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| Kate Smith |
In 1938, with war in Europe becoming more and more eminent, Irving Berlin, who was Jewish, and a first-generation European immigrant, felt it was time to revive a song he had written back in 1918. That song was “God Bless America.” He had written it while serving in the U.S. Army, but set it aside because it didn’t fit well with the “Yip Yip Yaphank” style he was pushing for. Things were different in 1938 and Berlin decided to revive the song on Armistice Day as a “peace song.” The version I have for you today is the very first recording of God Bless America as sung by Kate Smith. Berlin wanted his newly revived patriotic love song to bring together the nation. And as you will see from the video he was successful. There was even talk about making his song our national anthem, but the “Star Spangled Banner” had longevity on its side. So sit back and listen to Kate Smith bleed out the most beautiful rendition of God Bless America you will ever hear.
The first singing of "God Bless America"
Song Lyrics
While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.
God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Through the night with a 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, My home sweet home.
I look forward to hearing your comments on this post. I am intristed in knowing how this song makes you feel. Do you think we should have made this our natioal anthem? Why?
