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History of "America" song
The history of the song reflects
the patriotism of Samuel
Smith whose goal was to
create a national anthem for
the United States. His level
of inspiration was so great
that he wrote the lyrics in
just thirty minutes. The
first verses reflect the
history and the beautiful
geography of the country and
the aim to create a "Sweet
land of liberty", the
powerful words that invoke
national pride. The final
verse is a petition to God
for His continued protection
of the United States and for
its freedom.
Author of the Lyrics
The patriot and author of
the words of the "America" lyrics,
Samuel Francis Smith (October
21, 1808-November 16, 1895),
was born in Boston,
Massachusetts, United States and
achieved fame as an American
Baptist minister and hymnist.
Composer of Music
The composer of the
music that accompanies the
words of "America",
Henry Carey (26 August
1687-5 October 1743),
was born in London, England and
became famous as a hymnist,
poet, singer and musician.
Information about this
Patriotic Song
Title of Hymn /
Patriotic Song: America
Author of Lyrics: Samuel
Francis Smith (October 21,
1808
to November 16, 1895)
Nationality of Author:
American
Name of Composer of Music:
Henry Carey (26 August 1687 to
5 October 1743)
Hymn Category: Patriotic
Songs and Hymns
First Line of Hymn: "My
country, 'tis of Thee, Sweet
Land of Liberty"
First Publication Date:
1831 |
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America Lyrics
My country, 'tis of Thee,
Sweet Land of Liberty
Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrims' pride,
From every mountain side
Let Freedom ring.
My native country, thee,
Land of the noble free,
Thy name I love;
I love thy rocks and rills,
Thy woods and templed hills,
My heart with rapture thrills
Like that above.
Let music swell the breeze,
And ring from all the trees
Sweet Freedom's song;
Let mortal tongues awake;
Let all that breathe partake;
Let rocks their silence break,
The sound prolong.
Our fathers' God to Thee,
Author of Liberty,
To thee we sing,
Long may our land be bright
With Freedom's holy light,
Protect us by thy might
Great God, our King.
Our glorious Land to-day,
'Neath Education's sway,
Soars upward still.
Its hills of learning fair,
Whose bounties all may share,
Behold them everywhere
On vale and hill!
Thy safeguard, Liberty,
The school shall ever be,
Our Nation's pride!
No tyrant hand shall smite,
While with encircling might
All here are taught the Right
With Truth allied.
Beneath Heaven's gracious will
The stars of progress still
Our course do sway;
In unity sublime
To broader heights we climb,
Triumphant over Time,
God speeds our way!
Grand birthright of our sires,
Our altars and our fires
Keep we still pure!
Our starry flag unfurled,
The hope of all the world,
In peace and light impearled,
God hold secure!
His truth is marching on.
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