Simone Lawson
There are several songs about the US Constitution, including We The People, Constitution Day, and an adaptation of Yankee Doodle. The composer of Constitution Day, John Riggio, was born on the same day the US Constitution was signed, September 17, 1787. The song is designed to be sung in unison with a simple, repetitive, and low melody that students can belt out with passion and enthusiasm. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the Constitution, which defines the power and limits of the government and protects the rights of individuals. Another song mentioned is by an Asian American band from Portland called The Slants, which highlights their legal battle for the right to trademark their band name, showcasing the power of music to embody a movement and speak out against injustices. These songs celebrate the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, such as freedom of speech and the right to peacefully assemble.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the Song | "Constitution Day" |
| Name of the Singer/Composer | John Riggio |
| Date of Composition | September 17 |
| Theme | The U.S. Constitution and the rights it guarantees |
| Target Audience | School students |
| Style | Rock, Majestic, Powerful, Patriotic |
| Lyrics | Simple, Repetitive, Educational |
| Melody | Low, allowing students to sing with passion and enthusiasm |
| Arrangement | Orchestral, with a powerful impact |
| Performance Instructions | Sing with attitude, add vibrato, and emphasize certain words |
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What You'll Learn
'Read the Constitution' is sung to the tune of 'Yankee Doodle'
"Read the Constitution" is a song set to the tune of "Yankee Doodle", a traditional song and nursery rhyme. The song encourages Americans to read and understand the Constitution, which defines the rights and powers of citizens and limits the power of the government. The lyrics of "Read the Constitution" are simple and direct, with a clear message: every American should know about their freedoms and rights. The song is designed to be easy to learn for singers of all ages, including young students, and is meant to be performed with enthusiasm and passion.
"Yankee Doodle" has a long and interesting history. The tune is thought to be much older than the lyrics, and it was well-known across Western Europe, including England, France, the Netherlands, Hungary, and Spain. The melody may have originated from an Irish tune called "All the Way to Galway", with the second strain being identical to "Yankee Doodle". There are also rumours that the earliest words of the song came from a Middle Dutch harvest song, dating back as far as the 15th century in Holland. The lyrics were mostly nonsense words in English and Dutch, such as "Yanker, didel, doodle down, Diddle, dudel, lanther, Yanke viver, voover vown, Botermilk und tanther."
The song "Yankee Doodle" was originally written at Fort Crailo around 1755 by British Army surgeon Richard Shuckburgh while campaigning in Rensselaer, New York. It was first sung by British military officers to mock the colonial "Yankees" they served with in the French and Indian War. The British troops stereotyped the American soldiers as unsophisticated and disheveled, and the song ridiculed the idea of a Yankee simpleton who thought he was stylish by merely sticking a feather in his cap. Despite its origins as a mocking tune, "Yankee Doodle" was later adopted and sung patriotically by Americans, particularly during the American Revolutionary War. It is the state song of Connecticut and is used by the American state broadcaster Voice of America as their interval signal.
The song "Read the Constitution" adapts the well-known tune of "Yankee Doodle" to encourage Americans to read and understand their country's founding document. By using a familiar melody, the song makes the important message of knowing one's rights and freedoms more accessible and engaging, especially for younger generations. This adaptation serves as a creative way to educate and inspire patriotism among Americans of all ages.
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Music K-8 magazine features a song called 'The Constitution'
Music K-8 magazine features a song called "The Constitution", which gives an overview of the purpose and importance of the US Constitution. The song is designed to be taught in schools, with the sheet music and lyrics available for purchase. It is described as "highly stylized" and teachers are encouraged to have their students sing with "attitude" and "vibrato", and to "sing the scoops". The song is meant to be performed with energy and passion, with students encouraged to "belt out the melody with passion and enthusiasm".
The song highlights the importance of the US Constitution in providing freedom and protecting citizens' rights. It emphasizes the role of the Constitution in limiting the power of the government and preventing oppression. This is achieved through the separation of powers into three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial. The song also acknowledges the roots of the country and the reasons for its existence as a nation.
The sheet music for "The Constitution" includes comments to guide the performance and style. For example, at bar 13, the notes are both scooped and separated, while in the following bar, the notes are legato. The section starting at bar 21 should be ethereal, building at bar 25. Measure 28 and from the coda out should be sung with authority: "The Constitution makes us free!". The song has two parts, but part 2 is optional and is only sung on the D.S.
"The Constitution" was composed by John Riggio, who was born on September 17, the same date as the signing of the US Constitution by delegates of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, 181 years prior. The song is described as stately, energetic, majestic, and powerful, with a patriotic feel. It is written in unison and is rhythmically simple and repetitive, making it accessible for students to learn.
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Schoolhouse Rock features a song literally about the Constitution
Schoolhouse Rock is an educational musical series that teaches children various topics through songs. One of the songs in the series is literally about the Constitution and is aptly titled "The Constitution Song". The song provides a fun and engaging way for children to learn about the importance of the Constitution, its history, and its role in protecting their freedoms and rights as citizens.
The song likely refers to the Constitution of the United States, which is the supreme law of the land and outlines the framework of the federal government. The US Constitution is significant because it guards against both anarchy, which would result from having no laws, and oppression, which could arise from having too many laws. The Framers of the Constitution built-in checks and balances by separating powers into a legislative branch, an executive branch, and a judicial branch, thus limiting the government's power.
The "Constitution Song" from Schoolhouse Rock encourages students to read and understand the Constitution. It is set to the tune of "Yankee Doodle," making it easy for young learners to sing along. The song's message emphasizes the importance of every American, even children, knowing their freedoms, laws, and rights outlined in the Constitution. This aligns with the educational purpose of Schoolhouse Rock, which aims to teach important concepts in a memorable and enjoyable way.
In addition to "The Constitution Song," there are other musical works that creatively interpret the Constitution. For example, "The Most Perfect Album" is a playlist that spans various genres, including folk, R&B, spoken word, and mariachi. Each song on the album artistically explores different amendments to the Constitution, such as the 13th Amendment celebrated in soul singer Bette Smith's song and the 7th Amendment's right to a jury trial narrated by Adia Victoria in a Southern Gothic tale.
Through these artistic endeavours, including the "Constitution Song" from Schoolhouse Rock, complex ideas about the Constitution become more accessible to people, especially younger audiences. By incorporating music and creative storytelling, these songs not only entertain but also educate, fostering a deeper understanding of the Constitution and its relevance to people's lives.
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The Slants' self-titled song about their legal battle
The Slants are an American dance-rock band composed entirely of Asian Americans. The band was formed in Portland, Oregon, by Simon Tam in 2006. The band's name originates from an effort of reappropriation and was the source of a protracted legal battle that took them to the Supreme Court of the United States in the case Matal v. Tam.
The trademark battle was sparked by a government attorney's claim that the band's name was disparaging to Asians. The band fought hard against this accusation, sending thousands of pages of evidence, including independent surveys, linguistics experts' opinions, letters from API leaders, and examples of Asian Americans using "slant" in a positive, self-referential way. They also experienced a rigorous international touring schedule, a lineup change, and personal relationship challenges during this period.
The Slants' self-titled release is a collection of songs meant to be paired with "The Band Who Must Not Be Named." It reflects the band's diversity in sound, passion for justice, and 80s synth-pop rhythms that characterize their Chinatown Dance Rock style. The EP commemorates their appearance at the Supreme Court of the United States, featuring all-new songs with a pop twist.
The band's music and legal battle have sparked discussions on the power of language and the complexities of cultural representation. Their quest for trademark protection on their band name has been a fusion of songs and storytelling, with frontman Simon Tam sharing his struggles with discrimination and bullying. The Slants' narrative has served as a reminder of the importance of standing up for one's beliefs and embracing one's identity.
In June 2017, the Supreme Court affirmed the band's right to trademark their name, with Justice Samuel Alito writing, "The disparagement clause violates the First Amendment's Free Speech Clause. Contrary to the Government's contention, trademarks are private, not government speech." The Slants' victory in the case Matal v. Tam has had a broad impact on how the First Amendment is applied in other trademark cases.
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Laura Jane Grace sings about her transition
Laura Jane Grace, born Thomas James Gabel, is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and the founder, lead singer, songwriter, and rhythm guitarist of the punk rock band Against Me!. She is one of the first highly visible punk rock musicians to publicly come out as transgender, which she did in May 2012.
Grace's transition was not without its challenges. She experienced gender dysphoria from a young age, often cross-dressing at home and fantasizing about being a woman. In an interview with Maclean's, she recalled that her earliest memories were of gender dysphoria, saying, "when you’re young, you don’t even know those words". She also spoke about the brief disillusionment she felt with the punk scene, which had once been an outlet for her to avoid dealing with her personal issues.
In 2012, Grace began publicly using the name Laura Jane Grace. "Laura" is the name her mother would have chosen for her had she been assigned female at birth, "Jane" was selected because she liked the name, and "Grace" is her mother's maiden name. She also announced plans to begin hormone therapy and electrolysis, and considered surgery. She expressed apprehension about certain procedures, saying, "I don't give a fuck if I lose my penis".
Grace's transition was met with support from various figures in the punk community, including musicians Brian Fallon, Brendan Kelly, and Mike Shinoda. Herndon Graddick, President of GLAAD, also voiced his support, stating that Grace's public profile would increase awareness and acceptance of transgender individuals.
Grace continued to perform with Against Me! after coming out, and even expressed excitement about performing as her true self, stating, "However fierce our band was in the past, imagine me, six-foot-two, in heels, fucking screaming into someone's face." She also found support within the band, with drummer Atom Willard joining her on her solo projects, Laura Jane Grace & the Devouring Mothers, and Bought to Rot.
In 2020, Grace released her first solo studio album since transitioning, Stay Alive, followed by Hole in My Head in 2024. She has also been open about her transition journey, speaking frankly about her gender dysphoria and her experiences telling her bandmates, family, and wife about her transition.
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Frequently asked questions
Lynn Ahrens sings "The Preamble," which features the words of the preamble of the US Constitution.
John Riggio, who was born on the same day the US Constitution was signed, wrote the music for Constitution Day.
Songs about the US Constitution are meant to teach children about the importance of the document and what it does, i.e., limiting the power of the federal government and protecting the rights of individuals.
