November 10, 2018 (Saturday)
“God Bless the U.S.A.” is an American patriotic song written and recorded by country music artist Lee Greenwood, and is considered to be his signature song. It was played at the 1984 Republican National Convention with President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan in attendance, but the song gained greater prominence during the Gulf War in 1990 and 1991, as a way of boosting morale. The popularity of the song rose sharply after the September 11 attacks and during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and the song was re-released as a single. The song was also re-recorded in 2003 and released as “God Bless the U.S.A. 2003”.
I recall a visit by President Reagan to Corpus Christi during his 1984 campaign for re-election. The plane stopped at the Corpus airport and Reagan made a brief speech there. My memory may be playing tricks on me, but I recall Lee Greenwood accompanying himself on the piano, singing this song for the president at the airport. I saw it on television. After that he appeared many times with the president, presenting this song. He claimed no political affiliation.
Lee Greenwood
1984
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 livin here today.
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can’t take that away.
And I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.
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 L.A.
Well there’s pride in every American heart,
and its time we stand and say.
That I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.
And I’m proud to be and American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.