| Comment | In addition to a second edition with a different publisher, this title was copyrighted in arrangements for band and orchestra (April 4 and 15, 1918), and the chorus of the first edition appeared in the Boston Post (July 6, 1918), together with an interview with the composer. All this suggests modest recognition and popularity, at least in the Boston area. |
| Historical Note | - This is the first of two editions; it was almost certainly self-published by Smith, since Arrow Music published no other titles, and its address was only a few doors away from Smith's home address. An earlier copyright, March 14, 1918, was for the manuscript; the published copy differs from the manuscript in its key and in several details in the accompaniment. According to Smith, the song was written in response to President Wilson's speech on April 2, 1917.
- The verse texts are Smith's, but the refrain presents the Pledge of Allegiance verbatim; this may have been its first appearance in a published musical setting.
- There are no documented performances, recordings, or promotional activities.
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| Lyrics | - [verse 1] We're off today for the battlefield, / We're on our way and we'll never yield, / We're off! We're off! / Soon in the fray, we are not to blame, / The Stars and Stripes we will never shame, / We're off! We're off! We're off! / Look to the left, to the right, to the front, / Look to the left, to the right, to the front, / Stars and Stripes that float above us all, I love you!
- [refrain 1] I pledge allegiance to my flag I pledge allegiance, / and to the republic for which it stands / One nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all / I pledge allegiance to my country's flag.
- [verse 2] Our God above in his wisdom great / Will guide us on and decide our fate, / We're off! We're off! / We'll make amends when the battle's o'er, / We'll all be friends as in days of yore, / We're off! We're off! We're off! / Look to the left, to the right, to the front, / Look to the left, to the right, to the front, / Stars and Stripes that float above us all, I love you![verse 2] Our God above in his wisdom great / Will guide us on and decide our fate, / We’re off! We’re off! / We’ll make amends when the battle’s o’er, / We’ll all be friends as in days of yore, / We’re off! We’re off! We’re off! / Look to the left, to the right, to the front, / Look to the left, to the right, to the front, / Stars and Stripes that float above us all, I love you!
- [refrain 2]
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| Interior Description | - Cover, below title: Patriotic Song
- Cover, above publisher: Price 50 cents
- p. 2, below title: (Patriotic Song)
- p. 5: The refrain arranged for four-part men’s chorus.
- p. 5, top: *Chorus of Men’s Voices ad lib.
- p. 5, bottom: *May be used in conjunction with the Piano Part of the Refrain, or may be sung without accompaniment.
- Plate numbers: pp. 2, 3, 4, BL: Allegiance 4
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