Comment | Edouard Hesselberg invested considerable time and effort in performing and promoting this “anthem,” which was probably written shortly after the United States entered the war. He had some success, judging from performances, from the series of editions, and from the endorsement by John Philip Sousa. However, a song by E. F. Maetzold with the same title had been copyrighted three months earlier and promoted more vigorously and effectively, and eventually it eclipsed its competition. |
Lyrics | - [verse 1] America my country, / with all thy vales and hills, / With all thy mighty forces, / thy falls, thy lakes, thy rills, / Thou holdest wealth of nature / on thee God's sun has shone, / America, my country! / my own, my home.
- [verse 2] America my country / in thee my future lies, / For all thy beauties draw me, / to thee I lift mine eyes, / New energies possess me, / I claim thee for my own, / America, my country! / my own, my home.
- [verse 3] America my country, / in thee I put my all, / I cling to thy great glory, / in faith thou wilt not fall, / Thy birds, thy trees, thy mountains, / cry freedom from their dome / America, my country! / my own, my home.
- [verse 4] America my country / no matter what the test, / Thou wilt rise in greatness / and give the world thy best, / Thy aims are high and noble, / thy people true, I own, / America, my country! / my own, my home.
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Cover Description | - Text with insignia-like stock image, top, made of eagle perched on U. S. shield, with laurel wreath. Black and red on white; unsigned.
- Below title, above music, in red ink: Endorsed by Lieut. John Philip Sousa, U. S. N. R. F.
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