"My Country Tis of Thee" History
According to the U.S. Library of Congress, the origin of the tune behind "My Country Tis of Thee" is highly debatable in terms of what year it was composed and by whom. At any rate, it was printed in England in 1744 as "God Save the King." The melody came to pre-Revolution America in 1761 and saw many verses before finding the pen of seminary student Samuel Francis Smith in 1831. His version, "My Country Tis of Thee" was debuted at an Independence Day celebration in 1831.
"My Country Tis of Thee" Lyrics
The lyrics of "My Country Tis of Thee" are a peaceful tribute to the beauty and majesty of the American nation. Most people are quite familiar with the first verse of the song, which pays tribute to American liberty and history. The remainder of the song is lyrical poetry to the spirit of America, ending with a prayer of thanks.
Let music swell the breeze,
And ring from all the trees
Sweet freedom's song;
Let mortal tongues awake;
Let all that breathe partake;
Let rocks their silence break,
The sound prolong.
(full lyrics)
