House Of Cards

The music of both series, the BBC's and the Netflix iteration is iconic, atmospheric and incredibly well done.

The writing for both shows is tense, superb, gripping and very compelling.
The acting? Can't touch this. Both the BBC & Netflix casts are insanely well chosen.

So what is it about patriotism that excites a soul?
What is it about stirring patriotic tunes?

Not the music itself for the most part. I find Sousa to be pretentious and overdone. But play some flag waving piece and it'll stir things deep within. Even Urquhart's March with it's incredibly British orchestration.
(Reminds me of Penny Lane - which is McCartney telling us of his youth in Liverpool)

I think more than love of country is the love of fellow man. Part of the reason I play at all. My great need to share. To care for and help my brother is my wish and desire.

And I think these tunes bring that feeling to the forefront. It is more about belonging to something, being part of a community with a shared goal and promise. Not a flag.

But the people that did for that flag...who in reality were doing for the friends next to them.
As I do every time I play.