My America Copyright ©2020, 2022, 2024 Alphasongs LLC (ASCAP) all rights reserved, Music and Lyrics by Matthew L. Kearns ​ Verse 1 Most of us came here from somewhere else. Many think it’s a better place for us. But if we want to be the land of the free, We must learn to think for ourselves responsibly, and learn. Welcome to My America! And, when my family comes to be all together, We’re just like every family here in this land, with you. Welcome to My America! ​ Verse 2 One side came through Ellis Island, New York. Other side came 'cross the Rio Grande Hear how this comes together in my America, three generations now and proud to be here, with you. Welcome to My America! ​ In Tribute This section is a tribute to patriotic songs and themes uniting my family's journey from Eastern European and Latinx roots to My America. I'm in America to stay.                                                       O, say can you see? I love my country ev’ry day.                                                 And crown thy good with brotherhood My fam’ly's come a long way.                                                 Above the fruited plain! This is our U. S. A.                                                 From sea to shining sea! ​ We are the land of the free, We are the home of the brave, Coming from all of the world, And we are here to stay. ​ Verse 3 In the end, no matter where you come from, we accept you where you're at, always; strive to accept all. Urban and rural may have diff’rent perceptions, but we can learn about each other's point of view. Welcome to My America! ​ We may be diff’rent, but together we're one. Life. liberty, and justice for everyone, like you. Welcome to My America!   Notes: My America is a personal expression of common heritage we all share, coming from somewhere else to take root and ownership in this nation, something only preserved through democracy, something we must vote to preserve. The song holds a special resonance for me, reflecting my own family’s Latinx and Eastern European origins. Both sides of my heritage resonate in the song, especially in Verse 3. The central message of My America is: “Most of us came from somewhere else.” My own roots came through Ellis Island and across the Rio Grande and because of this, I was inspired to write this tribute to the spirit of the USA. ​ Another inspiration was my desire to compose a piece on a patriotic theme to which all Americans could relate. Accordingly, the lyrics of My America recognize our common heritage as immigrants, but also acknowledge that we live in divisive times. Some of this is attributable to our pluralistic origins and to cultural differences, such as those between urban and rural communities. Despite these differences, if we learn to respect each other’s point of view, we can come together in My America. Your America, too. ​ Performance Notes This piece is scored for a small-to-medium vocal ensemble. For more creativity, improvisational beat-boxing can enhance rhythms even more. Have fun with it! “Audio tracks generated with Cantamus software”.