An amazing entertainer and songwriter, George M. Cohan is known as the Father of American Musical Comedy. He gained fame with his 1904 musical Little Johnny Jones, which introduced the Patriotic hit I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy.
Cohan’s lively songs and logical innovations made him a legend on Broadway, helped to shape the American musical theater.
About the Song
The Yankee Doodle Boy is a lively show tune in which the cohan celebrates his American roots with energy. National spirit and logical charm, it honors classic U.S. symbols like “Yankee Doodle” and the Fourth of July.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release | November 7, 1904 |
| Album | Little Johnny Jones (Musical) |
| Writer | George M. Cohan |
| Producer | Co-produced by George M. Cohan |
Yankee Doodle Boy Lyrics by George M. Cohan
I’m the kid that’s all the candy
I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy
I’m glad I am
(So’s Uncle Sam)
I’m a real live Yankee Doodle
Made my name and fame and boodle
Just like Mister Doodle did, by riding on a pony
I love to listen to the Dixey [Dixie] strain
“I long to see the girl I left behind me”
And that ain’t a josh
She’s a Yankee, by gosh
(Oh, say can you see
Anything about a Yankee that’s a phoney?)
I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy
A Yankee Doodle, do or die
A real live nephew of my Uncle Sam
Born on the Fourth of July
I’ve got a Yankee Doodle sweetheart
She’s my Yankee Doodle joy
Yankee Doodle came to London
Just to ride the ponies
I am the Yankee Doodle Boy
Father’s name was Hezikiah
Mother’s name was Ann Maria
Yanks through and through
(Red, white and blue)
Father was so Yankee hearted
When the Spanish War was started
He slipped upon his uniform and hopped up on a pony
My mother’s mother was a Yankee true
My father’s father was a Yankee too
And that’s going some
For the Yankees, by gum
(Oh, say can you see
Anything about my pedigree that’s phoney)
I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy
A Yankee Doodle, do or die
A real live nephew of my Uncle Sam
Born on the Fourth of July
I’ve got a Yankee Doodle sweetheart
She’s my Yankee Doodle joy
Yankee Doodle came to London
Just to ride the ponies
I am the Yankee Doodle Boy
Similar Songs Like Yankee Doodle Boy
These songs, all by George M. Cohan, share the same logical thinking, proud spirit, and early 20th-century Americana energy that define “The Yankee Doodle Boy.”
- You’re a Grand Old Flag: A lively, flag-waving anthem by George M. Cohan filled with love for the country.
- Over There: This is a wartime rallying cry, also by Cohan, encouraging young men to serve with loyalty.
- My Regards to Broadway: George M. Cohan is a legendary figure in New York’s theater district, celebrated for his charming contributions.
Award for The Song
| Award | Category |
|---|---|
| Congressional Gold Medal | Achievement in Music and Theatre |
| Hollywood Walk of Fame | Impact on Entertainment |
Similar Artists Like George M. Cohan
These artists share a similar style to George M. Cohan, blending elements of stage show, proud themes, and early American musical theatre with catchy melodies.
- Irving Berlin
Genre: Patriotic Songs, Broadway, Traditional Pop
Top Work: God Bless America (1938) - Cole Porter
Genre: Musical Theatre, Jazz Standards
Top Work: Anything Goes (1934) - Jerome Kern
Genre: Musical Theatre, Tin Pan Alley
Top Work: Show Boat (1927) - Victor Herbert
Genre: Operetta, Early American Musical Theatre
Top Work: Babes in Toyland (1903)
Frequently Asked Questions
What was George M. Cohan’s Biggest Hit?
Give My Regards to Broadway and Over There are considered his most iconic and widely recognized hits.
How did The Yankee Doodle Boy become a Hit?
Its catchy melody and proud theme made it a Broadway sensation and a symbol of American loyalty.
