God Bless America

Kate Smith

About God Bless America

"God Bless America" is an American patriotic song written by Irving Berlin during World War I in 1918 and revised by him in the run up to World War II in 1938. The later version has notably been recorded by Kate Smith, becoming her signature song."God Bless America" takes the form of a prayer (intro lyrics "as we raise our voices, in a solemn prayer") for God's blessing and peace for the nation ("...stand beside her and guide her through the night...").


Year:
2000
2:49
70 
#1

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God bless America, land that I love
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with the light from above

From the mountains to the prairies
To the oceans white with foam
God bless America, my home sweet home

God bless America, land that I love
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with the light from above

From the mountains to the prairies
To the oceans white with foam
God bless America, my home sweet home

From the mountains to the prairies
To the oceans white with foam
God bless America, my home sweet home
God bless America, my home sweet home

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Kate Smith

Kathryn Elizabeth "Kate" Smith (May 1, 1907 – June 17, 1986) was an American singer, an alto, best known for her rendition of Irving Berlin's "God Bless America". Smith had a radio, television, and recording career spanning five decades, which reached its pinnacle in the 1940s. more »

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Written by: Irving Berlin

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Historical Background
The song "God Bless America" was originally written by Irving Berlin in 1918 while he was serving in the U.S. Army at Camp Upton in Yaphank, New York. However, it was not made public at that time.
Release Date
"God Bless America" was revised in 1938 by Berlin and released as a peace song, as a response to the unrest in Europe that eventually led to World War II. Kate Smith first performed it on her radio show on Armistice Day (now Veterans Day) on November 11, 1938.
Song Writer's Inspiration
Irving Berlin was a Russian immigrant who appreciated the freedom and opportunity given to him in America, which inspired him to write "God Bless America".
Notable Performances
For almost half a century, "God Bless America" was performed by Kate Smith during the 7th inning stretch at Philadelphia Flyers games, most famously before Game 6 of the 1974 Stanley Cup Finals.
Positive Effect
The song quickly became an emblem of hope and optimism during troubled times in American history, a theme that has continued to the present day.
Patriotic Symbol
"God Bless America" has become one of the most familiar and most performed songs in the United States, often considered an unofficial national anthem.
Charitable Cause
Berlin insisted that the profits from the song go to the Boy and Girl Scouts of America, and over the years, it's estimated these organizations have received millions of dollars in royalties.
Notable Covers
It has been covered by many artists such as Celine Dion, Connie Francis, and Jackie Evancho.
Cultural Impact
After the 9/11 attacks, "God bless America" was sung on the steps of the Capitol by members of the U.S. Congress together, re-establishing it as a song of unity and hope.
Industrial Recognition
In 1982, the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress, was awarded posthumously to Irving Berlin for "God Bless America" and his many other contributions to American music.

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