Composer

:

American Traditional

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

2:46

"America, My Country 'Tis of Thee" is a patriotic song that has become an unofficial national anthem of the United States. The melody of the song is based on the British national anthem, "God Save the Queen," and the lyrics were written by Samuel Francis Smith in 1831. The song was first performed on July 4, 1831, at a children's Independence Day celebration in Boston, Massachusetts. It quickly became popular and was sung at many patriotic events throughout the country. The song has three verses, each with a different focus. The first verse celebrates the beauty of the American landscape, with lyrics such as "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 mountainside let freedom ring!" The second verse focuses on the country's history and the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom. It includes the lines "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." The third verse is a prayer for God's continued blessing on the country, with lyrics such as "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." The song is typically performed in a stately, dignified manner, with a slow tempo and emphasis on the melody. It is often sung at patriotic events such as Fourth of July celebrations, Memorial Day ceremonies, and political rallies. Overall, "America, My Country 'Tis of Thee" is a beloved patriotic song that celebrates the beauty, history, and freedom of the United States. Its simple yet powerful lyrics and memorable melody have made it a staple of American culture for nearly two centuries.

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