"Yankee Doodle" (
purchase/download) is one of the most popular American patriotic songs, and is also the state song of Connecticut. However, despite its popularity, it started out as a song that made fun of American troops.
British Origins
Like many of the songs that have become characteristic of American patriotism, the origins of "Yankee Doodle" lie in old English folk music. In this case, kind of humorously, the song emerged before the American Revolution as a vehicle for the British to mock American soldiers.
Yankee, of course, began as a negative term making fun of Americans, although the exact origins of the word are debatable.
"Doodle" was a derogatory term that meant "fool" or "simpleton."
The American Revolution
As the Yankees began to take the British in the Revolution, they also took over command of the song, and began singing it as a proud anthem to taunt their English foes. One of the earliest references to the song was from the 1767 opera
The Disappointment, and an early printed version of the song dates back to 1775, mocking a U.S. Army official from Massachusettes.
The American Version
Although the exact origins of the tune and original lyrics of
"Yankee Doodle" are unknown (some sources attribute it to Irish or Dutch origin, rather than the British), most historians agree that the American version was written by an English doctor named Dr. Shackburg. According to the
Library of Congress, Shackburg wrote the American lyrics in 1755.
The Civil War
Considering the popularity of the melody, new versions evolved throughout America's early years, used to mock various groups. For example, during the Civil War, folks in the South sang lyrics mocking the north, and Union Democrats sang lyrics mocking the South.
Tradition and Tomfoolery
Even though it began as a song mocking American soldiers, "Yankee Doodle" has become a symbol of American pride. The unforgettable melody has been adapted and performed in theater, by big bands, and other variations of musical performances, since its popularization. Nowadays, it's a fun patriotic song, and most people only know a few verses. Read the
full lyrics to "Yankee Doodle."
Purchase/Download "Yankee Doodle"
