Composer

:

Samuel F. Smith

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

3:20

"America My Country 'Tis of Thee" is a patriotic song composed by Samuel F. 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 adopted as one of the unofficial national anthems of the United States. The song is composed of three verses and a chorus. The first verse begins with the line "My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty," and celebrates the freedom and beauty of the United States. The second verse focuses on the country's history and the sacrifices made by its founders, with the line "My native country, thee, land of the noble free." The third verse is a prayer for God's continued blessings on the country, with the line "Our fathers' God, to thee, author of liberty." The melody of "America My Country 'Tis of Thee" is based on the British national anthem, "God Save the Queen/King." This was a common practice at the time, as many patriotic songs in the United States were set to the tune of popular British songs. However, the lyrics of "America My Country 'Tis of Thee" are distinctly American and celebrate the country's unique values and history. The song has been performed at many important events in American history, including presidential inaugurations and national holidays. It is often sung alongside "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "God Bless America" as one of the country's unofficial national anthems. Overall, "America My Country 'Tis of Thee" is a powerful and uplifting tribute to the United States and its people. Its simple melody and inspiring lyrics have made it a beloved part of American culture for nearly two centuries.

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