Which patriotic song should they do in Provo today?

[rn57]

This question was raised by the moderator of the official BBs group at Facebook. Some interesting choices were posted....and so far the two getting most votes are Dennis' 4th Of July (maybe not a tune to go over well in Provo) and Spirit of America (which might fit, given that 75 year old Craig Breedlove is preparing to go after the land speed record again not too far away at Bonneville Salt Flats). A few people suggested Lady Liberty too. For me it's a tossup between Battle Hymn of the Republic, Okie From Muskogee...or a gentle, wistful Let's Go Away style rendition of the Andy Griffith theme...with Al whistling of course.

[shelter]

I don't get patriotism, it looks a lot like a "We're the best, it's us vs. them" thing to me, and since I'm not American it always makes me feel a bit uncomfortable. To each his own, but I'd rather not have my favorite band play anything patriotic, ever.

[Aegir]

Spirit of American isn't at all patriotic, it just has "America" in the title because that was the name of the car/plane thing. "4th of July" isn't patriotic at all.

Lady Liberty is one of the worst songs the Beach Boys ever recorded.

[pixletwin]

If they do anything it will likely just be the national anthem.

[Emdeeh]

I'd love it if they'd do "Spirit of America"!

[Cabinessenceking]

I'd love if they stopped being that crappy patriotic, dressed-like-uncle-Sam, fun-in-the-sun 80's band that Mike envisioned and just became the best band of all time (which they arguably are). Wth is it with americans being so patriotic, and if not they you are a commy, or a european socialist? being "patrioitc" is more or less the same as nationalistic these days, and that is a bad thing, not a good one. Can't america find another band to fill these unwanted shoes? Aerosmith or Bon Jovi would be swell.

[hypehat]

Patriotism is the virtue of the vicious.

[SMiLE Brian]

Be True to Your School because according to Mike Love, cheerleaders count as women in uniform.

[drbeachboy]

Patriotism is the virtue of the vicious.

That is kind of vicious of you to say so on our country's birthday. Just think, if only King George had signed the Olive Branch Petition, how different things might have turned out. That is the start of our Patriotism.

[hypehat]

Patriotism is the virtue of the vicious.

That is kind of vicious of you to say so on our country's birthday.

You're right. But, any excuse to quote Wilde is a good one, and going 'f*** yeah [Insert home nation here]' sets my teeth on edge for some reason. We've just had the bloody Jubilee this end of the pond, so I am rather sensitive to that sort of thing at the mo 

[drbeachboy]

Most in the U.S. do it because we love where we live. I am not a rah, rah guy everyday, but I do it once a year on Independence Day. The Boys have been doing the Independence Day concerts for over 30 years. It is very much a part of their musical history.

[KittyKat]

We do it because we love fireworks.  Best part, by far.  Can't wait for tonight's.

[keysarsoze001]

We do it for the same reason we do every holiday. As an excuse to eat.

[Bubba Ho-Tep]

Battle Hymn of the Republic.

[I. Spaceman]

I'd love if they stopped being that crappy patriotic, dressed-like-uncle-Sam, fun-in-the-sun 80's band that Mike envisioned and just became the best band of all time (which they arguably are). Wth is it with americans being so patriotic, and if not they you are a commy, or a european socialist? being "patrioitc" is more or less the same as nationalistic these days, and that is a bad thing, not a good one. Can't america find another band to fill these unwanted shoes? Aerosmith or Bon Jovi would be swell.

I'd love it if a large quantity of Beach Boys fans stopped being humorless, boring sad sacks with no sense of fun whatsoever. Can't they find another band to like, one that has a cooler name, one that's reputation is not largely based upon the concept of having fun (and yes, in the SUN! PERISH THE blankety-blank THOUGHT), one FAR more ARTISTIC and SERIOUS to follow? The Beatles would be swell.
The Beach Boys are the spirit of America.