"America (My Country, 'Tis of Thee)" is a patriotic song that was written by Samuel Francis Smith in 1831. This song was one of the de facto national anthems of the United States and was used before the adoption of "The Star-Spangled Banner" as the official U.S. national anthem in 1931. The melody used for "America" is the same as the national anthem of the United Kingdom, "God Save the King".
Smith wrote the lyrics to "America" while he was a student at the Andover Theological Seminary in Massachusetts. The composer Lowell Mason had requested that Smith translate or provide new lyrics for a collection of German songs, including the one written to the melody used for "America". The song was first performed in public on July 4, 1831, at a children's Independence Day celebration in Boston and was first published in 1832.
The use of the same melody as the British royal anthem is considered a contrafactum, which reworks this symbol of British monarchy to make a statement about American democracy. This song is a testament to the love and pride that Americans have for their country and their democratic ideals. "America (My Country, 'Tis of Thee)" is a must-listen for those who appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the United States and the patriotic spirit that embodies it.
10 фев 2023
