Inspiration Behind America:
Neil Diamond’s America was spawn from real-life immigration stories of his grandparents. The storm mentioned in the lyrics are symbolic of persecution and hardship in Eastern Europe they faced which conceived a desire to seek a better life in the United States. In a world of darkness, despite the negative remarks from politicians seeking to divide this nation. America remains a beacon of hope to the less fortunate scattered throughout the globe.
Biblical Application:
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. 29 He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea[b] were hushed.30 They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven, Psalm 107:28-30.
Exegesis of America:
Far,
We’ve been traveling far
Without a home
But not without a star
Diamond appears to be referring to World War II in Europe when families fled to displaced persons’ zones to seek refuge. The star was the hope of migrating to America.
Free,
Only want to be free
We huddle close
Hang on to a dream
Freedom fueled this journey, Families stuck together as they hung onto this dream of coming to America.
On the boats and on the planes
They’re coming to America
Never looking back again,
They’re coming to America
This dream was about to become a reality.
Home
Don’t it seem so far away
Oh, we’re traveling light today
In the eye of the storm
In the eye of the storm
This quest for a new home wasn’t easy, facing trials along the way.
Home
To a new and a shiny place
Make our bed and we’ll say our grace
Freedom’s light burning warm
Freedom’s light burning warm
This home was the beginning of the American dream. God is thanked for having a place to rest. This is the experience of freedom, far different from the lives they left behind.
Everywhere around the world
They’re coming to America
Ev’ry time that flag’s unfurled
They’re coming to America
The American dream is not dead. People around the world view America as a beacon of hope. This is why they come.
Got a dream to take them there
They’re coming to America
Got a dream they’ve come to share
They’re coming to America
When a member of one family arrived in America, this inspired other relatives to follow them.
They’re coming to America
They’re coming to America
They’re coming to America
They’re coming to America
Today, Today,
Today, Today, Today
Immigrants come to America searching for a better life, even now 45 years after this songs’ release.
My country ’tis of thee (today)
Sweet land of liberty (today)
Of thee I sing (today)
Of thee I sing
Today, Today, Today
Today, today, today….
Using a snippet of a patriot song to drive home why people still want to come to America.
Final Thoughts:
In the last 2 years of my father’s life, he began to tell me how my grandfather helped him escape Lithuanian during World War II. This improbable journey coincides with struggles of Neil Diamond’s grandparents. When you have nothing as you flee for your life, freedom is a driving force to keep you going. This is the power of America, a dream that still exists throughout the world.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 