Kate Smith from the Flyers vs Bruins Stanley Cup Playoffs May 19th 1974
Inspiration Behind God Bless America:
Irving Berlin wrote the original version of God Bless America while serving in the United States Army. The initial title was named after the base where Irving was training, Yip Yip Yaphank. After wanting to craft a fun song, Irving realized that this was too solemn for this initial name. The lyrics were revised in 1938 during the rise of Nazi Germany. Irving was searching for peace as well as God’s divine protection with a second World War looming. This new version debuted on the Kate Smith Hour, part of Armistice Day programming. In the years that followed, Kate Smith was invited to sing God Bless America before special sporting events like the Stanley Cup Finals.
Biblical Application:
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love, Ephesians 1:3-4.
Exegesis of God Bless America:
God bless America, land that I love,
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with a 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.
A request to God inspired by a love for his country. A call to stand by this nation. The belief that God is shining down on this country, from coast to coast. Irving reveals his deep appreciation for America, seeking God's blessing.
While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free.
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer:
Despite what pending storms may be seen on the horizon, Irving asks the allegiance of his fellow citizens. Focusing on the positive as well as being grateful. Singing this song as a unified prayer.
God bless America, my home, sweet home.
God bless America, my home, sweet home.
The chorus asks God to watch over their homes with favor and protection from above.
Final Thoughts:
My father’s sales promotion in Delaware included season tickets to the Philadelphia Flyers of the NHL. When games were on the weekends. my dad was able to take 3 members of the family. Subsequently, I was able to attend a few games every year for a decade. When the Flyers invited Kate Smith to sing God Bless America, their winning percentage was over 900. I was fortunate to hear Kate Smith sing in person at the Spectrum. When the fans joined Kate, the building would shake. These are the memories of hearing God Bless America for the first time.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 