Written by Dustin James
Performed by Brittini Black
This wonderfully written, heartfelt song was inspired by
Dustin James' first-time visit to
the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in December 2008.
And Brittini Black performs it movingly.
Dustin James explains the story behind
America...
"My wife and I had the opportunity to tour the Statue of Liberty
and Ellis Island Museum during a visit to NYC in December 2008.
The experience was incredible and among the most moving in
recent memory. Millions of people, most having nothing, risking
everything for a shot at a better life for themselves and their
children. Seeing the weary faces and reading the individual
stories of hardship and triumph was a great personal reminder of
just how special my country really is.
I flew back to Nashville feeling deeply inspired and holding a
renewed sense of gratefulness for my country and my freedom.
After writing America and having it demod, it occurred to me
that hearing it might provide others with the same feelings of
hope, pride and gratitude Id experienced during my visit to
Liberty and Ellis. I created this video and the MySpace page to
share America with all of you.
This song contains no hidden political agenda. It does not scold
the way we are or lament the way we were. It is but a simple
tribute to a remarkable country by one deeply grateful citizen.
God Bless America."
LYRICS of America
What would bring a young man, to rise up from his birthplace
pack his life into a suitcase and set sail for distant shores
And what would cause a Grandma, after 80 years of living
to leave her little village not knowing what may lay in store
What could fill the hopeless millions with a newly-kindled faith
in a brighter future far across the waves
I can almost hear them say
CHORUS
America, I hear you calling me
Sweet land of liberty, I'm on my way
America, beckoning with open arms
I long to feel the warmth of freedom's flame
God has given hope a name, America
They spent the voyage crowded at the bottom of a steamer
fightin famine, fear and fever for six long weeks or more
Children cried from hunger, oh and mothers wept for babies
praying they would make it to see the other shore
But the weariness and worry must've melted from their eyes
to behold that lady rising in the sky
Oh cant you hear them cry
CHORUS
America, I hear you calling me
Sweet land of liberty, I'm on my way
America, beckoning with open arms
I long to feel the warmth of freedom's flame
God has given hope a name, America
BRIDGE
So I will not take for granted this life I'm blessed to lead
or the ones who sacrificed so much to hand it down to me
Cause not so long ago, this land I call home was just a dream
of huddled masses yearning to breathe free
CHORUS
America, may God keep you in his hand
keep you strong and help you stand, this I pray
America, hold high your splendid torch
let the whole world feel the warmth of freedom's flame
God has given hope a name, America
