Ray Charles performs “America the Beautiful”
Inspiration Behind America the Beautiful:
Professor Katharine Lee Bates traveled to Colorado Springs to teach a summer course. This time away from Wellesley College enabled Bates to explore Pike’s Peak. Blown away by the amazing scenery, the words of America the Beautiful were conceived However, this initial piece was in the form of a poem entitled Pikes Peak, first published on July 4, 1895. This poem was later set to music by Samuel A. Ward. After several revisions by Gates, the final version of America the Beautiful was completed in 1913.
Biblical Application:
In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land, Psalm 95:4-5.
Exegesis of America the Beautiful: (original version)
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
Bates is moved by her view from the Colorado Rockies. Her eyes focus on the different transitions of the landscape. Perhaps the amber waves of grain and fruited plains refer to her gradual ascension up Pile's Peak. These amazing views fill Bates with a deep appreciation for America. The final 3 lines of this opening stanza point to a different time in America where a biblical worldview was held by a majority of Americans.
O beautiful for pilgrim feet,
Whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!
Bates transitions to history, reflecting upon the colonization of America. Europeans made this trek west in a search for freedom. Bates points to a time in America where the local church was the center of the community. Despite human imperfections, the daily goal was to pursue self-control while daily examining the Bible as a guide for life.
O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness,
And every gain divine!
Bates points to the mindset shared by many Americans at the turn of the 20th century. The good of this country was placed as a higher priority than selfish ambition. The end of this stanza appears to address the fact that human beings are a work in progress, refined by the trials we all face in life.
O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
Our founding fathers had a vision for America. This dream was for future generations. A place where all the citizens were proud to call home. The expression God, family and country can be extracted from the end of the final stanza. By God's grace and a commitment to the golden rule, treat others as you want to be treated. This is the prayer from the east to the west coast.
Final Thoughts:
Modern college professors would steer clear from discussing faith in their classroom. However, when someone is moved by God or influenced by the Holy Spirit, great things can be accomplished. Subsequently, a poem reflecting upon a beautiful view has turned into a patriotic song that Americans have sung for more than a century. This is the impact and powerful message of America the Beautiful.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 