Let Freedom Ring
This weekend I heard Jamie Portee singing a slow, grooving version of America (aka - My Country 'Tis of Thee) and was utterly captivated. It had been so long since I'd heard anything other than the first verse, I was struck by the awe and appreciation in the lyrics. As we celebrate MLK Jr. and watch the rare and amazing event of an inauguration, I think it's appropriate to pause and reflect on freedom, praise, and the author of our liberty.
Read the words of Samuel F. Smith slowly.
Soak it in. Sing along (in your head OR aloud) to each verse.
Ready....
My country,' tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing; Land where my fathers died, Land of the pilgrims' pride, From ev'ry mountainside, let freedom ring!
My native country, thee,
Land of the noble free, thy name I love;
I love thy rocks and rills,
Thy woods and templed hills;
My heart with rapture thrills,
Like that above.
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.
Our fathers' God, to Thee,
Author of liberty,
To Thee we sing;
Long may our land be bright
With freedom's holy light;
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God, our King.
Besides looking up "rills" (come on - I can't be alone in not knowing that word!) what struck you in a new way?
Have a great holiday!