My Country ‘Tis Of Thee – “Only The Good” Friday


“My Country ‘Tis Of Thee,”  was taught to my second grade class by my teacher, Miss Hyatt.  It’s one of my favorite patriotic songs. The words,  “From Every Mountain Side…Let Freedom Ring,” went straight to my heart.  Since a grand view of the rocky mountains could be seen from our class room window… I was sure the song has been written especially for us.

Follow the words and listen to the tune here.

In 1831, Reverend Samuel Francis Smith was approached by the famed organist and composer, Lowell Mason, who had with him some German school music books. Mason wanted Smith to either translate the German, or write new text for the tunes.  Smith particularly like one tune and rather than translate the German, he wrote new lyrics for it…. “My Country ‘Tis Of Thee.”

marianandersonsings

In 1938, Marian Anderson, a famous African American contralto, was refused permission to sing in Constitution Hall by the Daughters of the American Revolution.   Their refusal placed Anderson into the spotlight of the international community on a level usually only found by high profile celebrities and politicians.

She never openly complained… and on Easter Sunday, 1939, “My Country ‘Tis Of Thee” was brought to the forefront when Marian Anderson sang it at an open-air concert, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.   A crowd of more than 75,000 people and a radio audience in the millions heard her performance.

You can see her preformance here,

And… who could forget Aurtha Frankin’s rendition, 70 years later, at the last inauguration.   Wow… Love the hat.

On July 4th, we will be celebrating the two hundred thirty-third birthday of signing of the Declaration of Independence.   And, on this “Good” Friday,  I’m grateful and proud to be an American as was Marion Anderson and Aretha Franklin.  I carry a pocket size copy of the Constitution Of The United States, which is read frequently.  I have a lot to be thankful for and defend in these uncertain times.   “My Country “Tis Of Thee… Sweet Land Of Liberty… I Thee I Sing.”

Have a “Good” Friday” and a  great 4th of July.

Kathy
Insightful Nana

P.S. Shelly, our host invites you to click on over and she what she has to say.   At the bottom of Shelly’s post, is a group of folks who have joined the “OtGF” movement. You’re welcome to have your name added to the list.  Just let Shelly know. My sis, Sheila, welcomes you to her site also.


One response to “My Country ‘Tis Of Thee – “Only The Good” Friday”

  1. My Country Tis of Thee is my favorite patriotic song. Aretha does a really fabulous job. What a voice. I have to admit I only sing in the car when I am driving by my self. I sound pretty good- at least my audience thinks so.

    Happy 4th!

    Sheila