The Fourth of July is a great time to think about what it means to be an American and why we value our independence and freedom, more importantly what we need to do to protect them. We have all heard the song, “God Bless the U.S.A.” (aka Proud to be an American). Personally it doesn’t really speak to me, sometimes it even makes me a little sad. So I thought I would change it a little to give it a personal and wistful touch.
So many things are gone we’ve worked for all our lives,
And we’ve had to build again just to overcome our strife.
Still I wave the stars and stripes, and am proud of what they say,
`Cause our nation stands for freedom which we won’t let fade away.
And I’m proud to be an American, where we still strive to be free.
And I think about the men who die, to give that right to me.
And I’d gladly speak out loud with you to defend us all today.
`Cause there ain’t no doubt we love this land God bless the U.S.A.
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:
And I’m proud to be an American, where we still strive to be free.
And I think about the men who die, to give that right to me.
And I’d gladly speak out, loud with you to defend us all today.
`Cause there ain’t no doubt we love this land God bless the U.S.A.
Happy Fourth of July, let freedom ring.
I tried to do a minimal filk, making as few changes as needed. Let me know what you think or if you can suggest any changes….
Also available in orange
When I see protestors on the street — I’m proud to be an American.
When I see people going off to church, synagogue, mosque, or just out to Sunday brunch to beat the church crowds — I’m proud to be an American.
When I watch coverage of the Gay Pride parades around the country — I’m proud to be an American.
When I see ordinary people doing extraordinary things in the name of justice and peace — I’m proud to be an American.
When I step into the voting booth — I’m proud to be an American.
The current leaders…yeah, I’m not so proud of them.
But when I look around at the faces here…some of whom I’ve had the pleasure to meet…and know that I am not alone in the struggle…I’m fucking proud to be an American.
spirit. It has an Uncle Sam Girl perched on the edge of a martini glass and the caption is America, Never Shaken. It is a reminder to me this Holiday season that the Bush Administration is always a little forgettable when I apply a martini and thank God that no matter what they try to say, THEY ARE NOT AMERICA! I am America and my new shirt was made in China!
I recently found a cool song on itunes by Greg Jones. The title is “God Bless the World – Not Just America.” The music is nothing to write home about, but I sure like the sentiment.