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Centuries Collide TBN Version

Cody Crouch: America's Playlist | Centuries Collide

December 4, 2024 | S2:E16

Cody Crouch: America's Playlist | Centuries Collide
Host Cody Crouch takes us on an unforgettable ride through the moments that made the U.S.A. the country it is today.
#Singer/Songwriter #AmericanHistory #History #Culture #Government #Music #CivilRights #inActive #CodyCrouch #Media #Documentary

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Show Timecode
Centuries Collide TBN Version | Cody Crouch: America's Playlist | Centuries Collide | December 4, 2024
  • (beeping sound)
  • 00:00:00.400 --> 00:00:00.155
  • (upbeat music)
  • 00:00:00.522 --> 00:00:01.723
  • - i'm cody crouch.
  • 00:00:01.723 --> 00:00:03.192
  • On my new show "centuries collide" american history,
  • 00:00:03.192 --> 00:00:05.794
  • I'm traveling across the united states,
  • 00:00:05.794 --> 00:00:08.530
  • Uncovering the incredibly true history
  • 00:00:08.530 --> 00:00:10.999
  • Of what makes our nation so great.
  • 00:00:10.999 --> 00:00:13.769
  • We're recreating some of
  • 00:00:13.769 --> 00:00:14.903
  • American history's greatest moments
  • 00:00:14.903 --> 00:00:16.572
  • Exactly how they happened.
  • 00:00:16.572 --> 00:00:18.273
  • - didn't you think the rock would be bigger?
  • 00:00:18.273 --> 00:00:20.476
  • - welcome to the craziest, strangest,
  • 00:00:20.476 --> 00:00:23.112
  • Most whateverest crash course on american history.
  • 00:00:23.112 --> 00:00:26.248
  • Buckle up. it's time for "centuries collide."
  • 00:00:26.248 --> 00:00:28.851
  • (horse neighing) (rocket whooshing)
  • 00:00:28.851 --> 00:00:30.619
  • You know those songs that like really take you back,
  • 00:00:30.619 --> 00:00:33.489
  • Whether it's to like christmas as a kid,
  • 00:00:33.489 --> 00:00:35.591
  • Or a high school dance, or your first crush,
  • 00:00:35.591 --> 00:00:38.527
  • Or that one time your mom found your ipod
  • 00:00:38.527 --> 00:00:40.996
  • And like freaked out over the music
  • 00:00:40.996 --> 00:00:42.498
  • You actually listened to?
  • 00:00:42.498 --> 00:00:44.366
  • (upbeat music)
  • 00:00:44.366 --> 00:00:47.703
  • As americans, we have songs that really take us back.
  • 00:00:48.804 --> 00:00:52.641
  • These songs are incredibly important.
  • 00:00:52.641 --> 00:00:55.144
  • They remind us who we are as a nation,
  • 00:00:55.144 --> 00:00:57.746
  • And they express thanks for all of the sacrifices
  • 00:00:57.746 --> 00:01:01.083
  • That made our freedoms possible.
  • 00:01:01.083 --> 00:01:03.485
  • You know the songs,
  • 00:01:03.485 --> 00:01:04.987
  • But do you know the stories behind the songs?
  • 00:01:04.987 --> 00:01:08.390
  • Spoiler alert, the stories are pretty amazing.
  • 00:01:08.390 --> 00:01:11.426
  • There are so many songs, but so little time.
  • 00:01:11.426 --> 00:01:14.296
  • So we've narrowed down our playlist
  • 00:01:14.296 --> 00:01:15.998
  • To four unforgettable singles that have made their way
  • 00:01:15.998 --> 00:01:19.568
  • Into the ultimate american playlist.
  • 00:01:19.568 --> 00:01:22.504
  • So, buckle up. it's time for "centuries collide."
  • 00:01:22.504 --> 00:01:27.776
  • (upbeat music)
  • 00:01:28.143 --> 00:01:29.378
  • (car horn honking)
  • 00:01:29.378 --> 00:01:32.581
  • (hawk screeching)
  • 00:01:32.981 --> 00:01:34.883
  • (car engine roaring)
  • 00:01:34.883 --> 00:01:37.286
  • (bell dinging)
  • 00:01:37.286 --> 00:01:38.187
  • (horse neighing)
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  • (rocket whooshing)
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  • (lively music)
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  • This is america's top four.
  • 00:01:47.996 --> 00:01:50.032
  • That's right, just four in which we count down
  • 00:01:50.032 --> 00:01:52.701
  • Some of america's most memorable and iconic tunes.
  • 00:01:52.701 --> 00:01:57.272
  • ♪ america's top four
  • 00:01:57.773 --> 00:02:01.276
  • - cut, cut, cut.
  • 00:02:01.276 --> 00:02:03.278
  • Ben, it's just four. just four.
  • 00:02:03.278 --> 00:02:06.949
  • - so not 40?
  • 00:02:06.949 --> 00:02:08.217
  • - four. we don't have the budget for 40.
  • 00:02:08.217 --> 00:02:10.886
  • - our first song is "the defense of fort mchenry."
  • 00:02:10.886 --> 00:02:14.656
  • Definitely not a catchy title,
  • 00:02:14.656 --> 00:02:16.825
  • But it is what they called this hit song back in the day.
  • 00:02:16.825 --> 00:02:19.428
  • Long story short, an american lawyer was held captive
  • 00:02:19.428 --> 00:02:22.431
  • By the british in a boat offshore.
  • 00:02:22.431 --> 00:02:25.434
  • From the boat, he watched the battle of fort mchenry,
  • 00:02:25.434 --> 00:02:29.171
  • But the next morning, instead of the british flag flying,
  • 00:02:29.171 --> 00:02:32.241
  • He saw old glory still waving.
  • 00:02:32.241 --> 00:02:34.843
  • So all of that i remember, but here's what i didn't.
  • 00:02:34.843 --> 00:02:38.480
  • That song wasn't written during the revolutionary war,
  • 00:02:38.480 --> 00:02:41.717
  • It was written during the war of 1812.
  • 00:02:41.717 --> 00:02:44.219
  • And america was officially the new kids on the block.
  • 00:02:44.219 --> 00:02:48.690
  • (upbeat music)
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  • ♪ to the party
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  • ♪ it was 1812 and we were fightin' wars ♪
  • 00:02:54.496 --> 00:02:57.833
  • ♪ we had to restate our case to old king george ♪
  • 00:02:57.833 --> 00:03:01.003
  • ♪ yo, he's crazy
  • 00:03:01.003 --> 00:03:04.139
  • - [cody] america is a brand new nation,
  • 00:03:04.139 --> 00:03:06.141
  • Relatively untested in the world.
  • 00:03:06.141 --> 00:03:08.410
  • Britain was at it again, interfering with american trade.
  • 00:03:08.410 --> 00:03:12.981
  • The royal navy blockaded our coasts, occupied washington,
  • 00:03:12.981 --> 00:03:17.886
  • Torched the capitol, and the president's mansion,
  • 00:03:17.886 --> 00:03:21.623
  • Aka, you know, the white house,
  • 00:03:21.623 --> 00:03:23.191
  • ♪ white house
  • 00:03:23.191 --> 00:03:24.426
  • - wait guys. it's burnt, so.
  • 00:03:24.426 --> 00:03:27.362
  • ♪ black house
  • 00:03:27.362 --> 00:03:29.264
  • ♪ the british
  • 00:03:29.264 --> 00:03:30.399
  • ♪ r burning the white house
  • 00:03:31.033 --> 00:03:34.536
  • - yeah.
  • 00:03:34.803 --> 00:03:36.071
  • - we were, how do i put this to a nation
  • 00:03:36.071 --> 00:03:37.906
  • Of overachieving pioneers bent on freedom?
  • 00:03:37.906 --> 00:03:40.208
  • We were losing,
  • 00:03:40.208 --> 00:03:41.610
  • But don't lose hope.
  • 00:03:41.610 --> 00:03:43.145
  • The american navy defeats the british in new york.
  • 00:03:43.145 --> 00:03:46.615
  • (indistinct chatter)
  • 00:03:46.615 --> 00:03:50.452
  • We were winning,
  • 00:03:50.452 --> 00:03:51.820
  • And then we started losing.
  • 00:03:51.820 --> 00:03:54.289
  • Two days later, here in maryland, just
  • 00:03:54.289 --> 00:03:56.591
  • Outside of baltimore,
  • 00:03:56.591 --> 00:03:57.492
  • One of america's most strategic forts,
  • 00:03:57.492 --> 00:03:59.728
  • Fort mchenry, took an absolute thrashing.
  • 00:03:59.728 --> 00:04:02.764
  • - no, no, no.
  • 00:04:02.764 --> 00:04:04.599
  • Not today where we're losing.
  • 00:04:04.599 --> 00:04:07.135
  • - what this country needs is a picker upper.
  • 00:04:07.135 --> 00:04:10.072
  • - usa.
  • 00:04:10.072 --> 00:04:11.640
  • Usa.
  • 00:04:11.640 --> 00:04:13.208
  • - [all] usa.
  • 00:04:13.208 --> 00:04:15.010
  • - no.
  • 00:04:15.010 --> 00:04:16.411
  • Guys, guys, that's not a song, that's just a chant.
  • 00:04:16.411 --> 00:04:21.783
  • - what we need is someone to write a song.
  • 00:04:22.617 --> 00:04:27.122
  • - this low point in the story
  • 00:04:27.122 --> 00:04:29.224
  • That we pick up the trail
  • 00:04:29.224 --> 00:04:30.792
  • For our very first song.
  • 00:04:30.792 --> 00:04:32.294
  • The attorney francis scott key
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  • Was taken prisoner by the british.
  • 00:04:33.995 --> 00:04:36.765
  • He watched the absolute bombardment of fort mchenry
  • 00:04:36.765 --> 00:04:40.702
  • From a ship out here in the chesapeake bay,
  • 00:04:40.702 --> 00:04:44.139
  • Kind of near where that bridge is.
  • 00:04:44.139 --> 00:04:46.641
  • But, in the early light of dawn,
  • 00:04:46.641 --> 00:04:49.177
  • He was so inspired by the sight of this flag,
  • 00:04:49.177 --> 00:04:52.214
  • The american flag still flying over the fort,
  • 00:04:52.214 --> 00:04:55.050
  • That he began to compose a poem.
  • 00:04:55.050 --> 00:04:57.953
  • - the flag is over there,
  • 00:04:57.953 --> 00:05:00.522
  • Get my binoculars and stare.
  • 00:05:00.522 --> 00:05:03.258
  • Put your hands in the air.
  • 00:05:03.258 --> 00:05:06.194
  • - hey, no rhyming.
  • 00:05:06.194 --> 00:05:08.563
  • - surely you can't be serious.
  • 00:05:08.563 --> 00:05:10.399
  • - i am serious.
  • 00:05:10.399 --> 00:05:11.366
  • My name is jose.
  • 00:05:11.366 --> 00:05:13.101
  • - jose, can you see by the dawn's early light.
  • 00:05:13.101 --> 00:05:19.107
  • That's good.
  • 00:05:19.441 --> 00:05:20.842
  • - he named this poem "the defense of fort mchenry"
  • 00:05:20.842 --> 00:05:24.179
  • For very literal and obvious reasons.
  • 00:05:24.179 --> 00:05:27.048
  • - it's not bad but the title is rather short boy.
  • 00:05:27.048 --> 00:05:29.484
  • - yes, you should probably rename it.
  • 00:05:29.484 --> 00:05:31.520
  • - ah, writing is hard.
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  • Stars, spangled, banner.
  • 00:05:33.989 --> 00:05:37.759
  • - you can't do anything with those words.
  • 00:05:37.759 --> 00:05:40.195
  • - no, not at all.
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  • - the "star spangled banner,"
  • 00:05:42.030 --> 00:05:44.566
  • Now that's a title,
  • 00:05:44.566 --> 00:05:46.435
  • And a catchy one too.
  • 00:05:46.435 --> 00:05:48.003
  • And to add salt to the british wound,
  • 00:05:48.003 --> 00:05:49.604
  • It was set to the tune
  • 00:05:49.604 --> 00:05:51.106
  • Of an old english drinking song.
  • 00:05:51.106 --> 00:05:53.475
  • (soldiers humming)
  • 00:05:53.475 --> 00:06:00.248
  • - don't you dare steal this
  • 00:06:00.849 --> 00:06:02.451
  • For that stupid little poem of yours.
  • 00:06:02.451 --> 00:06:05.020
  • (soldiers humming)
  • 00:06:05.020 --> 00:06:09.090
  • - fun fact.
  • 00:06:09.424 --> 00:06:10.358
  • We only sing one stanza
  • 00:06:10.358 --> 00:06:12.227
  • Of francis scott key's original poem.
  • 00:06:12.227 --> 00:06:14.663
  • It has four,
  • 00:06:14.663 --> 00:06:16.031
  • And patriot points to anyone
  • 00:06:16.031 --> 00:06:17.699
  • Who can sing more than one,
  • 00:06:17.699 --> 00:06:19.134
  • And does it at the next sporting event they attend.
  • 00:06:19.134 --> 00:06:22.237
  • Which brings up an important question,
  • 00:06:22.237 --> 00:06:24.005
  • Why do we sing the "national anthem" at sporting events?
  • 00:06:24.005 --> 00:06:27.676
  • (upbeat music)
  • 00:06:27.676 --> 00:06:31.112
  • In 1916, president woodrow wilson decided
  • 00:06:31.980 --> 00:06:34.349
  • That the "national anthem" should be played
  • 00:06:34.349 --> 00:06:36.651
  • At all official events,
  • 00:06:36.651 --> 00:06:38.854
  • But still only occasionally was the "national anthem"
  • 00:06:38.854 --> 00:06:42.691
  • Played at sporting events,
  • 00:06:42.691 --> 00:06:43.992
  • Like maybe on fourth of july or memorial day.
  • 00:06:43.992 --> 00:06:46.695
  • - come on red sox.
  • 00:06:46.695 --> 00:06:48.263
  • Let's go boston, come on.
  • 00:06:48.263 --> 00:06:50.632
  • - excuse me.
  • 00:06:50.632 --> 00:06:51.600
  • Excuse me.
  • 00:06:51.600 --> 00:06:53.902
  • Sorry, sorry, excuse me.
  • 00:06:52.634 --> 00:06:55.170
  • - oh, i bet you didn't even get my coke.
  • 00:06:55.170 --> 00:06:56.171
  • - the 1918 work or fight rule
  • 00:06:56.171 --> 00:06:58.974
  • Required men of draft age to either join the military
  • 00:06:58.974 --> 00:07:02.077
  • Or work in a military related job.
  • 00:07:02.077 --> 00:07:04.846
  • The only problem was it was time for the world series.
  • 00:07:04.846 --> 00:07:08.617
  • It was america's war effort
  • 00:07:08.617 --> 00:07:09.951
  • Versus america's favorite past time.
  • 00:07:09.951 --> 00:07:12.320
  • So an exception was made for game one
  • 00:07:12.320 --> 00:07:15.390
  • Of the world series.
  • 00:07:15.390 --> 00:07:16.491
  • 19,000 sports fans showed up
  • 00:07:16.491 --> 00:07:19.361
  • For the red sox versus the chicago cubs,
  • 00:07:19.361 --> 00:07:22.797
  • But the crowd was kind of down,
  • 00:07:22.797 --> 00:07:25.500
  • And rightfully so.
  • 00:07:25.500 --> 00:07:27.168
  • World war i had taken a major toll
  • 00:07:27.168 --> 00:07:29.638
  • On american morale.
  • 00:07:29.638 --> 00:07:31.106
  • And then out of nowhere, in the seventh inning stretch,
  • 00:07:31.106 --> 00:07:33.842
  • The military band launched into a newly arranged version
  • 00:07:33.842 --> 00:07:37.045
  • Of a song already familiar to everyone,
  • 00:07:37.045 --> 00:07:41.149
  • "the star spangled banner."
  • 00:07:41.149 --> 00:07:43.618
  • ♪ and the home of the brave
  • 00:07:43.618 --> 00:07:50.158
  • (everyone cheering)
  • 00:07:50.625 --> 00:07:53.962
  • - and by the end it was a full blown celebration.
  • 00:07:54.930 --> 00:07:58.099
  • The red sox may have taken the series that year,
  • 00:07:58.099 --> 00:08:00.402
  • But the real winner was "the star spangled banner."
  • 00:08:00.402 --> 00:08:03.872
  • (upbeat music)
  • 00:08:03.872 --> 00:08:06.141
  • It took a few more years,
  • 00:08:06.141 --> 00:08:08.209
  • But by 1931 "the star spangled banner"
  • 00:08:08.209 --> 00:08:10.245
  • Officially became the national anthem
  • 00:08:10.245 --> 00:08:12.747
  • Of the united states of america.
  • 00:08:12.747 --> 00:08:14.783
  • But did you know that "the star spangled banner"
  • 00:08:14.783 --> 00:08:16.918
  • Isn't our original national anthem?
  • 00:08:16.918 --> 00:08:19.721
  • You wanna know the original one?
  • 00:08:19.721 --> 00:08:22.424
  • Either way i'm gonna tell you.
  • 00:08:22.424 --> 00:08:24.659
  • ♪ america's top four
  • 00:08:24.659 --> 00:08:27.996
  • ♪ number three
  • 00:08:27.996 --> 00:08:30.465
  • (singer vocalize)
  • 00:08:30.865 --> 00:08:32.767
  • - america, my country, 'tis of thee.
  • 00:08:32.767 --> 00:08:35.637
  • - hey, great line, man.
  • 00:08:35.637 --> 00:08:37.038
  • That was- - hey, thanks.
  • 00:08:37.038 --> 00:08:38.073
  • - that was- - i felt that.
  • 00:08:38.073 --> 00:08:39.274
  • - gold.
  • 00:08:39.274 --> 00:08:40.375
  • - in 1831, a 22-year-old harvard graduate
  • 00:08:41.176 --> 00:08:45.480
  • Was sitting in seminary school
  • 00:08:45.480 --> 00:08:47.582
  • Completely minding his own business,
  • 00:08:47.582 --> 00:08:49.584
  • Never intending to write a national hymn,
  • 00:08:49.584 --> 00:08:53.188
  • But when inspiration struck
  • 00:08:53.188 --> 00:08:55.123
  • He wrote this song in like 30 minutes.
  • 00:08:55.123 --> 00:08:58.693
  • Samuel francis smith did a ton of cool things in his life.
  • 00:08:58.693 --> 00:09:02.397
  • He was a professor, he was a clergyman, a magazine editor.
  • 00:09:02.397 --> 00:09:06.501
  • He wrote hymns, poems, essays,
  • 00:09:06.501 --> 00:09:08.970
  • And even books.
  • 00:09:08.970 --> 00:09:10.438
  • But it was this one song,
  • 00:09:10.438 --> 00:09:12.907
  • Lyrics he wrote as a 20 something
  • 00:09:12.907 --> 00:09:14.943
  • That echo throughout the years and ears of america.
  • 00:09:14.943 --> 00:09:19.481
  • One of the early versions was used
  • 00:09:19.481 --> 00:09:21.249
  • To welcome george washington to new york city.
  • 00:09:21.249 --> 00:09:24.085
  • Another sung by members of the lewis and clark expedition.
  • 00:09:24.085 --> 00:09:27.989
  • It was just the it tune of the early 1800's.
  • 00:09:27.989 --> 00:09:31.426
  • Samuel francis smith found a willing collaborator
  • 00:09:31.426 --> 00:09:33.862
  • In lowell mason, a friend and music educator.
  • 00:09:33.862 --> 00:09:37.899
  • - hey, lowell, i'm laying down some sick lyrics,
  • 00:09:37.899 --> 00:09:41.770
  • Wanna collab?
  • 00:09:41.770 --> 00:09:43.772
  • - their collaboration cemented those iconic lyrics
  • 00:09:43.772 --> 00:09:47.242
  • With that infamous tune.
  • 00:09:47.242 --> 00:09:49.344
  • The song "america," as it was originally titled,
  • 00:09:49.344 --> 00:09:51.980
  • Debuted in 1832 at a children's concert
  • 00:09:51.980 --> 00:09:55.517
  • At a church right here in boston.
  • 00:09:55.517 --> 00:09:57.419
  • (kids shouting)
  • 00:09:57.419 --> 00:09:58.687
  • - okay, kids, i'd like to introduce you
  • 00:09:58.687 --> 00:10:00.655
  • To the founding fathers of america.
  • 00:10:00.655 --> 00:10:03.892
  • (kids cheering)
  • 00:10:03.892 --> 00:10:07.962
  • ♪ my country 'tis of thee
  • 00:10:08.563 --> 00:10:12.667
  • ♪ sweet land of liberty
  • 00:10:12.667 --> 00:10:16.204
  • ♪ of thee i sing
  • 00:10:16.204 --> 00:10:20.341
  • ♪ let's do this
  • 00:10:20.341 --> 00:10:22.711
  • ♪ my native country thee
  • 00:10:22.711 --> 00:10:24.446
  • ♪ land of the noble free
  • 00:10:24.446 --> 00:10:26.648
  • ♪ i pay my love
  • 00:10:26.648 --> 00:10:28.850
  • - great song and great message.
  • 00:10:28.850 --> 00:10:31.486
  • Unfortunately, freedom did not
  • 00:10:31.486 --> 00:10:33.555
  • Ring so loud for everyone back then.
  • 00:10:33.555 --> 00:10:36.091
  • A true land of promise and opportunity
  • 00:10:36.091 --> 00:10:38.026
  • Is where all men and women are recognized
  • 00:10:38.026 --> 00:10:40.428
  • As created equal,
  • 00:10:40.428 --> 00:10:42.163
  • And where all men and women are free.
  • 00:10:42.163 --> 00:10:45.100
  • The color of your skin should have nothing to do with it.
  • 00:10:45.100 --> 00:10:47.535
  • Just like activists today
  • 00:10:47.535 --> 00:10:50.071
  • Abolitionists also took advantage of the media.
  • 00:10:50.071 --> 00:10:53.074
  • And this is way before tweets and hashtags.
  • 00:10:53.074 --> 00:10:55.677
  • So what they did is they took a song
  • 00:10:55.677 --> 00:10:57.946
  • That was familiar to everyone,
  • 00:10:57.946 --> 00:10:59.614
  • And they wrote and published new lyrics,
  • 00:10:59.614 --> 00:11:02.550
  • Kind of like a remix.
  • 00:11:02.550 --> 00:11:04.285
  • But when i say new lyrics
  • 00:11:04.285 --> 00:11:06.154
  • I'm talking scathing attacks on slavery,
  • 00:11:06.154 --> 00:11:09.290
  • And anyone who defended it.
  • 00:11:09.290 --> 00:11:11.459
  • - all right gentleman we have some new lyrics here.
  • 00:11:11.459 --> 00:11:14.529
  • - you want us to sing this?
  • 00:11:15.130 --> 00:11:17.232
  • - yep.
  • 00:11:17.232 --> 00:11:18.833
  • ♪ my country 'tis of thee
  • 00:11:18.833 --> 00:11:22.403
  • ♪ strong hold of slavery
  • 00:11:22.403 --> 00:11:25.874
  • ♪ of thee i sing
  • 00:11:25.874 --> 00:11:28.843
  • (record scratches)
  • 00:11:28.843 --> 00:11:30.879
  • - this song's ability to speak truth
  • 00:11:30.879 --> 00:11:33.047
  • To those in power continued well into the 20th century.
  • 00:11:33.047 --> 00:11:36.918
  • In fact, in the original "west side story" film,
  • 00:11:36.918 --> 00:11:39.854
  • The sharks gang whistled the tune
  • 00:11:39.854 --> 00:11:41.990
  • As commentary to their unfair treatment as (indistinct).
  • 00:11:41.990 --> 00:11:45.326
  • Even martin luther king junior included it
  • 00:11:45.326 --> 00:11:47.962
  • As part of his i have a dream speech in 1963.
  • 00:11:47.962 --> 00:11:52.167
  • As we all know, hits don't stay on the hot list forever.
  • 00:11:52.167 --> 00:11:54.702
  • A few years into the 20th century,
  • 00:11:54.702 --> 00:11:56.538
  • And the "star spangled banner" officially clenched
  • 00:11:56.538 --> 00:11:59.674
  • The national anthem spot.
  • 00:11:59.674 --> 00:12:01.910
  • But "my country 'tis of thee" will always remain
  • 00:12:01.910 --> 00:12:05.079
  • A certifiable american banger.
  • 00:12:05.079 --> 00:12:08.616
  • ♪ america's top four
  • 00:12:09.117 --> 00:12:12.520
  • - number two.
  • 00:12:12.520 --> 00:12:14.989
  • - "mystery song."
  • 00:12:15.390 --> 00:12:18.059
  • (upbeat music)
  • 00:12:18.426 --> 00:12:21.296
  • - for this next spot in our countdown
  • 00:12:22.096 --> 00:12:24.098
  • We're gonna mix it up a little bit.
  • 00:12:24.098 --> 00:12:25.900
  • This song isn't on the nose patriotic,
  • 00:12:25.900 --> 00:12:28.303
  • But more in the american as apple pie category.
  • 00:12:28.303 --> 00:12:32.140
  • But don't let its simplicity fool you,
  • 00:12:32.140 --> 00:12:34.075
  • This little ditty helped some very tough americans
  • 00:12:34.075 --> 00:12:36.911
  • Through some very tough times.
  • 00:12:36.911 --> 00:12:38.880
  • We're talking brutal wars two generations apart.
  • 00:12:38.880 --> 00:12:42.684
  • Now the origin story of this song
  • 00:12:42.684 --> 00:12:45.253
  • Begins at the west point academy,
  • 00:12:45.253 --> 00:12:47.121
  • A patriotic american start for sure,
  • 00:12:47.121 --> 00:12:50.024
  • But it gets better.
  • 00:12:50.024 --> 00:12:51.759
  • In the 1830s, the west point chaplain
  • 00:12:51.759 --> 00:12:53.661
  • Had two nieces who lived on constitution island
  • 00:12:53.661 --> 00:12:57.265
  • Just across the hudson river from westpoint.
  • 00:12:57.265 --> 00:13:00.468
  • They moved there when the family fell on hard times
  • 00:13:00.468 --> 00:13:02.871
  • In the financial depression known as
  • 00:13:02.871 --> 00:13:04.739
  • The panic of 1837.
  • 00:13:04.739 --> 00:13:07.041
  • So, how do you help your family make ends meet
  • 00:13:07.041 --> 00:13:10.445
  • If you're two young women in the 1830s?
  • 00:13:10.445 --> 00:13:14.482
  • Well, if you're ana and susan warner
  • 00:13:14.482 --> 00:13:17.318
  • You write novels.
  • 00:13:17.318 --> 00:13:18.820
  • Susan's first novel was a smash success,
  • 00:13:18.820 --> 00:13:22.290
  • The first book in america to ever sell a million copies.
  • 00:13:22.290 --> 00:13:26.761
  • It's often considered america's first best selling...
  • 00:13:26.761 --> 00:13:30.698
  • - novel, which is pretty cool.
  • 00:13:31.332 --> 00:13:32.400
  • Susan cranked out the novels,
  • 00:13:32.400 --> 00:13:34.602
  • Anna published her books,
  • 00:13:34.602 --> 00:13:36.104
  • But sometimes the sisters wrote together.
  • 00:13:36.104 --> 00:13:39.374
  • While writing a children's book,
  • 00:13:39.374 --> 00:13:40.708
  • They included a particular scene with lyrics
  • 00:13:40.708 --> 00:13:43.411
  • To our number 2 song.
  • 00:13:43.411 --> 00:13:45.179
  • Here's a hint.
  • 00:13:45.179 --> 00:13:46.447
  • This song is still sung all around the world
  • 00:13:46.447 --> 00:13:49.183
  • In hundreds of languages.
  • 00:13:49.183 --> 00:13:51.152
  • In their book, the main character comforts a dying child
  • 00:13:51.152 --> 00:13:54.455
  • With a poem, which became the lyrics.
  • 00:13:54.455 --> 00:13:57.592
  • People who read this were overwhelmed with emotion.
  • 00:13:57.592 --> 00:14:00.762
  • Then the composer, william bradbury,
  • 00:14:00.762 --> 00:14:03.131
  • Decided to set it to music, adding a chorus.
  • 00:14:03.131 --> 00:14:07.035
  • Any guesses yet?
  • 00:14:07.035 --> 00:14:08.436
  • This soon to be worldwide phenomena worked its way
  • 00:14:08.436 --> 00:14:11.372
  • Through america's north and south on the lips
  • 00:14:11.372 --> 00:14:13.574
  • Of soldiers during the civil war.
  • 00:14:13.574 --> 00:14:16.144
  • This simple child's song brought comfort
  • 00:14:16.144 --> 00:14:18.513
  • To grown men facing the horrors of war
  • 00:14:18.513 --> 00:14:21.482
  • In one of our nation's darkest hours.
  • 00:14:21.482 --> 00:14:24.719
  • ♪ jesus loves me
  • 00:14:25.119 --> 00:14:26.888
  • ♪ this i know
  • 00:14:26.888 --> 00:14:29.223
  • ♪ for the bible tells me so
  • 00:14:29.223 --> 00:14:33.661
  • ♪ little ones to him belong
  • 00:14:33.661 --> 00:14:38.232
  • ♪ they are weak but he is strong ♪
  • 00:14:38.232 --> 00:14:41.936
  • - wow. what a song and what a story.
  • 00:14:41.936 --> 00:14:44.706
  • But you better buckle up now
  • 00:14:44.706 --> 00:14:46.007
  • Because we're gonna fast forward 80 years
  • 00:14:46.007 --> 00:14:48.376
  • From the civil war,
  • 00:14:48.376 --> 00:14:49.944
  • And this part of the story plays out like an action movie.
  • 00:14:49.944 --> 00:14:53.748
  • It's world war ii,
  • 00:14:53.748 --> 00:14:55.316
  • A small group of shipwrecked marines make a harrowing swim
  • 00:14:55.316 --> 00:14:58.553
  • To a remote island in the south pacific.
  • 00:14:58.553 --> 00:15:01.289
  • The leader of these survivors,
  • 00:15:01.289 --> 00:15:02.924
  • A 26-year-old john f. kennedy.
  • 00:15:02.924 --> 00:15:05.893
  • - look over there, man.
  • 00:15:05.893 --> 00:15:07.695
  • - i don't think i can make it.
  • 00:15:08.329 --> 00:15:10.732
  • - i will pull you by my teeth if i have to.
  • 00:15:10.732 --> 00:15:14.168
  • - okay.
  • 00:15:14.435 --> 00:15:19.874
  • - hey, i, i don't think i can make it either.
  • 00:15:20.842 --> 00:15:24.178
  • - [narrator] they swim hours back and forth
  • 00:15:25.079 --> 00:15:27.515
  • To remote islands,
  • 00:15:27.515 --> 00:15:28.983
  • Avoiding the japanese, constant brushes with death,
  • 00:15:28.983 --> 00:15:31.519
  • And i'm not even gonna think
  • 00:15:31.519 --> 00:15:32.854
  • About how many sharks there were.
  • 00:15:32.854 --> 00:15:34.455
  • Miraculously, they were found by friendly local fishermen,
  • 00:15:34.455 --> 00:15:37.558
  • But they aren't safe yet.
  • 00:15:37.558 --> 00:15:39.060
  • Messages are passed through these fishermen
  • 00:15:39.060 --> 00:15:41.429
  • Who are now, for all practical purposes,
  • 00:15:41.429 --> 00:15:43.865
  • Spies for the united states in a dugout canoe.
  • 00:15:43.865 --> 00:15:48.469
  • - i'm gonna put this secret message
  • 00:15:48.469 --> 00:15:51.806
  • Into this coconut and you are gonna give it
  • 00:15:51.806 --> 00:15:56.110
  • To the good guys.
  • 00:15:56.110 --> 00:15:58.246
  • The good guys.
  • 00:15:58.246 --> 00:16:00.148
  • No, no, no, in the coconut,
  • 00:16:00.748 --> 00:16:03.618
  • To the good guys, not the japanese.
  • 00:16:03.618 --> 00:16:07.021
  • Can you help me? they're not getting it.
  • 00:16:07.021 --> 00:16:09.023
  • - [narrator] while the marines waited for a rescue,
  • 00:16:09.023 --> 00:16:10.725
  • Dog fights raged overhead,
  • 00:16:10.725 --> 00:16:12.860
  • And this wasn't a resort island, by the way.
  • 00:16:12.860 --> 00:16:15.096
  • It's a, if you want to eat, climb a coconut tree,
  • 00:16:15.096 --> 00:16:17.899
  • Even though you're wounded, starving,
  • 00:16:17.899 --> 00:16:19.267
  • And hallucinating, kind of island.
  • 00:16:19.267 --> 00:16:21.436
  • - sir, i have a message from some local fishermen.
  • 00:16:21.436 --> 00:16:26.074
  • - that's a coconut.
  • 00:16:26.541 --> 00:16:27.809
  • - no, it's a secret message.
  • 00:16:28.409 --> 00:16:34.082
  • - they're alive.
  • 00:16:34.449 --> 00:16:36.217
  • - and yes, john f. kennedy really did send
  • 00:16:37.118 --> 00:16:39.987
  • A secret sos message written on a coconut,
  • 00:16:39.987 --> 00:16:44.092
  • And fun fact, he actually used that coconut
  • 00:16:44.092 --> 00:16:46.994
  • As a paperweight in the oval office
  • 00:16:46.994 --> 00:16:49.497
  • When he became president.
  • 00:16:49.497 --> 00:16:51.065
  • Under the dark of night,
  • 00:16:51.065 --> 00:16:52.600
  • The rescue plan was executed with the help of the locals,
  • 00:16:52.600 --> 00:16:56.137
  • And though language was a barrier, music was not.
  • 00:16:56.137 --> 00:17:00.108
  • Together they sang, "jesus loves me."
  • 00:17:00.108 --> 00:17:02.810
  • - language is a barrier, but music is not.
  • 00:17:02.810 --> 00:17:07.682
  • We could sing "jesus loves me" as a unifying song.
  • 00:17:07.682 --> 00:17:13.387
  • ♪ jesus loves me
  • 00:17:13.788 --> 00:17:15.756
  • ♪ this i know
  • 00:17:15.756 --> 00:17:18.493
  • - good guy!
  • 00:17:18.493 --> 00:17:20.528
  • ♪ for the bible tells me so
  • 00:17:21.162 --> 00:17:25.633
  • - they know it.
  • 00:17:26.033 --> 00:17:27.268
  • - this song has a way of showing up
  • 00:17:28.002 --> 00:17:29.704
  • In the most unusual circumstances
  • 00:17:29.704 --> 00:17:31.973
  • To bring much needed peace.
  • 00:17:31.973 --> 00:17:34.342
  • Performed in pop, soul, jazz, country, or bluegrass,
  • 00:17:34.342 --> 00:17:39.614
  • But never better than when simply sung
  • 00:17:40.448 --> 00:17:42.817
  • By a choir of children.
  • 00:17:42.817 --> 00:17:45.353
  • ♪ yes, jesus loves me
  • 00:17:45.353 --> 00:17:49.857
  • ♪ the bible tells me so
  • 00:17:49.857 --> 00:17:55.830
  • - okay. (clears throat) that was adorable.
  • 00:17:56.731 --> 00:18:03.571
  • (upbeat music)
  • 00:18:03.938 --> 00:18:07.575
  • - it's the final song in our america's top 4,
  • 00:18:08.543 --> 00:18:11.212
  • And the story behind this one is a classic american dream.
  • 00:18:11.212 --> 00:18:15.917
  • ♪ america's top 4
  • 00:18:15.917 --> 00:18:19.487
  • ♪ number one
  • 00:18:19.487 --> 00:18:20.655
  • - lemme set the stage.
  • 00:18:20.655 --> 00:18:22.023
  • A siberian family fleeing jewish persecution land
  • 00:18:22.023 --> 00:18:25.626
  • On the shores of america in 1893.
  • 00:18:25.626 --> 00:18:28.629
  • Okay, let me unpack that for a second.
  • 00:18:28.629 --> 00:18:30.531
  • It's not like that was an easy thing to do.
  • 00:18:30.531 --> 00:18:32.967
  • First off, siberia, it's like a joke, it's so far away.
  • 00:18:32.967 --> 00:18:37.471
  • Number two, jewish persecution.
  • 00:18:37.471 --> 00:18:39.674
  • That's some serious life or death stuff right there.
  • 00:18:39.674 --> 00:18:42.977
  • And number three, they landed on the shores in 1893,
  • 00:18:42.977 --> 00:18:47.648
  • So you're at sea for how many days or weeks or even months.
  • 00:18:47.648 --> 00:18:56.090
  • Israel baline was the youngest of eight children.
  • 00:18:57.124 --> 00:19:00.561
  • When he was just a kid, his dad gave him singing lessons
  • 00:19:00.561 --> 00:19:03.731
  • And by the time he was a young teenager,
  • 00:19:03.731 --> 00:19:05.800
  • He was singing on the streets
  • 00:19:05.800 --> 00:19:07.068
  • And in bars right here in new york city.
  • 00:19:07.068 --> 00:19:09.971
  • - two, three, four.
  • 00:19:09.971 --> 00:19:12.173
  • ♪ hello my baby
  • 00:19:12.173 --> 00:19:13.007
  • ♪ hello my honey
  • 00:19:13.007 --> 00:19:14.141
  • ♪ hello my ragtime girl
  • 00:19:14.141 --> 00:19:16.277
  • - after hours at the bar he worked at,
  • 00:19:16.277 --> 00:19:18.045
  • He taught himself to play the piano.
  • 00:19:18.045 --> 00:19:20.348
  • His first original song brought him a whopping 33 cents
  • 00:19:20.348 --> 00:19:25.653
  • And a brush with destiny.
  • 00:19:26.187 --> 00:19:28.489
  • - sonny, you've got mail.
  • 00:19:28.489 --> 00:19:30.992
  • - they misspelled my name.
  • 00:19:31.559 --> 00:19:33.794
  • Irving berlin?
  • 00:19:33.794 --> 00:19:35.630
  • - not gonna lie, kid,
  • 00:19:35.630 --> 00:19:37.098
  • Irving berlin's got a nice ring to it.
  • 00:19:37.098 --> 00:19:39.634
  • - and from that moment on,
  • 00:19:39.634 --> 00:19:40.968
  • He became known as the famous irving berlin.
  • 00:19:40.968 --> 00:19:45.473
  • Irving's career took off like a rocket,
  • 00:19:45.473 --> 00:19:47.942
  • We're talking broadway musicals, film scores,
  • 00:19:47.942 --> 00:19:51.946
  • Hit song after hit song.
  • 00:19:51.946 --> 00:19:54.215
  • I mean, who hasn't heard the holiday favorite,
  • 00:19:54.215 --> 00:19:56.984
  • "white christmas"?
  • 00:19:56.984 --> 00:19:58.419
  • His life just proves
  • 00:19:58.419 --> 00:20:00.221
  • That there ain't no business like show business,
  • 00:20:00.221 --> 00:20:02.657
  • Which is actually just another huge hit song he wrote.
  • 00:20:02.657 --> 00:20:05.993
  • The legendary composer, jerome kern,
  • 00:20:05.993 --> 00:20:08.429
  • Even once famously said of irving,
  • 00:20:08.429 --> 00:20:11.198
  • - "irving berlin has no place in american music.
  • 00:20:11.198 --> 00:20:14.402
  • He is american music."
  • 00:20:14.402 --> 00:20:17.138
  • - this genius of a talent was forever grateful
  • 00:20:17.138 --> 00:20:19.640
  • To the country that welcomed him in.
  • 00:20:19.640 --> 00:20:21.876
  • He produced many patriotic songs
  • 00:20:21.876 --> 00:20:24.345
  • That reflected his life as an immigrant.
  • 00:20:24.345 --> 00:20:27.481
  • "let's all be americans now",
  • 00:20:27.481 --> 00:20:29.550
  • "for your country and my country",
  • 00:20:29.550 --> 00:20:31.419
  • The titles of his songs tell it all.
  • 00:20:31.419 --> 00:20:34.288
  • In 1917, a 30-year-old berlin was drafted.
  • 00:20:34.288 --> 00:20:38.292
  • So what did he do?
  • 00:20:38.292 --> 00:20:39.527
  • Well, he basically wrote the soundtrack
  • 00:20:39.527 --> 00:20:41.829
  • For america's war effort during the first world war.
  • 00:20:41.829 --> 00:20:46.867
  • - excuse me, mr. berlin. - uncle sam?
  • 00:20:47.601 --> 00:20:50.171
  • - thank you for serving your country,
  • 00:20:50.171 --> 00:20:52.106
  • But i'd like to trade you a weapon for something else.
  • 00:20:52.106 --> 00:20:55.343
  • - what?
  • 00:20:55.343 --> 00:20:57.378
  • (gentle instrumental music)
  • 00:20:57.978 --> 00:20:59.080
  • - [narrator] the army put
  • 00:20:59.080 --> 00:21:00.314
  • This soldier's songwriting skills to work.
  • 00:21:00.314 --> 00:21:02.350
  • He wrote a musical about soldiers
  • 00:21:02.350 --> 00:21:04.185
  • That would be played by soldiers.
  • 00:21:04.185 --> 00:21:06.487
  • The finale song, though,
  • 00:21:06.487 --> 00:21:08.055
  • Just didn't seem right.
  • 00:21:08.055 --> 00:21:10.191
  • Fast forward 20 years to 1938,
  • 00:21:10.191 --> 00:21:13.661
  • And a national radio show singer came calling.
  • 00:21:13.661 --> 00:21:16.530
  • She was looking for a song to honor
  • 00:21:16.530 --> 00:21:19.300
  • The 20th anniversary of the end of the great war.
  • 00:21:19.300 --> 00:21:22.703
  • Side note, they didn't call it world war i yet,
  • 00:21:22.703 --> 00:21:25.406
  • Because you know, world war ii hadn't happened.
  • 00:21:25.406 --> 00:21:28.309
  • But spoiler, it's about to.
  • 00:21:28.309 --> 00:21:31.679
  • - i want to write a song of peace,
  • 00:21:32.380 --> 00:21:34.648
  • A song that brings america together.
  • 00:21:34.648 --> 00:21:37.318
  • Wait, what about that song
  • 00:21:37.885 --> 00:21:39.420
  • I cut from the soldier musical back in my army days?
  • 00:21:39.420 --> 00:21:42.857
  • (airplane engine whirring)
  • 00:21:42.857 --> 00:21:44.725
  • I'm just gonna tuck this away for later.
  • 00:21:44.725 --> 00:21:47.595
  • Eureka.
  • 00:21:47.862 --> 00:21:49.563
  • (gentle instrumental music)
  • 00:21:50.164 --> 00:21:53.067
  • ♪ right, fright, night, night
  • 00:21:53.067 --> 00:21:56.737
  • ♪ through the night with the light from above ♪
  • 00:21:56.737 --> 00:22:01.942
  • - in her beloved national radio show.
  • 00:22:02.743 --> 00:22:04.245
  • Kate smith sung this song every week for nearly two years,
  • 00:22:04.245 --> 00:22:08.783
  • And then later this song was immortalized on celluloid
  • 00:22:08.783 --> 00:22:12.119
  • In a film starring a future president of the united states,
  • 00:22:12.119 --> 00:22:15.256
  • Ronald reagan, the song "god bless america".
  • 00:22:15.256 --> 00:22:20.294
  • ♪ god. - no, no,
  • 00:22:20.728 --> 00:22:22.763
  • That song is still copyrighted.
  • 00:22:22.763 --> 00:22:25.599
  • - so we can't sing it?
  • 00:22:25.599 --> 00:22:27.668
  • - not on this show, we can't,
  • 00:22:27.668 --> 00:22:29.370
  • We don't have the budget for it.
  • 00:22:29.370 --> 00:22:30.805
  • - maybe just a delicate little hum? (hums)
  • 00:22:30.805 --> 00:22:33.908
  • - sorry, the melody is also copyrighted.
  • 00:22:33.908 --> 00:22:37.344
  • - how about we mouth it into the microphone
  • 00:22:37.344 --> 00:22:39.914
  • Whilst pretending that we're singing it?
  • 00:22:39.914 --> 00:22:42.183
  • - hmm.
  • 00:22:42.183 --> 00:22:43.818
  • I'll allow it.
  • 00:22:44.185 --> 00:22:45.386
  • - let's hit it, boys. - count us in, count us in.
  • 00:22:46.420 --> 00:22:48.322
  • - alright, five, six, seven, eight.
  • 00:22:48.322 --> 00:22:51.926
  • (gentle instrumental music)
  • 00:22:51.926 --> 00:22:54.895
  • - "god bless america" was a gift that just kept on giving.
  • 00:22:54.895 --> 00:22:58.466
  • One month after 9/11, "god bless america"
  • 00:22:58.466 --> 00:23:00.901
  • Was released as an album for charity.
  • 00:23:00.901 --> 00:23:03.671
  • And it was the first charity album
  • 00:23:03.671 --> 00:23:05.639
  • To hit number one on the american charts
  • 00:23:05.639 --> 00:23:07.741
  • Since the 1980s hit, "we are the world".
  • 00:23:07.741 --> 00:23:11.712
  • - god bless america, indeed.
  • 00:23:11.712 --> 00:23:15.382
  • - yeah, a big god bless america ending
  • 00:23:15.382 --> 00:23:17.718
  • Is kinda what this show deserves.
  • 00:23:17.718 --> 00:23:20.087
  • But uncle sam is right,
  • 00:23:20.087 --> 00:23:22.289
  • That song actually isn't public domain,
  • 00:23:22.289 --> 00:23:25.092
  • And according to my calculations, won't
  • 00:23:25.092 --> 00:23:26.927
  • Be until like 2033.
  • 00:23:26.927 --> 00:23:29.697
  • But let's not let that rain on our parade, okay?
  • 00:23:29.697 --> 00:23:32.666
  • My fellow americans,
  • 00:23:32.666 --> 00:23:33.968
  • I give you the founding fathers united singers
  • 00:23:33.968 --> 00:23:36.237
  • And the national anthem.
  • 00:23:36.237 --> 00:23:38.606
  • (gentle instrumental music)
  • 00:23:38.606 --> 00:23:40.908
  • ♪ oh, say, can you see
  • 00:23:40.908 --> 00:23:44.211
  • ♪ by the dawn's early light
  • 00:23:44.211 --> 00:23:47.381
  • ♪ what so proudly we hailed
  • 00:23:47.381 --> 00:23:50.551
  • ♪ at the twilight's last gleaming ♪
  • 00:23:50.551 --> 00:23:53.787
  • ♪ whose broad stripes and bright stars ♪
  • 00:23:53.787 --> 00:23:57.157
  • ♪ through the perilous fight
  • 00:23:57.157 --> 00:24:00.761
  • - watching the news and consuming social media,
  • 00:24:00.761 --> 00:24:02.763
  • It's really easy to lose sight
  • 00:24:02.763 --> 00:24:04.298
  • Of what we love most about america.
  • 00:24:04.298 --> 00:24:07.134
  • But what these stories behind the music tell us,
  • 00:24:07.134 --> 00:24:09.937
  • That we are a nation of the people, by the people,
  • 00:24:09.937 --> 00:24:12.907
  • And for the people, the first of its kind.
  • 00:24:12.907 --> 00:24:15.242
  • Are we far from perfect?
  • 00:24:15.242 --> 00:24:16.610
  • Absolutely.
  • 00:24:16.610 --> 00:24:17.745
  • But what these songs do is remind us
  • 00:24:17.745 --> 00:24:20.447
  • And inspire us of our potential.
  • 00:24:20.447 --> 00:24:23.217
  • And that is always worth singing about.
  • 00:24:23.217 --> 00:24:26.220
  • Add your voice to the final chorus.
  • 00:24:26.220 --> 00:24:29.089
  • ♪ oh say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave ♪
  • 00:24:30.090 --> 00:24:38.933
  • ♪ o'er the land of the free
  • 00:24:39.567 --> 00:24:45.406
  • ♪ and at the home of the brave
  • 00:24:46.040 --> 00:24:55.749
  • (gentle instrumental music)
  • 00:24:56.350 --> 00:24:56.350