America, America
In nineteen hundred and thirty six
My Papa left his home
He had to get away from there or die
He sailed across the sea
For a brand new destiny
Papa was my family’s first American
America, America
That’s where he had to be
America, America
He shared its grace with me
For I am what he came here for
And I am what became
Of Papa’s journey to this blessed land
In nineteen hundred and thirty nine
My mama left her home
She had to get away from there or die
She sailed across the sea
Without means or family
Arrived alone, oh so alone, but still alive
America, America
That’s where she had to be
America, America
She shared its grace with me
For I am what she came here for
And I am what became
Of Mama’s journey to this blessed land
I hope that what I am today
Does honor to the dream
I hope that what I’m doing
Makes them proud
I hope I haven’t stomped upon the hard times and the tears
I hope that what I’m singing is their song!
This land was never perfect
But it was built upon an idea
Of freedom and respect for all who show up on its shores
We have to keep a light
Burning steady, strong and bright
We’re a haven for the suffering ones who need a home
America, America
That’s where I want to be
America, America
Let’s share it gracefully
For that is what we are all about
It’s the ground where we all stand
We’re all immigrants who’ve journeyed from foreign land
We’re all refugees who’ve journeyed to a foreign land
It’s a miracle we’ve made it to the promise of this land!
Words & Music by Keith Torgan for Max Siesel and Anne Stein Siesel