In a quiet night in 1983, Lee Greenwood found himself on the back of his tour bus, penning what would become an iconic anthem that stirs the soul of America — “God Bless the USA.” Far from being a spur-of-the-moment creation, this patriotic ballad was the culmination of years of reflection and inspiration, a fact Greenwood revealed during a 2013 interview marking the opening of the Lee Greenwood: American Patriot exhibit at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Greenwood recounts a deeper history behind the song’s genesis, dispelling the myth of a sudden burst of creativity:
“Well, it wasn’t overnight. I had thought about it for a long time. See, I lived in Las Vegas for almost 19 years. And while I was there, of course, I watched significant performers – particularly Elvis, who worked in the same hotel that I did. And I would see him perform ‘An American Trilogy’ at the end of his show. I saw how moving it could be to have that kind of impact with that kind of a closer.”
He spoke candidly about his personal journey towards writing a song that would bring Americans together:
“My other inspiration was to unite America, which was a goal of mine since I was a boy… I’d written a closer for a show I had in Vegas years ago called ‘America.’ And it was kind of anti-government, because it was about Vietnam. I did not serve in the military, but I lived through that era. And like the rest of America, I thought, ‘We have to stop this war, and the killing of our young men and women.’”
This initial anti-war sentiment evolved dramatically after Greenwood toured the country for three years, witnessing the common threads that bind all Americans — despite their diverse cultures and dialects. It sparked the desire for a patriotic song that reflected unity and pride, a song that would close his show with powerful emotion — and so, the genesis of “God Bless the USA” was set into motion.
The song’s impact was undeniable, receiving the 1985 Country Music Association (CMA) Song of the Year award. Its resonance surged anew during times of national peril, notably during the 1990 Gulf War and the aftermath of the attacks on September 11, 2001, when it soared back up the country and pop charts.
Greenwood summarized the heart behind his anthem:
“‘USA’ is the song I always felt the need to write… I wanted to have something that would unite Americans from coast to coast. I wanted to instill pride back in the United States. The song represents my family, my community and those men and women who have paid the price for the freedoms we all love and enjoy.”
The lyrics evoke deep reverence and love for the country — a pledge to remember those who have sacrificed for freedom, and a bold declaration of pride from “from the lakes of Minnesota to the hills of Tennessee… from sea to shining sea.” The song’s power lies in its simple yet arresting homage to America’s spirit, freedom, and unity.
Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” stands not just as a song, but as a beacon of patriotic faith and communal resilience, reflecting the core of what it means to be an American. It continues to inspire and unite, echoing through generations, a timeless anthem in the hearts of many.