Only a bit of color
— Waving upon the street;
Only a wind-whipped pennant
— Where the band plays shrill and sweet.

Yet the soldier's heart beats faster,
— And proud is the sailor's eye,
And the citizen's step is quickened
— When our flag is passing by.

Only a bit of color,
— Did I hear a body say?
True be the hearts that greet it
— Wherever it waves today!

Back of that bit of color
— Lies a nation's history,
And ahead of our splendid banner —
— Who knows what there yet may be?

Only a bit of color
Waving upon the street;
Only a wind-whipped pennant
Where the band plays shrill and sweet.

Yet the soldier's heart beats faster,
And proud is the sailor's eye,
And the citizen's step is quickened
When our flag is passing by.

Only a bit of color,
Did I hear a body say?
True be the hearts that greet it
Wherever it waves today!

Back of that bit of color
Lies a nation's history,
And ahead of our splendid banner —
Who knows what there yet may be?