So sang Woody Guthrie, the influential composer of a song he wrote to address what he saw as an unequal distribution of wealth in America. Guthrie (1912-1967) was raised in rural Oklahoma and lived through the Great Depression. The devastating economic times he observed while growing up profoundly affected his music. Guthrie wrote the song in 1940 and recorded it in 1944. He originally called it "God Bless America for Me," but during the recording session he changed the last line of each verse to "This land was made for you and me." Since then, singers who have recorded the song include Bing Crosby, Judy Collins, Harry Belafonte, Pete Seeger, Fred Waring and the Limeliters. |
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You can celebrate Independence Day this month by reading and listening to this and many more songs on the "Patriotic Melodies" Web site, such as "Yankee Doodle," performed by the U.S. Navy Band; "God Bless America" by its best-known interpreter, Kate Smith; and "When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again," by the Airforce Band of Liberty of Boston. |
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