I think of America the Beautiful as a “wannabe national anthem”, because it says so much about what matters in the country where I live.
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 of 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!
Hymn tune: AMERICA/MATERNA
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Also available for handbells (3-5 octaves, Level 4).
Purchasing this 8-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to four copies for your handbell group (plus the accompaniment/instrumental score(s), if part of the purchase) – so you only need to pay once. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.
