7.2 God Bless America
In 1938 the storm clouds of war were gathering in Europe as Nazi Germany built up its military and invaded neighboring countries. Kate Smith a singer and a popular radio personality requested a song that would be a prayer for peace and protection for America. Irving Berlin had already written a song called "God Bless America" for a show but he decided it didn't fit the show and so didn't publicize it. It did fit what Kate Smith wanted. He added an opening stanza about the gathering storm in Europe and changed the lyrics a little and gave it to Kate Smith to sing. It became very popular and when I the author of this site was a child every child knew the song. Now neither of my children know the song though they will after taking this lesson. In fact they won't pass the quiz of this lesson if they don't know it. The problem is that many people on the political left have become so worked up about what they think is wrong with America that they don't teach their children what is great about America. In addition many on the left are against Christianity and see the word God as a bad thing.
Here are the words of the most famous part of the song.
God bless America,
land that I love
Stand beside her
and guide her
Through the night with the 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
The video below starts with Kate Smith talking about the song.
Irving Berlin donated the money that people paid for the song to the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America. Boy Scouts is no longer just for boys and girls scouts is no longer just for girls. You can learn more about what they have become and why here.
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