God Bless The U.S.A. - Lee Greenwood Lyrics
God Bless The U.S.A.
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[Verse 1]
"If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d worked for all my life,
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife.
I’d thank my lucky stars to be living here today,
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away."
In this verse, the narrator imagines losing everything he’s worked hard to achieve. Even in such a situation, he feels fortunate to live in America, where he would have the freedom to start over. His gratitude is rooted in the enduring symbol of freedom, represented by the American flag, which cannot be taken away by any circumstance. This sentiment speaks to a deep appreciation for the resilience and opportunities that America offers.
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[Chorus]
"And I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the U.S.A."
[Chorus meaning]
The chorus captures the essence of patriotism, with the narrator expressing pride in being American because of the freedom he enjoys. He acknowledges the sacrifices of those who fought and died to secure that freedom, and he’s willing to defend his country to honor their memory. The line "God bless the U.S.A." is a hopeful blessing, underscoring the love and devotion he feels for his country.
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[Verse 2]
"From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee,
across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea,
From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA,
Well, there’s pride in every American heart,
and it’s time to stand and say:"
[Verse 2 meaning]
In this verse, Greenwood mentions various regions and cities across the U.S., symbolizing the unity and pride felt across the diverse landscapes and communities. This list represents America as a whole, from its natural beauty to its bustling cities, reminding listeners of the common pride shared by Americans regardless of their location. The call to “stand and say” is a rallying cry for unity and collective pride.
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[Chorus]
"I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the U.S.A."
[Chorus meaning]
The final repetition of the chorus reaffirms the narrator's pride in his country, his gratitude for the sacrifices made for freedom, and his willingness to defend it. This concluding statement reinforces the song's themes of loyalty, unity, and reverence for the freedoms enjoyed in the United States. The repeated line “God bless the U.S.A.” ends the song on a note of national pride and a hopeful blessing for the country’s future.
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Overall, *"God Bless the U.S.A."* resonates with themes of resilience, gratitude, and patriotism, celebrating the freedom and unity that Greenwood sees as defining characteristics of the American experience.
Song Info
- Song Title: God Bless the U.S.A.
- Artist: Lee Greenwood
- Album: You’ve Got a Good Love Comin’ (1984)
- Genre: Country/Patriotic
- Songwriter: Lee Greenwood
Top 8 Songs Similar to "God Bless the U.S.A." by Lee Greenwood
1. "America the Beautiful" - Ray Charles
Ray Charles’ rendition of "America the Beautiful" is an emotionally rich tribute that, like "God Bless the U.S.A.," emphasizes national pride. Charles brings soulful gravitas to the lines that celebrate the country's natural beauty, mirroring Greenwood’s geographical journey across America. Both songs evoke a sense of unity, emphasizing gratitude for the nation’s ideals and the landscapes that embody them, from "sea to shining sea."
2. "Born in the U.S.A." - Bruce Springsteen
While Springsteen’s "Born in the U.S.A." carries a more critical view of American life, particularly the struggles faced by Vietnam veterans, it shares Greenwood’s focus on the experience of American identity. Both songs address themes of patriotism and the sacrifices made for freedom, though Springsteen’s is a raw, introspective take that reflects the disillusionment of some veterans. Together, they offer contrasting but powerful perspectives on American pride and the costs associated with it.
3. "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American)" - Toby Keith
Toby Keith’s post-9/11 anthem shares a similar theme of resilience and patriotism. Like Greenwood, Keith celebrates freedom and the willingness to defend the country, albeit with a defiant edge. Keith’s more aggressive tone reflects a call to action, paralleling Greenwood’s sentiment of standing up and defending the land. Both songs tap into a sense of national unity and an unwavering commitment to protecting American values.
4. "American Soldier" - Toby Keith
Keith’s "American Soldier" focuses on the sacrifices made by servicemen and women, resonating with Greenwood’s lines, "I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me." This song offers an intimate look into the life of a soldier, underscoring the personal costs of serving the nation. Both tracks remind listeners of the commitment that underpins American freedoms, each from a deeply personal perspective.
5. "Only in America" - Brooks & Dunn
This country anthem by Brooks & Dunn celebrates the American dream and the diversity that defines it. While Greenwood emphasizes gratitude for freedom, Brooks & Dunn focus on the opportunities and dreams available across the country. Both songs honor the spirit of optimism and pride that many Americans feel, creating a sense of shared experience that spans the nation, from cities to small towns.
6. "This Land Is Your Land" - Woody Guthrie
Woody Guthrie’s folk classic "This Land Is Your Land" reflects a love for the American landscape and its people, much like Greenwood’s lyrical journey through American geography. Guthrie’s song celebrates the inclusivity of America, though with a more democratic and folk-driven perspective. Both songs highlight the land itself as a symbol of freedom, and each pays tribute to the idea that this country belongs to everyone who calls it home.
7. "If You're Reading This" - Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw’s "If You’re Reading This" is a heartfelt ballad honoring fallen soldiers and their families, echoing Greenwood’s tribute to the sacrifices made for freedom. McGraw’s song is a somber reflection on the human cost of service, much like Greenwood’s line, "And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me." Both songs reinforce the idea that patriotism includes honoring those who have served and sacrificed for the country.
8. "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" - Traditional
This traditional anthem is a classic expression of patriotism, like Greenwood’s "God Bless the U.S.A." Both songs express love and loyalty to the country, celebrating freedom as a core value. "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" captures historical pride with its solemn verses, and its enduring message continues to resonate alongside Greenwood’s more modern take on the American spirit. Together, they illustrate a shared tradition of expressing love for America through song.