Patriotism and Protest: Famous American Songs and Their Legacies

“I Hear American Singing,/the varied carols I hear” are the opening lines of a poem in Walt Whitman’s 1860 version of his monumental “Leaves of Grass.” Whitman proceeds in the poem to catalogue the wonderfully various “voices” he hears in his native land. In this course, we will consider some of our canonical American voices and songs and their complex and often contradictory messages and legacies. Songs to be considered include: “Yankee Doodle,” “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “Dixie,” The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “John Henry,” “Strange Fruit,” “This Land is Your Land,” and “Blowin’ in the Wind.” Attendants are encouraged to read/listen to these songs in advance, but no prior exposure is required. This class will be interactive, so you will be encouraged to participate as the spirit moves you. There will be four 90-minute class sessions, led by Cyrus Cook, a Wallingford resident and retired English teacher at Choate Rosemary Hall. 

Tues 6 May:  “Yankee Doodle” and “The Star-Spangled Banner”

Tues 13 May: “Dixie” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”

Tues 20 May: “John Henry” and “Strange Fruit”

Tues 27 May: “This Land is Your Land” and “Blowin’ in the Wind”

By signing up for one class, you will sign up for all of the classes in the series going forward. Registration is required; please sign up below!