First written by Irving Berlin in 1918, he rewrote the song in 1938 in response to the rise of Adolf Hitler and fascism in Germany. He rewrote it as a prayer for peace, and it was performed for the first time by Kate Smith on an Armistice Day broadcast (November 11 – now known as Veterens Day) that year. Berlin also wrote the spoken introduction (now rarely heard but which Smith always used).

At its heart, it’s a prayer for the well-being of our country. Especially in the politically and racially charged times in which we live, may God bless America. It truly belongs to all of us together.

Here’s a wonderful follow-up song in the same vein: Woody Guthrie’s “This Land is Your Land”.