My wife and I had the opportunity to tour the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Museum during a visit to NYC in December 2008. The experience was incredible and among the most moving in recent memory. Millions of people, most having nothing, risking everything for a shot at a better life for themselves and their children. Seeing the weary faces and reading the individual stories of hardship and triumph was a great personal reminder of just how special my country really is.
I flew back to Nashville feeling deeply inspired and holding a renewed sense of gratefulness for my country and my freedom. After writing “America” and having it demo’d, it occurred to me that hearing it might provide others with the same feelings of hope, pride and gratitude I’d experienced during my visit to Liberty and Ellis. I created this page and created the YouTube video with my good friend Vic Guadagno at BorderTown Productions to share “America” with all of you.
This song contains no hidden political agenda. It does not scold the way we are or lament the way we were. It is but a simple tribute to a remarkable country by one deeply grateful citizen.
"AMERICA" LYRICS
What would bring a young man, to rise up from his birthplace
pack his life into a suitcase and set sail for distant shores
And what would cause a Grandma, after 80 years of living
to leave her little village not knowing what may lay in store
What could fill the hopeless millions with a newly-kindled faith
in a brighter future far across the waves
I can almost hear them say…
Chorus
America, I hear you calling me
Sweet land of liberty, I’m on my way
America, beckoning with open arms
I long to feel the warmth of freedom’s flame
God has given hope a name, America
They spent the voyage crowded at the bottom of a steamer
fightin’ famine, fear and fever for six long weeks or more
Children cried from hunger, oh and mothers wept for babies
praying they would make it to see the other shore
But the weariness and worry must’ve melted from their eyes
to behold that lady rising in the sky
Oh can’t you hear them cry…
Chorus
America, I hear you calling me
Sweet land of liberty, I’m on my way
America, beckoning with open arms
I long to feel the warmth of freedom’s flame
God has given hope a name, America
Bridge
So I will not take for granted this life I’m blessed to lead
or the ones who sacrificed so much to hand it down to me
Cause not so long ago, this land I call home was just a dream
of huddled masses yearning to breathe free
Chorus
America, may God keep you in his hand
keep you strong and help you stand, this I pray
America, hold high your splendid torch
let the whole world feel the warmth of freedom’s flame
God has given hope a name, America
Thanks for the add and for finding me. Wow! Love America the Song. Great words! Maybe we will meet one day in Nashville. Hope u have a great weekend. God bless.
You are more than welcome and thank you for the request. I did listen to your song as well as played it for my office staff. You are most definitely talented as your lyrics not only touch ones heart they touch the soul. Wow! not many song writers can accomplich that these days. I wish you the best and keep writing friend.
thanks for the friendship like the lyrics,but due to dial up i'm having issues with listening to your song..Hey...its Toad Suck,Ar;o) Keep up the good work:)
THANKS FOR THE REQUEST. I PLAYED YOUR SONG AND WATCHED THE VEIDO. IT WAS GREAT I THINK YOU DID A GREAT JOB WRITING IT. IT WILL BE AROUND FOR YEARS AS LONG AS AMERICA IS FREE. WISH I COULD OF BEEN ON THE TRIP WITH YOU SOUNDS LIKE IT REALY MADE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU SAFE. BEN
AS I SAID BEFORE> AWESOME,AWESOME,AWESOME> The more I hear all this song and see the video, I think it needs to go National. God Bless you. Thanks again for sharing.
Hello Dustin Thank you for stopping by the Farm Boy Music Group page and adding us as a friend here on myspace. Took a listen to your song and there is only one word that I can say, "WOW"! Ok I have to say more LOL. The lyrics are so strong and heartfelt, they take a person back to times when all of our ancestors struggled to bring their families to a better place. But yet at the same time they give a person a sense of hope that things will be better in these trying times. Brittini did a fantastic job singing it, and she put just the right amount of emotion to the words. In my opinion your song should be heard by all of America, and you have the right to stand tall and be proud. Thank you again for the add and allowing us to have the honor of listening to "AMERICA THE SONG". If you don't mind, may I post a bulletin to make folks here on myspace aware of your song and tell them to visit your page and take a listen? Gary Farmer Farm Boy Music Group
wow. dustin this is a beautiful song. makes me think of my grandpa coming over from italy alone with only a few dollars in his pocket....definitely put a tear in my eye.
good luck with it. i think this can reach a LOT of people :)
