Little Songs on Big Subjects

 In the late 1940s, there was a popular record called “Little Songs on Big Subjects.” It had eleven songs about humanity, friendship, and world connections. These songs—jingles really— were broadcast at first in New York and then throughout the United States. I grew up with the sheet music to the album and loved it as a kid.

There are many songs worth mentioning on the album but for now I’m pointing out just one: What Makes a Good American.
Before you take a listen, note that the songs were composed such that people would learn them and their messages quickly. Don’t expect Beethoven or Bernstein.
So, take a listen… or look at the lyrics below. Note that some of the words might be outdated and that I don’t propose we all need to believe the same things to be good Americans…. But…. This was a popular message back in the heyday of American”greatness”. Further evidence that MAGA has it all wrong.


What makes a good American – what do you have to be?
Am I a good American? Let’s take a look and see.
I like Democracy. I’m for Equality. I say, “be neighborly.”
Do I practice what I preach?
I don’t care where you’re from. I go by what you are.
I stand up for my rights. But do I stand up for yours?
What makes a good American – what do you have to do?
Am I a good American? And, by the way, are you?

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