Cohan, George. M. (1878-1942)
You're A Grand Old Rag
New York: F.A. Mills. 1906. First Edition . An extremely rare true first edition of the popular song, issued before the title was changed from "You're A Grand Old Rag," to "You're a Grand Old Flag," when protests ensued. Front cover has a portrait of the composer in a revolutionary military uniform. Fuld p. 663-64. Owner's 1906 inscription at top, a few minor edge chips and a 1-inch split at top of spine, but overall an uncommonly crisp copy of this notoriously fragile and rare issue.33.5 cm. Title, [1]; advertisement, [2]; music, [3-6];advertisements, [7-8]. Worldcat records only 3 copies.
Written for Cohan's 1906 stage musical, "George Washington, Jr.," in addition to its obvious references to the flag, the song incorporates snippets of other popular songs, including one of Cohan's own. "The original lyric for this perennial George M. Cohan favorite came, as Cohan later explained, from an encounter he had with a Civil War veteran who fought at Gettysburg. The two men found themselves next to each other and Cohan noticed the vet held a carefully folded but ragged old flag. The man reportedly then turned to Cohan and said, 'She's a grand old rag.' Cohan thought it was a great line and originally named his tune 'You're a Grand Old Rag.' So many groups and individuals objected to calling the flag a 'rag,' however, that he 'gave 'em what they wanted and switched words, renaming the song 'You're a Grand Old Flag.'" (Library of Congress) (5121)
Printed Music Song