Grainger initially wrote Colonial Song in 1911 as a piano piece as a gift to his mother, Rose.
Among the versions published during Grainger's life include: Early reception of Colonial Song was not positive.
By the end of the twentieth century, Colonial Song had gained acceptance among wind band conductors.
Frank Battisti, conductor emeritus of the New England Conservatory wind ensemble, included it in a list of 73 "meritorious" compositions.
[4] By the late twentieth century, Colonial Song had been recorded by several college and university wind ensembles.