Have you stuck your feather in your cap today?

Yankee Doodle went to town
A-riding on a pony
Stuck a feather in his hat
And called it macaroni.

Yankee Doodle, keep it up
Yankee Doodle dandy
Mind the music and the step
And with the girls be handy.

Father and I went down to camp
Along with Captain Gooding
And there we saw the men and boys
As thick as hasty pudding.

Yankee Doodle, keep it up
Yankee Doodle dandy
Mind the music and the step
And with the girls be handy

There was Captain Washington
Upon a slapping stallion
A-giving orders to his men
I guess there was a million.

Yankee Doodle, keep it up
Yankee Doodle dandy
Mind the music and the step
And with the girls be handy.

Now if you have never looked up the origin of this nursery rhyme, you might be surprised.  My source for all knowledge, good ol' Wikipedia has an extensive history lesson as well as extended lyrics.  I was surprised to learn that it has ties to Billerica, MA.  It is also the state song of Connecticut. And apparently, Yankee Doodle may have been an insult in actuality, making fun of Stupid Yanks for trying to look fashionable by sticking feathers in their hats trying to be all the rage. Go figure...

And what is with the "And with the girls be handy" line????  I suppose this may be the origin of the "Hair Band" Era.... But regardless, if a guy had bigger hair than what I had in the early 90s, then he would NOT be handy with me!

Anyway, Happy 4th of July! Be safe!

If you are looking for things to do to celebrate the 4th throughout New England, check out: http://www.visitnewengland.com/new_england_july_4_highlights.html