In addition to obvious references to the flag, it incorporates snippets of other popular songs, including one of his own.

Cohan wrote it in 1906 for his stage musical George Washington, Jr.[1] The song was first publicly performed on February 6, the play's opening night, at Herald Square Theater in New York City.

The two men found themselves next to each other and Cohan noticed the vet held a carefully folded but ragged old flag.

Cohan thought it was a great line and originally named his tune "You're a Grand Old Rag".

Cohan's second attempt at writing the chorus began, "You're a grand old flag / Though you're torn to a rag".

In particular, Paul V. Yoder's 1954 arrangement of "You're a Grand Old Flag" is a version commonly used today by the U.S. military in its performances of the song.

Verse 1 There's a feeling comes a-stealing, And it sets my brain a-reeling, When I'm list'ning to the music of a military band.

Verse 2 I'm no cranky hanky panky, I'm a dead square, honest Yankee, And I'm mighty proud of that old flag that flies for Uncle Sam.

Though I don't believe in raving Ev'ry time I see it waving, There's a chill runs up my back that makes me glad I'm what I am.