Tribute for 4th July
The Fact I cannot sing does not mean I will not
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"America the Beautiful" is a patriotic song that holds a special place in American culture. The song’s lyrics were written by Katharine Lee Bates, an English professor at Wellesley College, while the music was composed by Samuel A. Ward, an organist and choirmaster. Here is the story behind the creation of this beloved song:
Origins of the Lyrics
Katharine Lee Bates wrote the lyrics in 1893 during a trip to Colorado. She was inspired by the natural beauty she encountered on her journey, particularly the view from the summit of Pikes Peak. Bates described her experience in a letter, saying, “One day some of the other teachers and I decided to go on a trip to the top of Pikes Peak. We hired a prairie wagon. Near the top we had to leave the wagon and go the rest of the way on mules. I was very tired, but when I saw the view, I felt great joy. All the wonder of America seemed displayed there, with the sea-like expanse.”
Creation of the Poem
Upon returning to her hotel room, Bates began to write the poem that would eventually become "America the Beautiful." The first draft of the poem, titled "Pikes Peak," was published in the church periodical "The Congregationalist" on July 4, 1895. The poem underwent several revisions before Bates settled on the final version in 1913.
Musical Composition
Samuel A. Ward composed the music, which he initially intended for a hymn titled "Materna," in 1882. It was not until 1910 that Bates' poem was combined with Ward’s music. Ward, however, never heard his music paired with Bates' lyrics, as he died in 1903.
Popularity and Legacy
"America the Beautiful" quickly gained popularity and has been a staple of American patriotic music ever since. It has been suggested as an alternative national anthem to "The Star-Spangled Banner" due to its more accessible melody and its celebration of the country's natural beauty and ideals. The song has been performed by countless artists and remains a powerful expression of American identity and pride.
The lyrics celebrate the natural beauty of the United States, the valor of its people, and the ideals of liberty and brotherhood:
First Verse: 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!
"America the Beautiful" continues to be an important and beloved song, reflecting the American spirit and the nation’s aspirations.