Proud to Be an American Again
| "God Bless the U.South.A." | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| | ||||
| Unmarried by Lee Greenwood | ||||
| from the anthology Y'all've Got a Proficient Love Comin' | ||||
| B-side | "This Old Bed" | |||
| Released | May 21, 1984 (1984-05-21) | |||
| Recorded | Nov 1983 | |||
| Studio | Nashville, Tennessee | |||
| Genre | Patriotic, country | |||
| Length | 3:10 (anthology & unmarried versions) 5:30 (video version) | |||
| Label | MCA Nashville | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Lee Greenwood[i] | |||
| Producer(south) | Jerry Crutchfield | |||
| Lee Greenwood singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Alternative embrace | ||||
| 2001 re-release encompass | ||||
"God Bless the U.s.a.A." (also known equally "Proud to Be an American"[ii] [three] [4]) is an American patriotic song written and recorded by American country music artist Lee Greenwood, and is considered to be his signature vocal. The beginning album it appears on is his 1984 album You've Got a Good Beloved Comin'. It reached No. 7 on the Billboard magazine Hot Land Singles chart when originally released in the spring of 1984, and was played at the 1984 Republican National Convention with President Ronald Reagan and Outset Lady Nancy Reagan in omnipresence, simply the song gained greater prominence during the Gulf War in 1990 and 1991 as a mode of boosting morale. As a issue of its newfound popularity, Greenwood re-recorded the track for his 1992 anthology American Patriot.
The popularity of the song rose once again sharply afterward the September xi attacks and during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and the song was re-released as a single, re-entering the country music charts at No. sixteen and peaking at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 popular nautical chart in 2001.[5] A new version of the song was recorded in 2003 and released as "God Anoint the U.S.A. 2003."
The song has sold over a million copies in the Usa past July 2015.[half-dozen]
Groundwork and writing [edit]
Greenwood wrote God Bless the U.S.A. in response to his feelings nigh the shooting downward of Korean Air Lines Flight 007.[7] He said that he "wanted to write it my whole life. When I got to that signal, nosotros were doing 300 days a twelvemonth on the road, and we were on our 4th or fifth album on MCA. I called my producer, and I said I have a need to do this. I've always wanted to write a song about America, and I said we just need to be more united."[8] As for writing the song itself, Greenwood wrote that it more or less "wrote itself", and that the lyrics flowed naturally from the music as a reflection of his pride to be American.[7]
The reason behind the cities chosen in the song Greenwood says, "I'thousand from California, and I don't know everyone from Virginia or New York, so when I wrote it—and my producer and I had talked nearly it—[nosotros] talked about the iv cities I wanted to mention, the four corners of the United States. Information technology could have been Seattle or Miami but we chose New York City and Los Angeles, and he suggested Detroit and Houston because they both were economically part of the basis of our economy—Motortown and the oil manufacture, so I just poetically wrote that in the bridge."[8] During and post his presidency, Donald Trump used the vocal every bit his entrance tune at the beginning of all of his rallies.[nine] Additionally Greenwood, a fervent Trump supporter, himself performed the vocal at such rallies on multiple occasions.[10]
Content [edit]
In the song, the vocaliser sings near how, if he were to lose everything he had and had to start once again from scratch, he would do it in the United States because he believes his freedom is guaranteed in America. He remembers how other Americans in history had died to secure this liberty, and declares that if he is ever called upon to defend the United states today, he will gladly stand up and fight because he loves the country.[11]
Music video [edit]
A music video was released for this song in 1984, depicting Greenwood as a farmer who loses the family unit farm. The video was produced and edited by L. A. Johnson and directed past Gary Burden. A second video was released in 1991, besides on VHS, and was directed by Edd Griles. A 3rd music video was also released afterwards the September xi, 2001, attacks. A quaternary music video in collaboration with U.Southward. Air Forcefulness Singing Sergeants and a cappella group Home Gratuitous was released on June 30, 2020.[12]
Nautical chart history [edit]
"God Bless the United states of americaA." debuted on the Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart for the calendar week of May 26, 1984.
| Chart (1984) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| U.s.a. Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[xiii] | 7 |
| Chart (2001) | Peak position |
| Usa Billboard Hot 100[14] | sixteen |
| U.s. Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[thirteen] | 16 |
| United states Adult Contemporary (Billboard)[15] | 12 |
| Chart (2020) | Summit position |
| US Digital Song Sales (Billboard)[16] | ane[17] |
Certifications [edit]
Other notable versions [edit]
Canadian version [edit]
In 1989, Greenwood released a Canadian version of this song called "God Bless Yous Canada".[20]
Jump5 version [edit]
Popular group Jump5 covered the song for the September eleven attacks in October 2001, altering some of the lyrics: "And I had to start again with only my children and my wife" became "And I had to outset over again with just my family by my side", and "I thank my lucky stars" became "I give thanks my God to a higher place" to reverberate the group'southward Christian values.
Dolly Parton version [edit]
Dolly Parton recorded the song for her 2003 patriotic album, For God and Land.
American Idol finalists' version [edit]
In 2003, the song was performed by the American Idol season two finalists and released as a single, with part of the proceeds going to the American Blood-red Cross. It raised $155,000 for the charity.[21] Information technology reached No. four on the Billboard Hot 100,[22] and information technology was certified gold by the RIAA the aforementioned year.[23]
Beyoncé version [edit]
Again, following the death of Osama bin Laden, Beyoncé re-released her 2008 cover of the vocal, the proceeds of which would become to charity.[24] She performed the song on Piers Morgan This night on May five, 2011.[25] [26] After the performance, her version was released as a single to the iTunes Store.[27] [28] In a statement she said, "I cannot remember near anything more appropriate to practise to assistance these families ... Almost 10 years [after 9/11], it is yet and so painful for all Americans, especially those who lost loved ones. We were all affected by the tragedies of nine/11 and go on to proceed the families who lost loved ones shut to our hearts ..."[29] Dan Martin of The Guardian felt that the encompass was "in dissimilarity" to her final intervention in national affairs, the Permit'south Move! Flash Workout fitness initiative.[25] Ronald Mitchell of Newsday commented that "It does our hearts good to see Beyoncé work her magic for the greater good."[30] She after also performed the song for the concert she had on July four, 2011, along with "All-time Affair I Never Had" (2011). Nick Neyland of Prefix Magazine commented that "Beyoncé is a natural fit for occasions like this, and she doesn't even break a sweat as she hits the loftier notes despite the soaring temperatures and humidity in the city. That's the mark of a true pro."[31] In Beyoncé's version, the end of the second verse is sung "And it's time to make a change", also as changing, "If I had to start once more with merely my children and my wife" to "family unit by my side."[32]
Domicile Free version [edit]
Country a cappella group Home Free has been performing the song ever since the ring'south inception in 2000, and released an official music video on June thirty, 2016. As of June 26, 2020, the music video has amassed xi 1000000 views on YouTube.[33] In 2020, Domicile Gratis worked in the studio with Greenwood and re-recorded the song with him and the United States Air Forcefulness Band Singing Sergeants.[34] The music was released on July one on Domicile Free's channel.
Run into also [edit]
- "God Bless America", vocal written past Irving Berlin
- Ronald Reagan in music
References [edit]
- ^ Stephanie Pendergrass (March xiii, 2013). "Lee Greenwood Reflects on "God Bless the U.S.A."". CMT.
- ^ Rocha, Veronica; Wagner, Million; Hammond, Elise; Hayes, Mike (iv July 2019). "Trump's July fourth celebration: Live updates". CNN.
Then, the war machine band played a formal rendition Lee Greenwood's "Proud to Be an American" – one of the President'due south favorites
- ^ Tures, John A. (3 July 2019). "And I'm proud to exist an American | Opinion". pennlive.com.
The beginning of Lee Greenwood's classic "Proud to be an American" focuses on beingness proud to exist here in America
- ^ Fredericks, Bob (xiv June 2019). "White Firm tweets photograph of Trump hugging Old Celebrity for Flag Solar day". New York Post.
as the song, "Proud to be an American" by Lee Greenwood played for the cheering oversupply
- ^ "Calendar week of September 29, 2001". billboard. billboard. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
- ^ Matt Bjorke (July 13, 2015). "The Top xxx Digital Country Singles: July thirteen, 2015". Roughstock.
- ^ a b Campbell, Ramsey (May 23, 1993). "Lake Woman Co-Authors Story Behind "God Bless the U.s.a.A."". Retrieved July 14, 2010.
- ^ a b Gallagher, Pat (May 28, 2010). "Lee Greenwood 'God Bless the U.Due south.A.' Story backside the lyrics". The Kicking. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
- ^ ABC xv Arizona (Baronial 22, 2017). "President Trump Takes Stage To "Proud To Exist An American"". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved June 17, 2020.
- ^ "Lee Greenwood, 'God Bless the U.s.a.' singer, to perform at Trump rally in Central Texas".
- ^ "God Bless The U.S.A. Lyrics".
- ^ "The U.s.a. Air Force Band, Lee Greenwood, And Group "Dwelling house Free" Release New Rendition Of "God Anoint The U.S.A."". 2020-07-03. Retrieved 2021-01-27 .
- ^ a b "Lee Greenwood Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Lee Greenwood Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
- ^ "Lee Greenwood Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard.
- ^ "Lee Greenwood Chart History (Digital Song Sales)". Billboard.
- ^ "Digital Song Sales Chart". Billboard. ii Jan 2013.
- ^ Bjorke, Matt (July 18, 2019). "Meridian 30 Digital Country Tracks: July 15, 2019". Roughstock . Retrieved July 25, 2019.
- ^ "American single certifications – Lee Greenwood – God Bless the UsA." Recording Manufacture Association of America. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
- ^ "American song gets new twist". Austin American-Statesman. Austin, TX. April 21, 1989. p. A18. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
- ^ "Sale Of 'American Idol' Finalist CDs Raises $185,000". Archived from the original on 2010-xi-21. Retrieved 2010-ten-01 .
- ^ Fred Bronson (March 5, 2013). "Top 100 'American Idol' Hits of All Time". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 10, 2013. Retrieved March vi, 2013.
- ^ "American single certifications – American Idol finalist – God Bless the The statesA." Recording Manufacture Clan of America.
- ^ "Beyonce Knowles – Beyonce Releasing Patriotic Charity Single". Contactmusic.com. May 5, 2011. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
- ^ a b Martin, Dan (May six, 2011). "Beyonce debuts charity unmarried God Bless the U.South.A." The Guardian . Retrieved Jan eleven, 2012.
- ^ Perpetua, Matthew (May 5, 2011). "Beyoncé to Debut Song on 'Piers Morgan Tonight'". Rolling Stone. Wenner Media. Retrieved April 29, 2012.
- ^ Lipshutz, Jason (May 6, 2011). "Beyonce Releases 'God Anoint the United statesA.' for Charity: Listen". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
- ^ "God Bless the U.S.A. -Single by Beyoncé". iTunes Store. Apple Inc. Archived from the original on May nine, 2011. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
- ^ Vena, Jocelyn (May 6, 2011). "Beyonce Releases 'God Bless The U.S.A.' For Clemency". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
- ^ Mitchell, Ronald (May 6, 2011). "Follow Friday: Celebs to follow on Twitter this week". Newsday . Retrieved April 29, 2012.
- ^ Neyland, Nick (July 5, 2011). "Beyonce: "The All-time Thing I Never Had" And "God Bless The The statesA." (Live At Macy'southward 4th Of July Fireworks) (Video)". Prefix Magazine . Retrieved Apr 29, 2012.
- ^ "Beyonce – God Bless The U.S.A. Lyrics". Elyricsworld.com. Retrieved 2014-02-08 .
- ^ https://www.youtube.com/scout?v=nFt9D6ZIjOQ |title=Lee Greenwood - God Bless The United states of america (Home Gratuitous Cover) (All Vocal) (A Cappella)
- ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?5=AVV2fToClsM |title=Abode Free - Making of "God Bless The U.South.A." feat. Lee Greenwood and the U.Due south. Air Force Band
Further reading [edit]
- Collins, Ace. Songs Sung, Red, White, and Blue: The Stories Behind America's Best-Loved Patriotic Songs. HarperResource, 2003. ISBN 0060513047
- Ferguson, James (December 6, 2005). Aradhana Sharma (ed.). The Anthropology of the State: A Reader (Paperback). Blackwell Readers in Anthropology. Akhil Gupta (first ed.). Wiley. p. 424. ISBNi-4051-1468-one.
External links [edit]
- Allmusic Entry
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_Bless_the_U.S.A.
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