Photo: Alamy
“We have neglected the truth that a good farmer is a craftsman of the highest order, a kind of artist,” wrote famed author Wendell Berry.
Indeed, perhaps it is the “rural beginnings” of farm life that paved a pathway for Lee Greenwood to become an artist beyond the loam and toil of agricultural work, catapulting him into a decades-long career that has touched the lives of many and left a lasting impact on country music and the entire music industry.
Greenwood, who is perhaps best known now for his patriotic anthem, “God Bless the USA” (1984), boasts an impressive discography of toe-tapping hits, like “I.O.U.,” “Ring On Her Finger, Time On Her Hands,” and “Dixie Road.”
In the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks in 2001, Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” reminded a younger and upcoming generation of what it felt like to be “proud to be an American,” and the song soared to #1 on the pop charts. To this day, it is one of the most recognizable tunes in the country – even President Donald J. Trump has been utilizing it as his walkout song for speeches and rallies since his initial run for president in 2016.
“I was raised on a farm,” Greenwood told RSBN in an exclusive interview. He described his early years as “rural beginnings” before he jumped into his music career, which boasts an “extensive discography,” including seven #1 songs and more than two dozen hit singles.
These days, Greenwood is still actively touring and entertaining audiences with his enduring music – and it is clear from his often-patriotic portfolio that he is a man who loves his country.
Greenwood explained to RSBN that he actively embraces “the history of the United States,” including the highs and lows, but pointed out that the country had been built by “hearty Americans” who “gave their lives in the beginning of this country,” reflecting on the Pilgrims who settled the East Coast and the rough-and-ready pioneers who pushed westward on the “frontier of America.”
“We didn’t come here to America to get rid of faith, we came here to get rid of the King of England,” Greenwood remarked.
Faith is important to the iconic singer, and it’s part of why he released a special King James Version, “God Bless the USA Bible,” which includes a copy of the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a chorus from “God Bless the USA.”
Recently, President Trump even endorsed Greenwood’s special edition Bible, urging Americans to sit down, read it, and study the founding documents enclosed along with it.
Trump poignantly declared, “We must make America PRAY again. Pray, get educated, get motivated, and stand with me and the legions of Americans asking God to bless our great nation to bring our great nation back and to Make America Great Again.”
For Greenwood’s part, his music has transcended generations, and he spoke fondly of his meetings with military veterans as he travels the country, singing his songs. “What I’m excited about is the importance of the American anthem that I wrote,” he shared.
He highlighted how special it was to see grandparents, parents, and grandchildren pass the message of his patriotic song down through the generations, adding, “Patriotism starts when you’re very young.”
Greenwood has undoubtedly become a part of the legendary fabric of the country that he so clearly respects and loves, and in so doing, he has left an indelible mark on music and Americana.
In “God Bless the USA,” Greenwood sings:
“If tomorrow all the things were gone
I worked for all my life
And I had to start again
With just my children and my wifeI thank my lucky stars
To be living here today
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom
And they can’t take that awayAnd I’m proud to be an American
Where at least I know I’m free
And I won’t forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me
And I’d gladly stand up next to you
And defend Her still today
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt
I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A.”
These lyrics will surely continue to inspire a generation of upcoming patriots who also love and adore their country. They prove that music can indeed bring people together across time and cultural revolutions and serve as a reminder of just how wonderful it is to be “proud to be an American.”
