"God Bless America" was originally written in 1918 and later revised in 1938.
The iconic American patriotic song has a unique history involving two distinct periods of creation by songwriter Irving Berlin.
The Song's Genesis
The initial version of "God Bless America" was penned by Irving Berlin in 1918. He wrote it for a musical revue titled "Yip Yip Yaphank," an army show. However, Berlin ultimately decided not to use the song in that production, deeming it too solemn for a comedic musical, and set it aside.
The Revision and Rise to Prominence
Two decades later, in 1938, as the threat of war loomed in Europe and tensions rose globally, Berlin revised the song. He updated the lyrics and melody to suit the prevailing mood of the time. The revised version debuted on November 10, 1938, performed by singer Kate Smith on her Armistice Day broadcast.
Following its powerful public debut, the song gained immense popularity. It was formally published in 1939 by Irving Berlin Inc. and officially released on March 3, 1939. Berlin established the God Bless America Fund, donating all royalties from the song to the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America.
Key Dates for "God Bless America"
To summarize the timeline of "God Bless America":
Event | Date |
---|---|
Original Draft | 1918 |
Revision | 1938 |
Publication | 1939 |
Official Release | March 3, 1939 |
This dual origin story highlights how "God Bless America" evolved from an unreleased piece to a nationally cherished anthem, deeply embedded in American culture.