Lee Greenwood - Wikipedia

About the Song

Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless The U.S.A.” stands as a cornerstone of American patriotism in music. Released in 1984, this stirring anthem has transcended generations, becoming a rallying cry for national pride and a powerful expression of gratitude for the freedoms cherished by Americans.

The song’s origins lie in a deeply personal experience for Greenwood. The downing of Korean Air Lines Flight 007 in 1983 filled him with a surge of emotions – grief for the lives lost and a renewed appreciation for his own country. Fueled by this experience, Greenwood penned “God Bless The U.S.A.” as a tribute to the nation’s resilience and the sacrifices made to preserve its freedoms.

The song opens with a soaring guitar riff that instantly evokes a sense of grandeur. Greenwood’s vocals, powerful and sincere, take center stage as he declares his love for his country. The lyrics are a potent mix of patriotism and gratitude. Greenwood paints a picture of a nation built on hard work, perseverance, and a unwavering belief in liberty.

“God Bless The U.S.A.” is more than just a catchy melody; it’s a song that evokes strong emotions. Greenwood’s lyrics resonate with veterans who have served their country, everyday citizens who appreciate their freedoms, and anyone who feels a sense of national pride.

The song’s impact extends far beyond the music charts. It’s been adopted by countless sports teams, political rallies, and even military ceremonies. “God Bless The U.S.A.” has become a powerful symbol of American identity, uniting people from all walks of life in a shared sense of patriotism.

Whether you view it as a musical masterpiece or a straightforward expression of national pride, “God Bless The U.S.A.” remains an undeniable force in American culture. It’s a song that continues to spark conversations about patriotism, the value of freedom, and the sacrifices made to preserve them.Country music icon Lee Greenwood will perform “God Bless The U.S.A.” at Gatornats | NHRA

Video

Lyrics: God Bless The U.S.A.

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 awayAnd I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land
God bless the USAFrom 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 LA
Well, there’s pride in every American heart
And it’s time we stand and sayThat I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land
God bless the USAAnd I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me
And I’d 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

 

You Missed

“I JUST WANT TO SING IT THE WAY I ALWAYS HAVE.” That’s what Toby Keith said. No dramatic pause. No swelling music behind the statement. Just a simple sentence delivered the way he delivered everything else in his life — straight and unpolished. And somehow, that simplicity made the room feel heavier than any grand farewell ever could. This final night wasn’t built around spectacle. There were no fireworks designed to distract from reality, no desperate swing for nostalgia. What filled the air instead was something steadier — grit. The kind that comes from songs that rode shotgun through people’s hardest seasons, songs that were there when nothing else quite knew what to say. You could hear the difference in the pauses. See it in the way the audience didn’t rush to clap, as if they were afraid to interrupt something sacred. Every lyric landed slower, deeper, not because he sang it differently, but because time had added weight to every word. These weren’t just melodies anymore. They were years. Memories. Battles fought quietly. It didn’t feel like a goodbye wrapped in sorrow. It felt like a man standing exactly where he had always stood — not retreating, not reinventing himself to soften the moment. Just singing it straight. Letting the songs do the heavy lifting. Trusting them to say the things he never needed to spell out. And maybe that was the most Toby Keith thing of all. No grand exit. No final speech. Just the music — steady, honest, and strong enough to carry everything.