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America the Beautiful

Words: Katherine Lee Bates. 1893
Ms. Bates was inspired to write these words when she first saw the view from the top 
of Pikes Peak (live picture)  while on a vacation trip. The song was almost chosen as the National
Anthem instead of the Star Spangled Banner.

Music:   "Materna", Samuel Ward
(If your computer has sound but the music is not playing,  click this)

 1  O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain
    For purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain!
    America, America, God shed his grace on thee,
    And crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea. 

 2  O beautiful for pilgrim feet, whose stern, impassioned stress
    A thoroughfare for freedom beat across the wilderness!
    America, America! God mend thine ev'ry flaw,
    Comfirm thy soul in self control, thy liberty in law.

 3  O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife,
    Who more than self their country loved and mercy more than life.
    America, America! May God thy gold refine,
    Till all success be nobleness, and every grace divine.

 4  O beautiful for patriot dream that sees beyond the years.
    Thine alabaster cities gleam, undimmed by human tears.
    America, America! God shed his grace on thee.
    And crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea.

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Page last modified on: 07/29/2004