Irving Berlin, a Russian-born, Jewish-American songwriter, wrote an American patriotic song in 1918 during World War I, and then revised it in 1938 in the run-up to World War II. The later version of “God Bless America” takes the form of a prayer for God’s blessing and peace for this nation. On this Election Day, we need this prayer more than ever.
God Bless America
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 a 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.
~ painting by Thomas Kinkade
