History of Yankee Doodle
"Yankee Doodle" was originally a British song mocking American soldiers during the Revolutionary War. The term "Yankee" was a derogatory reference to Americans, while "doodle" meant fool, and "macaroni" referred to someone with a flamboyant fashion style. Despite its origins, the song was embraced by Americans, who adopted it as a symbol of pride and defiance during the Revolution.
The song, written in 1755 by Dr. Richard Shackburg, became popular in both the U.S. and abroad, with more than 190 versions created throughout history. It was later revived by George M. Cohan in 1904, and John Philip Sousa often incorporated it into his works.
Yankee Doodle Lyrics & Tune
The tune of "Yankee Doodle" is catchy and simple, making it perfect for adaptations. At Let's Play Music, we've created a few fun verses to match our musical lessons:
Yankee Doodle went to class
Singin' a soprano
He played the harp, he played the bells
And then he played piano.
Chorus:
Yankee Doodle La Ti Do,
Yankee Here We Go Now
Mind the solfeg and the chords
and sing Ti La Ti Do, Do!
(Feel free to add your own LPM-inspired verses in the comments!)
Why Use Folk Music?
Folk songs like "Yankee Doodle" have stood the test of time because of their simple, memorable melodies and rhythmic qualities. These tunes offer excellent material for music students, especially in learning about musical structure, composition, and theory. Folk music helps build a strong foundation for aspiring musicians, even for the greatest composers.
How to Progress with "Yankee Doodle"
If you're ready to level up your playing, try these variations:
Easy: Play block chords and sing the melody.
Nice: Play 2-handed marching chords and sing the melody.
Double Nice: Play 2-handed marching chords while a friend plays the melody an octave higher, then switch roles.
Fantastic: Play the melody with the right hand (RH) and block chords with the left hand (LH).
Superstar: Play the melody with RH and marching LH chords.
Tricky: Try the “Ti Sol La Ti Do Do” ending. If you're looking for a challenge, attempt the “Ti Ti La Ti Do Do” variation from your Orange book.
Brilliant: Challenge yourself by adding the chords to "Hurry Hurry Drive the Firetruck" from your Green book. Use careful listening to determine the needed chords and play them with your marching style.
Remember, "Yankee Doodle" isn't just fun to sing and play—it’s a perfect way to develop your musical skills while embracing a classic American folk tune!
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