**Bart Sings a Country Song About General Philip Sheridan**

Prompt: Simpsons fanfiction bart sings a country song he wrote about general Philip Sheridan

The sun had set over Springfield, casting a warm golden glow across the Simpson's backyard. Bart Simpson lounged on the porch, strumming his old guitar and gazing up at the stars. It had been a long day filled with pranks and school drama, but tonight, inspiration hit him like a lightning bolt. He decided he was going to write a song—one that would surely wow his family, friends, and anyone who happened to be listening in. “Hey, Lisa! Come here!” he yelled, letting the resonance of his excitement drift through the air. Moments later, his brainy sister appeared, curious about the commotion. “What do you want, Bart?” she asked, adjusting her glasses and ready to roll her eyes at yet another one of her brother's ridiculous ideas. “Check it out! I’m writing a country song!” Bart declared, pounding a few chords on the guitar with gusto. “A country song? Really? That doesn’t seem very… you,” Lisa replied skeptically, crossing her arms. “What’s it about?” “Uh, well… it’s about General Philip Sheridan,” Bart said, fumbling through his memory as he recalled snippets of what he had learned from a school project on the Civil War. “General Sheridan? The Union general known for his cavalry movements and total war tactics?” Lisa asked, raising an eyebrow. “You’ve really reached deep into the history books, huh?” “Yeah, well, the guy was a big deal!” Bart exclaimed, puffing out his chest. “Plus, I thought it'd be cool to have a country vibe in it. Y’know, like some sort of twisted hybrid of country and war history!” “Alright, if you can actually pull this off, I’ll be impressed,” Lisa admitted, her interest piqued. “But it better not involve any of your usual shenanigans.” Bart grinned, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. He sat up straight, focusing intently on the guitar in his hands, and began to conjure up the lyrics that would pay tribute to the military tactician. He tapped his foot and started strumming, the melodies pouring out like honey. As he sang, he worked through themes of valor, boyhood dreams, and the struggles of the Civil War—all laced together with down-home country storytelling. "When the cannons boom and the bugle plays, Sheridan rides across the field like a southern wind… With courage in his heart and a steely gaze, He fought for freedom, 'til the very end." Lisa chuckled softly, musing how Bart was somehow managing to merge the solemnity of history with his characteristic flair for humor. Bart, encouraged, picked up the tempo. "In the Shenandoah Valley, the echoes of the past, He led his troops through storms, brave and steadfast. Underneath that dusty hat, a leader bold and true, General Sheridan, we’re singin’ ‘bout you!" Bart’s voice turned gravelly; he closed his eyes and visualized the galloping horses, the thunder of hooves, and the banners waving gloriously in the wind. He imagined Sheridan, standing tall, flanked by his troops, charging headlong into battle for a dream of a united nation. After a few more verses, Bart finished singing, a big grin plastered on his face. “What do you think?! It’s genius, right? A real toe-tapper!” Lisa nodded thoughtfully, a small smile creeping onto her face. “You know, it’s not half bad. You captured something important without being too crude about it. Who knew you had a knack for songwriting?” Bart basked in the praise, practically glowing. “Yeah, well, maybe I’ll perform it in front of the whole school! Just picture it—Bart Simpson, the country star, singing about an epic Union general! I’d be legend—wait for it—dary!” Unbeknownst to them, Homer had been eavesdropping from inside the house, each word washing over him like the scents from Marge’s fresh-baked cookies. “What’s going on out there?” he yelled, stumbling through the screen door with his characteristic clumsiness. “Did I hear something about a country song? I hope it’s not about how to eat a donut… again!” “No, Dad! It’s about General Philip Sheridan!” Bart exclaimed, eager for his father’s approval. “Philip who now?” Homer asked, wrinkling his forehead. “Is he a new pizza delivery guy?” “No, the famous general from the Civil War! I’m going to perform this amazing country song I wrote!” Bart declared, puffing out his chest again. Homer shrugged, “As long as it doesn’t make me cry like that ‘Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood’ song Lisa wrote about her saxophone recital, I’m in!” With a new wave of confidence, Bart paced back and forth, rehearsing his lyrics. He decided he would perform it at the upcoming Springfield talent show—an event that drew a rowdy crowd and enough attention for the whole town to see the apple of Marge’s eye shine. The night of the talent show arrived, and Bart stood backstage, nervously adjusting his cowboy hat while strumming softly on his guitar. His heart raced as he heard his name announced over the loudspeakers. “Now coming to the stage, a true Springfield original, Bart Simpson!” With a burst of courage, he stepped out into the spotlight. The audience looked on, a mix of anticipation and confusion playing on their faces. Bart took a deep breath and kicked off the performance, letting his voice rise over the crowd. When he reached the climactic chorus, the audience erupted with laughter at the ludicrousness of it all, but they also began to sway, captivated by Bart’s sincere energy. By the time he finished, cheers and applause filled the room, and Springfield knew they had witnessed something unusual—Bart Simpson had done it again, even if it meant serenading them with a country ballad about a long-ago war hero. Amidst the raucous applause, Bart beamed, knowing he had entertained his family, friends, and the townsfolk. Although he might be known for his notorious mischief, tonight, he had woven a thread of history into melody, and it felt pretty darn good. As the echoes of the applause faded, he thought, “Who knew General Sheridan could make such a good tune?”