Monday, October 27, 2008

Happy Birthday, Lee

Lee Greenwood was born on this day in 1942. Many of us know his most famous song titled, "God Bless the U.S.A." although he has released at least 20 major-label albums. “God Bless the USA” has been voted the most recognizable patriotic song in America, taking the top honor over “God Bless America” and the “National Anthem.” Greenwood admits when he first wrote the song, he had no idea how much it would impact people. “One of the reasons I wrote the lyric ‘I’m proud to be an American,’ is I really wanted to instill the pride back in America. The song represents my family, my community and all the Americans who are proud of who they are.”




God Bless The U.S.A.
by Lee Greenwood

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 livin 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 wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

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 L.A.
Well there's pride in every American heart,
and its time we stand and say.

That I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

And I’m proud to be and American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

18 comments:

SS+1 said...

This song is EPIC. Whenever I hear it, I can't resist turning my radio up full-blast, and shouting the words at the top of my lungs...smiling, with a tear dropping from my face. Cheesy? Maybe. The song is JUST.THAT.GOOD.

Thanks Lee, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! :)

Unknown said...

ss+1... I'm so glad you used the word, "cheesy"... Truly, I debated the use of this word in the post! It is one of those songs which most of us will not admit we know every word, however we will sing along when it plays during a fireworks display or when we hear it on the radio. Has it been overplayed? perhaps! Does it still strike an inner pang? Oh yeah!
Thanks, ss+1 for such an honest comment :)

Real Live Lesbian said...

I've always loved this song! Cheesey...oh yeah...and I do know every word! ;)

Happy Birthday Lee!

joyce said...

Wow--same birthday as our youngest, who turns 21 today. I love that song.

Unknown said...

rll... gotta love the cheese, especially when it is so very powerful!

Unknown said...

joyce...Happy Birthday to Ben and Happy Memory Day to you, Mom!

Mike Golch said...

this is truely a great song. I hope that you have a great day today!

Unknown said...

mike...make it a good day!

Donna said...

AMEN! This song makes me cry every time I hear it!

Unknown said...

donna...thank you for stopping by and leaving a sweet comment!

Unknown said...

I love this song. Happy Birthday Lee.

Unknown said...

megryansmom... so glad you stopped by and left a comment!

Alice said...

STill gives me chills. Love the song...and it still holds true today.

Unknown said...

alice...it is an amazing song! Lee does deserve a Birthday tribute!

Kellan said...

I have always loved Lee Greenwood and I particularly love that song!

Take care - Kellan

Unknown said...

kellan.. Simple tune and meaningful lyrics = great song!

kathleen's kit up said...

Thanks for printing the words, you know we all know them, but only when the radio is on...found myself humming as I read it! Great stuff!
Kathleen

Unknown said...

kathyandpaula... the words are so simple yet so powerful.