Walt Disney's Johnny Tremain, 'The Sons of Liberty' (1957)

[Quincy_Morris]

The “let’s go pay the piper beneath the old liberty tree” line refers to choosing to go die defending liberty. Which is pretty metal considering many of these characters likely died in the war.

Put another way: Americans would rather die on their feet than live on their knees.

[aznravechildi]

The tree of liberty is very thirsty right now

[crazysingingchick]

I can’t believe Disney Plus doesn’t have this movie available. I want to watch it again!!!

[sparkywirenut]

As many have commented, why isn't this shown on tv anymore ?
Last time I remember was in early 80's .

[freakystuff]

"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."
- Thomas Jefferson

[bobhudson]

I heard this song just once when watching the film in 1957. I still remember the tune and the chorus accurately after 64 years.

[c.w.r.]

Did ANYONE else watch this in 5th grade history class?

[teencomment]

I love the admirals' reaction to everyone saying goodnight to him.

"Yes, yes, goodnight you troublemakers, you'll all pay for this later but it's too late now, I'm going back to bed."

[PAWSOFARROW]

I watched this in school this week it’s a really good movie (Johnny Tremain) I recommend it

[Learned.Redneck]

Saw it 1957 Sunday evening when 10, in fuzzy black & white. Always remembered song.

[RavenclawFtW]

If Disney has some sense, they'll get together a bunch of their cast members. They'd teach them this song, dress them up like the Sons of Liberty, and then have them march down Liberty Square at Disney World while singing the song on July 4th, 2026.

[YJmemes]

I will just randomly start whistling this song

[mohammedcohen]

...last time I saw this was when it aired in 1957...I still remember this song!!!

[steveb]

One of Disney's most underrated movies. It deserves a theatrical re-release.

[dungeontales]

I love when Johnny yanks Cilla into the march with him "Come Darling" and she walks right with him smiling - Young love is so sweet

[jefftheantisocialcucumber]

Plant the seed in our homeland, boys. Let it grow where all can see
Feed it with our devotion, boys. Call it the Liberty Tree

It’s a tall old Tree
And a strong old Tree
And we are the Sons
Yes, we are the Sons
The Sons of Liberty

Save it from the storm, boys. Water down its roots with tea
And the sun will always shine on the old Liberty Tree

It’s a tall old Tree
And a strong old Tree
And we are the Sons
Yes, we are the Sons
The Sons of Liberty

March along with the piper, boys. We were born forever free
Let’s go pay the piper, boys, beneath the Liberty Tree

It’s a tall old Tree
And a strong old Tree
And we are the Sons
Yes, we are the Sons
The Sons of Liberty

Pay the price they’re asking, boys. Always pay the tyrant’s fee
Never give up the struggle, boys. Fight for the Liberty Tree

It’s a tall old Tree
And a strong old Tree
And we are the Sons
Yes, we are the Sons
The Sons of Liberty

Stand for the rights of man, boys. Stand against all tyranny
Hang the lamps of freedom, boys, high on the Liberty Tree

It’s a tall old Tree
And a strong old Tree
And we are the Sons
Yes, we are the Sons
The Sons of Liberty

And it will grow as we grow, boys. It will be as strong as we
We must cling to our faith, boys-faith in the Liberty Tree

It’s a tall old Tree
And a strong old Tree
And we are the Sons
Yes, we are the Sons
The Sons of Liberty

[brendanforester]

We seriously need a revival of the Sons of Liberty.
Now more than ever.

[DeathSierra]

Now this, brings back old memories, back when history class taught ACTUAL history.

[Iplygamez-ngnh]

I watched this in 7th grade civics and I can't get the song out of my head

[richardhesse]

I watched this movie in School 1 Linden NJ in the 1970s never forgot this song 👍👍🇺🇸