When the Constitution of the United States was being drafted, John Adams proclaimed that the whole idea of limited government simply couldn’t work unless people had a strong moral compass. Each of us has a responsibility to keep the dream of freedom alive, and that’s the message of this song my wife and I wrote at the turn of the new millennium. Please share it liberally. As we remember what happened this day 12 years ago, we must also remember how precious and fragile a gift freedom is and strive to live up to our best ideals in order to preserve it. And feel free to contact me for scores, arrangements, performance rights, and other permissions.
I live in a less patriot section of the country than Texas. Yet yesterday, forgetting it was 9/11, I drove on the freeway under an overpass whose fence was covered with flags, not an inch of fence was left bare stretching the entire length of the eight-lane overpass on both sides!
A few people were standing on the bridge holding flags on poles. I honked my horn in solidarity and was surprised to hear other cars follow the lead. I teared up for a few seconds then pulled it back together.
Your song is wonderful. I soooo wish I could find the lyrics. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing the story and for the kind words about the song. It means a lot to me for a lot of reasons. And thanks, Puddle, for posting the lyrics!
Here you go Claire!! 🙂
Version 1 (popular CD version) Lyrics
I have seen the torch of freedom pass from hand to yearning hand
And the vision of our fathers spread hope throughout this land
As the dream some fought and died for in my heart, becomes my own
I will strive to keep her promise, America, my home!
America!, America! May God bless America!
And freedom reign across America, my home!
From the shorelines to the prairies to the cities, great and small
We have reaped the fruits of justice and liberty for all
So with deep appreciation for the blessings we have known
I will honor her forever, America, my home!
America!, America! May God bless America!
And freedom reign across America, my home!
America!, America! May God bless America!
And freedom reign across America, my home!
May freedom reign across America, my home!
©Copyright 1999 George K. Simon, Jr. All Rights Reserved
Version 2 (full orchestral version) Lyrics
I have seen the torch of freedom pass from hand to yearning hand
And the vision of our fathers spread hope throughout this land
As the dream some fought and died for in my heart, becomes my own
I will strive to keep her promise, America, my home!
From the shorelines to the prairies to the cities, great and small
We have reaped the fruits of justice and liberty for all
So with deep appreciation for the blessings we have known
I will honor her forever, America, my home!
America!, America! God bless this land I love!
May He keep, protect, and guide her through centuries unknown
God keep, protect, and guide her, America, my home!
America!, America!, my home!
©Copyright 1999 George K. Simon, Jr. All Rights Reserved
Thanks for posting this! And remember all, anyone can write me for scores, arrangements and performance permissions!