Song for America (song)
| "Song for America" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Single by Kansas | ||||
| from the album Song for America | ||||
| Released | 1975 | |||
| Genre | Progressive rock, symphonic rock | |||
| Length |
10:03 (album version) 9:08 (The Best of Kansas version) 4:41 (official single version) 3:02 (single edit) | |||
| Label | Kirshner | |||
| Writer(s) | Kerry Livgren | |||
| Kansas singles chronology | ||||
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"Song for America" is the title track from the second album of American progressive rock band, Kansas. It was written by guitarist/keyboardist Kerry Livgren during the period of heavy touring for their first album. The song was released on their 1975 album Song for America, and later released as the band's third single, although it did not chart. It is known for its symphonic structure, and its lyrics showing America's state before and after colonization. It appears on most of their live albums and DVDs. The song is one of Kansas' biggest hits from their period of obscurity, appearing on most of their greatest hits and live albums.
Structure
The song begins with a 3 minute instrumental overture. It is dominated by keyboards, violin, and bass. It has a symphonic structure. About halfway through the song, there is an extended instrumental section in 9/16 time. The final section of the instrumental overture closes the song, over 10 minutes long. The single version of the song had most of the instrumental parts edited out, and is cut down to three minutes.
Lyrics
"I remember writing the title track to this album while in a jet high over America. Looking down, I was musing over our relatively young nation and how unique we are." - Kerry Livgren
The song begins in a time before America was settled by the Native Americans, as characterized by the lines, "No man rules this land; no human hand has soiled this paradise. Waiting patiently, so much to see, so rich in earth's delights." The first few verses of the song portray America's beauty, and its abundance waiting to be discovered. The lines "Ravage, plunder see no wonder; rape and kill and tear asunder," show the destruction of the land's beauty once its vast expanse begins being colonized. The next part of the song addresses the modern day saying the lines, "So we rule this land, and here we stand upon our paradise. Dreaming of a place, our weary race is ready to arise."
Live versions
Several live versions of the song have been recorded. One is featured on the live Two for the Show, that has a piano solo near the end edited out. Kansas also plays it on their new live CD/DVD There's Know Place Like Home with the Washburn symphony orchestra.
Personnel
- Kerry Livgren - Piano, Moog Synthesizer, ARP Strings
- Steve Walsh - Organ, ARP Synthesizer, Lead Vocals
- Robby Steinhardt - Violin, Vocals
- Dave Hope - Bass
- Phil Ehart - Drums, Glockenspiel
- Rich Williams - Acoustic and Electric Guitars
References
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