Lee Greenwood – God Bless The U.S.A.
Inspiration Behind God Bless the U.S.A.:
The catalyst for this song was the shooting down of Korean Air Lines Flight 007 in 1983. Lee Greenwood wanted to craft a song that would unite America as well as honor those individuals who laid down their life for freedom and independence. The lyrics to God Bless the U.S.A. come from personal experiences, national events as well as a personal desire to instill national pride within the citizens of the United States.
Biblical Application:
If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. 2 All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God: 3 You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country, Deuteronomy 28:1-3.
Exegesis of God Bless the U.S.A.:
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
Lee starts with a what if question. If failure results in losing everything that you have, try again. This worst-case scenario leads to appreciation. This new perspective conceives a spirit of thankfulness, especially for the American flag and the freedom that it represents.
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 USA
These reflection breeds pride for America. Lee decides to pay homage and respect to those who have gone before him, laying down their lives to make America what it is today. This new outlook inspires Lee to rise in appreciation. Gladly acknowledging current members of the military. This has led Lee to love this country, asking for God’s blessing.
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 it’s time we stand and say
Lee now reflects upon states across this country. Recognizing the diverse lands followed by major cities. Instead of focusing on our differences, Lee calls Americans to come together, unified and standing together.
That 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 (love this land)
God bless the USA
The chorus is repeated for the first time. Combining American pride with freedom unlike any country. This freedom was secured by the men and women who served their country in the military. Their sacrifices instilled within Lee a love for America, asking God’s blessings.
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 (love this land)
God bless the USA
This final chorus contains a few different words, driving home points of America pride, sacrificial soldiers and sense of appreciation and love for America.
Final Thoughts:
The more I study history, the traces of God’s presence in America’s founding is clear. From the Pilgrams to the Puritans, Christians came to America to celebrate religious freedom. Different denominations settled along the East Coast. When the great awakening reached America in the early 1800’s, faith was renewed throughout the United States. Just as history follows a series of cycles, faith also comes and goes. Songs like God Bless the USA remind Christians that it is okay and beneficial to ask for and seek God’s blessings on America.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 