History of My Country 'tis of Thee
The history of this highly
patriotic song reflects the
loyalty and patriotism of
Samuel Francis Smith whose
aim was to create a national
anthem or national hymn for
the United States of
America. His level of
inspiration was such that he
wrote the words in just 30
minutes. The first verses
remind Americans of the
history and the beautiful,
varied country of America
and its aim to create a
"Sweet land of liberty"
which invokes national
pride. The final verse is a
petition to God for His
continued protection of the
United States of America and
for its freedom.
Author of the Lyrics of
My Country 'tis of Thee
The patriot and author of
the words of the "My
Country 'tis of Thee" 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 "My Country
'tis of Thee", Henry
Carey (26 August 1687-5
October 1743),
was born in London, England and
became famous as a hymnist,
poet, singer and musician.
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My Country 'tis of Thee Lyrics
My country
tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died!
Land of the Pilgrim's 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 fills
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 father's 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!
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Information about this
Patriotic Song
Title of Hymn /
Patriotic Song: My Country 'tis of Thee,
also known as "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 |