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A soundtrack for independence: The role of music in the American Revolution

Long before radios, loudspeakers or modern military communications, armies relied on something much more traditional to carry their messages: music.

During the American Revolution, music organized military life, relayed commands, comforted soldiers and gave Americans a way to express the ideas and identity emerging from the fight for independence.

On the battlefield and in military camps, fifes and drums served an essential and practical purpose. Fifes, with a piercing sound similar to a modern piccolo, could be heard across considerable distances, while field drums could cut through the noise of gunfire and military activity. Together, the instruments formed a communication system that helped bring order to war.

“Various tunes and cadences were used to signal troops to wake up and sleep, report at meal times and execute various tasks and movement within the camp,” said Corey Spurlin, professor of music, marching band director and associate director of bands.

“For military drills and for movement on the battlefield, fifes and drums were used to pace marching and to signal advance or retreat, flanks and commence or cease firing of weapons.”

But music was as much a part of soldiers' emotional lives as their military routines.

Singing and playing instruments offered entertainment and companionship, strengthened bonds within military units and provided an outlet for fear and anxiety. Familiar melodies reminded soldiers of the families and communities they had left behind, offering comfort and connection far from home.

Music was part of everyday life beyond the battlefield, too.

“In addition to the fife and drums, some colonists had access to and the ability to play certain household instruments such as violin, hautboy (early version of the modern oboe), flutes and certain primitive brass instruments for entertainment,” Spurlin said.

As the Revolution continued, music took on another role: expressing what Americans were fighting for.

Familiar songs gained new political meanings. “Yankee Doodle,” for example, became closely associated with American patriotism despite its European origins. “The British Grenadiers,” another melody associated with the Revolutionary era, also had European roots, but American soldiers adapted lyrics to support their own cause.

That practice extended to religious music.

“Many soldiers were familiar with common tunes used in Protestant churches in the 18th century,” Spurlin said. “They would often use the same melody but change the lyrics to promote their political views.”

The combination of sacred music and revolutionary language reinforced the belief among some colonists that their struggle had a larger purpose, sometimes drawing parallels between the fight for liberty and biblical stories such as the Israelites' escape from bondage in Exodus.

At the same time, Americans were beginning to create music that was distinctly their own.

Boston composer William Billings became one of the most significant musical figures of the Revolutionary era. A tanner by trade and largely self-taught as a musician, Billings composed the patriotic “Chester,” which became so closely identified with the fight for independence that it has been described as an anthem of the American Revolution.

Two hundred and fifty years later, the sounds of the Revolution still offer a connection to the people who lived it.

“The study of music provides us a look into the souls of those who were living and functioning during a particular period in history,” Spurlin said. “It may be the most effective way to assess emotional context and reaction to circumstance.”

From the beat of a field drum to the songs of a new nation, music remains an enduring part of the story of how America found its voice.

Learn more about America250 at Auburn University.

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