Keep the Flag Flying

Annotation

The song "Keep the Flag Flying" (Decca Records # 31875) by Johnny Wright. Composed by Cecil Null Patriotic. Country music. Soldier's buddy is shot by a sniper's bullet. Before he died, he requested that the US flag remain flying in the US and overseas where they were fighting, presumably in Vietnam. At the end of the song we discover that it is in fact the soldier's brother who was killed, and that the remaining brother must write a letter home, informing their parents that one of their sons is dead. Featured on the 1966 album Country Music Special (Decca Records # DL-74770), which also included a cover of the "Ballad of the Green Berets".1 It entered the Billboard chart on 25 December 1965, with the review "Johnny Wright's 'Keep the Flag Flying' is a sure hit on the heels of his #1 smash 'Hello Vietnam'. The record is already getting heavy airplay and sales are reported brisk".2 In fact, the Hello Vietnam single was still charting. "Keep the Flag Flying" reached # 31 on 21 January 1966.3 Keep the flag flying keep freedom from dying Keep the flag flying please do this for me Keep the flag flying please do this for me" B-side, "You're Over There (And I'm Over Here)" - composed by Harlan Howard - most likely intending to refer to Vietnam as well, in light of the A-side and "Hello Vietnam". Soldier received a letter from his sweetheart which makes him happy, although he is still worried that she will leave him while he is away fighting. I don't know how I can make it for another year"Sources1Billboard, 18 June 1966↩2Billboard, 25 December 1965↩3Billboard, 21 January 1966↩

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Annotation — US 'Patriotic' / Pro-Government / Anti-Protest Songs

The song "Keep the Flag Flying" (Decca Records # 31875) by Johnny Wright. Composed by Cecil Null Patriotic. Country music. Soldier's buddy is shot by a sniper's bullet. Before he died, he requested that the US flag remain flying in the US and overseas where they were fighting, presumably in Vietnam. At the end of the song we discover that it is in fact the soldier's brother who was killed, and that the remaining brother must write a letter home, informing their parents that one of their sons is dead. Featured on the 1966 album Country Music Special (Decca Records # DL-74770), which also included a cover of the "Ballad of the Green Berets".1 It entered the Billboard chart on 25 December 1965, with the review ""Johnny Wright's 'Keep the Flag Flying' is a sure hit on the heels of his #1 smash 'Hello Vietnam'. The record is already getting heavy airplay and sales are reported brisk"".2 In fact, the Hello Vietnam single was still charting. "Keep the Flag Flying" reached # 31 on 21 January 1966.3 B-side, "You're Over There (And I'm Over Here)" - composed by Harlan Howard - most likely intending to refer to Vietnam as well, in light of the A-side and "Hello Vietnam". Soldier received a letter from his sweetheart which makes him happy, although he is still worried that she will leave him while he is away fighting.Sources1Billboard, 18 June 1966↩2Billboard, 25 December 1965↩3Billboard, 21 January 1966↩

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Lyrics

English: On a battlefield in another land across the sea / My best pal and I were on patrol looking for the enemy / Then I heard the sound of the snipers shot that took him away / Just before he died kneeling by his side I heard him say / Keep the flag flying keep the young children smiling / Tell them how lucky they are to be free / Keep the flag flying keep freedom from dying / Keep the flag flying please do this for me / Now this battlefield is a lonesome place since he's gone / Though there's other boys walkin' by my side I still feel all alone / I will have to write a sad note tonight and I'll sign it differently / I'll have today from your only living son instead of brother and me / Keep the flag flying please do this for me / The sergeant just dropped by and brought your letter / And it thrilled me but it doesn't end my fear / I'm not worried about myself just afraid you'll find someone else / For you're over there and I'm over here / I carry your picture next to my heart / And I read your letters till they fall apart / If I could just see you one more time I'd know you're still mine / But you're over there and I'm over here / Each night I dream of comin' home to you again / I don't know how I can make it for another year

Notes

Decca 31875 (116,700), black rainbow-band label, "Mfr'd by Decca Records Inc. New York"; "Keep the Flag Flying" (Cecil Null), Regent Music Corp. (BMI), (2:15); Johnny Wright, "Vocal With Chorus And Instrumental Accompaniment". [From the record sleeve and labels]

About the artist

Born 13 May 1914, Mount Juliet, Tennessee, USA. Died 27 September 2011, Madison, Tennessee, USA

Themes

Patriotic · Flag

In collections

US 'Patriotic' / Pro-Government / Anti-Protest Songs [War Years]