free online sheet music of this composition
HISTORICAL NOTE
As indicated in verse 4, this song was composed to help Americans make the transition from a nation staying out
of World War I to one participating in it. America declared war on Germany on April 6th, 1917. Verse 2 was meant
to inspire unity in support from descendants of participants in the American Civil War. Verse 3 was meant to recall
conflicts in which both Northern and Southern states were united in war efforts. Not much is known about the author
of the lyrics, William Devereux. The composer, Arthur Pryor, had been a trombone soloist in Sousa's Band, Sousa's
assistant conductor, and beginning in 1903, conductor of Pryor's Band, which at times rivaled Sousa's in popularity.
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We'll Be There, Uncle Sammy (1917) apwbtus.mid
VERSE 1
We're just waiting, Uncle Sammy, we're just waiting your command,
And we're ready, Uncle Sammy, just to show you where we stand.
We are watching for your signal, when you flash it, we'll be there.
Raise your finger, we'll not linger, we'll be there!
CHORUS
We'll be there, Uncle Sammy, we'll be there,
We'll be there, Uncle Sammy, we'll be there!
Tell to us the old, old story that you need us for Old Glory.
We'll be there, Uncle Sammy, we'll be there!
REPEAT CHORUS
VERSE 2
From the Northland, Uncle Sammy, you will find the Boys in Blue,
Down in Dixie, Uncle Sammy, Boys in Grey are with you, too.
Just you tell us that you need us; you can send us anywhere.
You can reckon when you beckon, we'll be there!
CHORUS
We'll be there, Uncle Sammy, we'll be there,
We'll be there, Uncle Sammy, we'll be there!
Tell to us the old, old story that you need us for Old Glory.
We'll be there, Uncle Sammy, we'll be there!
REPEAT CHORUS
VERSE 3
You have tried us, Uncle Sammy, in the days of long ago.
Think of Lexington and Trenton, think of Scott in Mexico,
Think of Dewey at Manilla, "Fire when ready!" just declare.
When you sic 'em, we will lick 'em, we'll be there!
CHORUS
We'll be there, Uncle Sammy, we'll be there,
We'll be there, Uncle Sammy, we'll be there!
Tell to us the old, old story that you need us for Old Glory.
We'll be there, Uncle Sammy, we'll be there!
REPEAT CHORUS
VERSE 4
We've been neutral, Uncle Sammy, while you kept us out of war,
We've been patient, Uncle Sammy, though our hearts are sick and sore.
Now we're anxious for the battle, for Old Glory bright and fair.
Lead us to it, they will rue it, we'll be there!
CHORUS
We'll be there, Uncle Sammy, we'll be there,
We'll be there, Uncle Sammy, we'll be there!
Tell to us the old, old story that you need us for Old Glory.
We'll be there, Uncle Sammy, we'll be there!
REPEAT CHORUS
VERSE 5
Not for treasure, Uncle Sammy, will we follow where you lead,
Not for kingdoms, Uncle Sammy, not for power or for greed,
But for freedom, Uncle Sammy, freedom here and ev'rywhere.
You're our leader, you're our pleader, we'll be there!
CHORUS
We'll be there, Uncle Sammy, we'll be there,
We'll be there, Uncle Sammy, we'll be there!
Tell to us the old, old story that you need us for Old Glory.
We'll be there, Uncle Sammy, we'll be there!
REPEAT CHORUS
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