If you’ve been looking for America the Beautiful lyrics original, especially if you’d like to print them out, then you’re on the right page! Moreover, you’ll also find the version sung by Ray Charles.
“America the Beautiful” is an iconic song that has been used to celebrate America since it was first published in 1892. It is a patriotic hymn written by Katharine Lee Bates which celebrates the United States of America’s beauty and history. It is also one of the most recognizable American songs of all time, producing powerful emotions for anyone who sings or hears it.
On this page you’ll find the lyrics of the song and a printable PDF file with lyrics for free download. We’ll also explore the history and meaning behind this beautiful song. Three music videos are also available, two sing-along covers and an orchestral recording. Enjoy!
Table of Contents
- Printable America the Beautiful Lyrics PDF
- America the Beautiful Lyrics
- America the Beautiful Lyrics Meaning
- Music Videos
- America the Beautiful Song History
- Recording artists who have covered America The Beautiful
- Conclusion
Printable America the Beautiful Lyrics PDF
Click on the button to download a PDF file with lyrics to this song for free.
America the Beautiful Lyrics
America the Beautiful Lyrics (1911 Version)
- 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!
- O beautiful for pilgrim feet,
Whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!
- 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 gain divine!
- 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!
America the Beautiful Lyrics ORIGINAL (1893 POEM)
- O beautiful for halcyon skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the enameled plain!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
Till souls wax fair as earth and air
And music-hearted sea!
- O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
Till paths be wrought through wilds of thought
By pilgrim foot and knee!
- O beautiful for glory-tale
Of liberating strife,
When once or twice, for man’s avail,
Men lavished precious life!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
Till selfish gain no longer stain,
The banner of the free!
- 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
Till nobler men keep once again
Thy whiter jubilee!
America the Beautiful Lyrics RAY CHARLES Version
- Oh 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
‘Til all success be nobleness
And every gain divined
And you know when I was in school
We used to sing it something like this, listen here
- Oh beautiful, for spacious skies
For amber waves of grain
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain
- But now wait a minute, I’m talking about
America, sweet America
You know, God done shed His grace on thee
He crowned thy good, yes He did, in brotherhood
From sea to shining sea
- You know, I wish I had somebody to help me sing this
(America, America, God shed His grace on thee)
America, I love you America, you see
My God He done shed His grace on thee
And you oughta love Him for it
‘Cause He, He, He, He crowned thy good
He told me He would, with brotherhood
(From sea to shining Sea)
Oh Lord, oh Lord, I thank you Lord
(Shining sea)
See also our 40 Fascinating Inspirational Quotes for Kids to Light their Life’s Path
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America the Beautiful Lyrics Meaning
“America The Beautiful” invites us to come together and strive for a united future of peace, justice and acceptance. Its timeless message reminds us that despite our differences, it’s essential we look out for each other so the beauty of America can be preserved throughout all generations.
With powerful words and a soaring melody, “America the Beautiful” captures both the beauty of our nation’s landscape as well as its ongoing challenges. These lyrics remind us that while we cherish freedom, it must be balanced with responsibility – to ourselves and each other. The song also pays tribute to those who immigrated here in search of better lives or fought for liberation from oppression across land and sea; their dedication is an inspiration generations later still!
Music Videos
Sing-along Video with Lyrics
Listen to this recording of “America The Beautiful” by the children’s choir USA Freedom Kids.
Sing-along Video
Ray Charles‘ cover of America the Beautiful is among the most popular versions of the song.
Instrumental Video
Enjoy this splendid performance of “America The Beautiful” by Capitol Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Carmen Dragon.
America the Beautiful Song History
The music of “America the Beautiful” was written by Samuel Augustus Ward in 1882. He composed the music for his church congregation in Newark, New Jersey and called it “Materna.”
The lyrics were written by Katharine Lee Bates in 1893 after she visited Pikes Peak in Colorado. She was so moved by what she saw that she wrote the words to “America The Beautiful” as a tribute to her country.
By RL – Find a Grave [1], Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
In 1910, both pieces were combined into what would become one of America’s most beloved songs. It is currently one of the most well-known patriotic anthems in America, and there have even been calls for it to take the place of The Star-Spangled Banner as the country’s anthem.
Recording artists who have covered America The Beautiful
Some of the world’s most talented recording artists have left their mark on the iconic song “America the Beautiful.” From country music greats like Ray Charles, Carrie Underwood and Willie Nelson to jazz legends like Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby, to pop icons like Christina Aguilera and Sia – many have used their own unique skills to interpret this cherished tune.
Although vastly different in style and era, each artist finds a way to make it their own, giving listeners a new appreciation for the classic words. Many artists have performed “America the Beautiful” during the Super Bowl. In 2008, Beyoncé also performed it at Barack Obama’s inauguration concert.
Whether you prefer a contemporary beat or an old standby, America the Beautiful is sure to capture your heart and soul every time you hear it.
Conclusion
Whether you’re singing along at an Independence Day parade or just listening quietly at home on your own time, “America The Beautiful” will always be there as an inspirational reminder of why we love our nation so much—its beauty, its strength and its people.
Though it may have been written over 100 years ago, this timeless classic never fails to bring out patriotism from within each listener—reminding us all that even though we are different from one another, we can come together under one banner if we try hard enough. We should never forget how lucky we are as Americans because truly “America The Beautiful” is here for us all today and forevermore!
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