God Bless America

by Irving Berlin

God Bless America was first published in 1918, then revised with new lyrics as a "peace song" with the rise of Adolph Hitler in 1938, performed on Armistice Day by Kate Smith, known as "the first lady of radio."
Woody Guthrie wrote This Land Is Your Land, originally titled God Blessed America For Me, as a critical response to Berlin's song, which he thought was unrealistic and complacent. Both are wonderful tributes to the country.

An illustration for the story God Bless America by the author Irving Berlin — Flag of the United States of America, 2009

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.

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, my home, sweet home.
God bless America, my home, sweet home.