/God Bless the USA), however, affects me very deeply, as described in my first post. It is a visceral reaction that I could not turn off no matter how I tried.
I do understand how a personal encounter can sour one, however. My ex (a fairly liberated woman) actually voted for Jesse Helms. The reason? She met his opponent, Harvey Gantt, at a party and saw what he was really like. That was enough for her.
As for people who disrespect the National Anthem; I feel the same way about them as those who sit and chat during church. If you’re not into it, well, be quiet and respect those who do.
Also, thanks tatertot for the kind words. 
Chief, Lee might have acted like an asshole, but don’t let it detract from the song.
Ballad of the Green Beret
Taps
Proud to be an American
They didn’t let me go to the Gulf in '91, and my wife said I was hell to live with for the duration.
After it was over, they did a report, and listed our dead.
I cried.
I am a patriot. I support our flag and constitution, and with all my soul believe in the principles upon which this country was founded.
I may be retired now, but if they ever tap me on the shoulder, I’ll don my uniform again without hesitation.
For anyone who thinks patriotism is passe, I’ll personally buy them a one way ticket to the nearest totalitarian country.
WOW. A lot of emotions here. As the daughter of an Air Force man who retired with almost 22yrs in, the dau-in-law of an AF man who retired with more than 20yrs, and the white markers of entirely too many friends who are also buried at Ft Sam National Cemetary here in SA; not to mention those who are still with us; I am proud to say I’m an American. I just recently heard some of the stories from the Gulf War, from a dear friend who was there, and I worry about him coming down with the ‘Gulf War Syndrome’. I’m glad to see the different opinions expressed here, and am fully cognizant of the sacrifices that ensured the right to disagree. I have the right to stand peacefully, with my hand over my heart, and actually hear the words to the National Anthem. Just as others have the right to ignore it; until it interferes with my right to hear it, a point too many people like to ignore. I apologize for the soapbox, this is near and dear to my heart. Like VB, I too believe with all my soul in the principles this country was founded on.Back to the OP. In no particular order:
The Star-Spangled Banner
Ballad of the Green Beret (I’ve met the man who wrote this song, still chokes me up to think of him)
This Land is Your Land
America the Beautiful
God Bless America
Over There
Grand Old Flag
Taps(standing in the rain, watching Mom as they lower Daddy into the ground)
God Bless the USA
I’d have to make it “Northwest Passage”, “The Field Behind the Plow”, and “The Bluenose” by Stan Rogers. And “O Canada”. They all give me the pleasant little nationalistic tingle, the same one I get when I use my medicare card or an American does something stupid on TV.
purplebear,
You met Barry Sadler?!? That rocks!! I used to have a copy of his book “I’m a Lucky One” but it apparently was of that rare breed of book that can walk because it is gone. 
Nice choices everyone. I’m surprised I don’t hear more people saying The Ballad of the Grren Berets. I’ve discussed this with friends many times and we are in agreement that this is probably the number one song to make you puff up your chest and feel like you could kick some serious butt.
Ballad of the Green Berets
Fighting soldiers from the sky,
Fearless men who jump and die.
Men who mean just what they say,
The brave men of The Green Beret.
Silver wings upon their chests,
These are men, America’s best,
One hundred men we’ll test today,
But only three win The GreenBeret.
Trained to live off nature’s land,
Trained in combat, hand to hand.
Men who fight by night and day,
Courage take from The Green Beret.
Silver wings upon their chests,
These are men, America’s best,
One hundred men we’ll test today,
But only three win The Green Beret.
Back at home a young wife waits,
Her Green Beret has met his fate.
He has died for those oppressed.
Leaving her this last request.
Put silver wings on my son’s chest,
Make him one of America’s best,
He’ll be a man they’ll test one day,
Have him win The Green Beret.
God, I get jacked just reading the lyrics and here I am stuck at work…Time to ask for a raise!!!
Quote:
“God, I get jacked just reading the lyrics and here I am stuck at work…Time to ask for a raise!!!”
No no no!
After listening to the ballad, you demand a raise!
And if it isn’t forthcoming, you rip of his head and spit in his neck!