As we celebrate July 4th today, many hearts turn to old familiar patriotic tunes. Patriotic music creates a sense of community. This kind of patriotism nurtures a sense of togetherness and common purpose. Standing together to sing a song that has been sung for decades can be very moving. To lift up our voices using the words that so many brave men and women have used before is powerful. Happy 4th of July to you!
America the Beautiful
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
O beautiful for pilgrim feet,
Whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!
O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness,
And every gain divine!
O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
Lyrics: Katharine Lee Bates, 1895
Published: 1910 by Oliver Ditson & Co.
Music: Samuel A. Ward, 1883
Audio: Stephen Sollars
Photo courtesy of Julie Haynes
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