Our Favorite Patriotic Tunes, Part 1: ‘God Bless America’ vs. ‘This Land Is Your Land’
The article examines the origins and cultural impact of the patriotic songs “God Bless America” and “This Land Is Your Land.” It details Irving Berlin’s 1918 composition, its shelving, and revival in 1938, leading to Kate Smith’s popular 1938 broadcast. It also notes Woody Guthrie’s 1940 protest response and contrasts the songs within American musical tradition.
- ▪Irving Berlin wrote “God Bless America” in 1918 for a World War I show but removed it, leaving the song unused for two decades.
- ▪He revived the song in 1938 while in London and added new lyrics, and Kate Smith premiered it on a Veterans Day radio broadcast, making it an instant hit.
- ▪By 1940 the song had become a national standard, prompting folk singer Woody Guthrie to write a protest version titled “God Blessed America.”
- ▪The piece contrasts Berlin’s patriotic anthem with folk traditions such as “This Land Is Your Land,” highlighting differing perspectives on American identity.
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Home – American Heritage News – Our Favorite Patriotic Tunes, Part 1: ‘God Bless America’ vs. ‘This Land Is Your Land’ opinion Our Favorite Patriotic Tunes, Part 1: ‘God Bless America’ vs. ‘This Land Is Your Land’ Al Perrotta • June 28, 2026 Print Kate Smith sings “God Bless America” before a Philadelphia Flyers home game in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, circa 1970s. (Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images) (function(){var t=document.querySelector(".wp-block-kadence-dynamichtml"),s=document.currentScript.previousElementSibling;if(t&&s){if("prepend"==="before_element")t.parentNode.insertBefore(s,t);else if("prepend"==="after_element")t.parentNode.insertBefore(s,t.nextSibling);else…
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