America - God Bless the USA

Perhaps because it is Memorial Day. Perhaps it is because I simply believe words matter. Perhaps it is because I’ve lived in Tennessee and Minnesota, two states immortalized in the lyrics. Perhaps it is because the song stirs my soul. For whatever reason, here are the lyrics of “God Bless the U.S.A,” by Lee Greenwood, a frequently sung patriotic song

If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d worked for all my life,

And I had to start again with just my children and my wife.
I’d thank my lucky stars to be living here today,

‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away.

And I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.

And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.

And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.

‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,

God Bless the U.S.A.

From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee,
across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea,

From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA,
Well, there’s pride in every American heart,
and it’s time to stand and say:

I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.

And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.

And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.

‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,

God Bless the U. S.A.