God Bless America

"God Bless America" is an American patriotic song written by Irving Berlin of Belarusian origin during World War I in 1918 and revised by him in the run up to World War II in 1938. The later version was notably recorded by Kate Smith, becoming her signature song.^[1]^[2]

This article is about the U.S. patriotic song. For other uses, see God Bless America (disambiguation).

"God Bless America"

1918, 1938 (revised)

1939 by Irving Berlin Inc.

Patriotic song

1959

2:41

"God Bless America" takes the form of a prayer (with introductory lyrics noting that "as we raise our voices, in a solemn prayer") for God's blessing and peace for the nation ("...stand beside her and guide her through the night...").

Lyrics[edit]

While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,

Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free.

Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,

As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.

God bless America, land that I love

Stand beside her and guide her

Through the night with the light from above

From the mountains to the prairies

To the oceans white with foam

God bless America, my home sweet home

God bless America, my home sweet home.