American Trilogy

Mickey Newbury

About American Trilogy

"An American Trilogy" is a 1972 song medley arranged by country composer Mickey Newbury and popularized by Elvis Presley, who included it as a showstopper in his concert routines. The medley uses three 19th-century songs: "Dixie" — a blackface minstrel song that became an anthem of the Confederacy; "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" — a marching hymn of the Union Army during the American Civil War; and "All My Trials" — a Bahamian lullaby related to African American spirituals and widely used by folk music revivalists


Year:
1999
3:42
108 

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An American Trilogy
Mickey Newbury                                         
(words & music by Newbury)

 Oh I wish I was in the land of cotton
 Old things they are not forgotten
 Look away, look away, look away Dixieland
 Oh I wish I was in Dixie, away, away
 In Dixieland I take my stand to live and die in Dixie
 Cause Dixieland, that's where I was born
 Early Lord one frosty morning
 Look away, look away, look away Dixieland

 Glory, glory hallelujah
 Glory, glory hallelujah
 Glory, glory hallelujah
 His truth is marching on

 So hush little baby
 Don't you cry
 You know your daddy's bound to die
 But all my trials, Lord will soon be over

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Mickey Newbury

Mickey Newbury (May 19, 1940 - September 29, 2002) was an American songwriter, a critically acclaimed recording artist, and a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. more »

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Written by: MICKEY NEWBURY

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

About the Song
"American Trilogy" is a song medley arranged by American country artist Mickey Newbury. This medley includes three 19th-century songs: "Dixie," "Battle Hymn of the Republic," and "All My Trials."
Release Date
The song was first recorded and released by Newbury in 1971 on his album, 'Frisco Mabel Joy.
Anthem of American Unity
Newbury arranged these three songs of very different origins to make a non-partisan statement about the divisiveness in America during the Vietnam War era.
Elvis Presley's Version
"American Trilogy" is particularly known for being covered by Elvis Presley. Presley's version became a staple of his concerts until his death in 1977.
Chart Performance
Presley's rendition of "American Trilogy" reached No. 66 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 31 on the Cash Box chart in 1972.
As A Signature Tune
Although sung by numerous artists, the song is best known for being performed by Newbury himself and Presley, as it became a signature tune for both artists.
Widely Covered
The song has been covered by numerous artists including Glen Campbell, Frank Sinatra, and the Osmond Brothers to mention just a few.
Cultural Impact
Despite its somber tone and serious subject matter, the song has found lasting success in various types of media, including movies, commercials, and radio.
Newbury's Recognition
For his medley that includes "American Trilogy," Newbury has been called the 'unofficial poet laureate of Texas.'
Film Appearances
The song has made appearances in various films, including a memorable scene in 2001's '3000 Miles to Graceland' where Kurt Russell, impersonating Elvis, performs it.
Musical Genre
"American Trilogy" combines elements of country, gospel, and orchestral music, representing a departure from Newbury's earlier, more traditionally country sound.
Award Nomination
In 1972, Newbury's version of "American Trilogy" was nominated for a Grammy for Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalists.

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