Early American Ballads, Hymns, and Songs of Patriotism for Solo Guitar

The early years of American history were a time of great change and upheaval. The colonists were establishing a new country in a new world, and they brought with them their own traditions and culture. These traditions included music, and the early American ballads, hymns, and songs of patriotism that were created during this time played a vital role in shaping the American identity.

American Treasures: Early American Ballads, Hymns & Songs of Patriotism for Solo Guitar

by Bill Piburn

5 out of 5

Language	:	French
File size	:	1889 KB
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	50 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	24 pages
Item Weight	:	2.88 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.06 x 11 inches

FREE

These songs were passed down orally from generation to generation, and they were often used to tell stories, commemorate events, and express the hopes and dreams of the American people. They were also used to teach moral lessons and to inspire patriotism.

In this article, we will explore some of the most popular and enduring early American ballads, hymns, and songs of patriotism. We will provide the lyrics, chords, and a detailed analysis of each song, so that you can learn more about the history and significance of these important pieces of American music.

Ballads

Ballads are traditional narrative songs that tell a story. They are often based on real events, but they can also be fictional. Ballads were very popular in early America, and they were often used to entertain and inform people.

One of the most famous early American ballads is "The Ballad of John Henry." This song tells the story of a steel-driving man who dies in a contest with a steam-powered drill. The song is a celebration of American workers and their struggles.

Another popular early American ballad is "The Star-Spangled Banner." This song was written by Francis Scott Key in 1814, during the War of 1812. Key was inspired to write the song after he saw the American flag flying over Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland, after a British attack.

"The Ballad of John Henry"

Verse 1

John Henry was a steel-drivin' man, Didn't know no fear, He worked a hammer and a drill.

Chorus

John Henry was a steel-drivin' man, He said he was the best that ever was, He said he could beat a steam-drill down.

Verse 2

The captain said to John Henry, "I'll make you a bet, If you can beat my steam-drill down, I'll give you the finest farm in the land."

Chorus

John Henry was a steel-drivin' man, He said he was the best that ever was, He said he could beat a steam-drill down.

Verse 3

John Henry hammered and he drilled, He hammered and he drilled, He hammered and he drilled.

Chorus

John Henry was a steel-drivin' man, He said he was the best that ever was, He said he could beat a steam-drill down.

Verse 4

But the steam-drill drilled too fast, John Henry couldn't keep up, The steam-drill drilled too fast.

Chorus

John Henry was a steel-drivin' man, He said he was the best that ever was, He said he could beat a steam-drill down.

Verse 5

John Henry fell to his knees, He hammered and he drilled, John Henry fell to his knees.

Chorus

John Henry was a steel-drivin' man, He said he was the best that ever was, He said he could beat a steam-drill down.

Verse 6

John Henry hammered and he drilled, He hammered and he drilled, He hammered and he drilled.

Chorus

John Henry was a steel-drivin' man, He said he was the best that ever was, He said he could beat a steam-drill down.

Verse 7

But the steam-drill drilled too fast, John Henry couldn't keep up, The steam-drill drilled too fast.

Chorus

John Henry was a steel-drivin' man, He said he was the best that ever was, He said he could beat a steam-drill down.

Verse 8

John Henry fell to his knees, He hammered and he drilled, John Henry fell to his knees.

Chorus

John Henry was a steel-drivin' man, He said he was the best that ever was, He said he could beat a steam-drill down.

"The Star-Spangled Banner"

Verse 1

O say can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Verse 2

On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep, Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, In full glory reflected now shines in the stream. 'Tis the star-spangled banner! O long may it wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Verse 3

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion, A home and a country should leave us no more? Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave: And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O

American Treasures: Early American Ballads, Hymns & Songs of Patriotism for Solo Guitar

by Bill Piburn

5 out of 5

Language	:	French
File size	:	1889 KB
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	50 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	24 pages
Item Weight	:	2.88 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.06 x 11 inches

FREE