Norah Jones – American Anthem Lyrics | SongMeanings

By those who came before
The dream of a nation
Where freedom would endure
The work and prayers
Of centuries
Have brought us to this day

What shall be our legacy?
What will our children say?
Let them say of me
I was one who believed
In sharing the blessings
I received
Let me know in my heart
When my days are through
America
America
I gave my best to you

Each generation from the plains
To distant shore with the gifts
What they were given
Were determined
To leave more
Valiant battles fought together
Acts of conscience fought alone
These are the seeds
From which America has grown

Let them say of me
I was one who believed
In sharing the blessings
I received
Let me know in my heart
When my days are through
America
America
I gave my best to you

For those who think
They have nothing to share
Who fear in their hearts
There is no hero there
Know each quiet act
Of dignity is
That which fortifies
The soul of a nation
That never dies

Let them say of me
I was one who believed
In sharing the blessings
I received
Let me know in my heart
When my days are through
America
America
I gave my best to you

All we’ve been givenBy those who came beforeThe dream of a nationWhere freedom would endureThe work and prayersOf centuriesHave brought us to this dayWhat shall be our legacy?What will our children say?Let them say of meI was one who believedIn sharing the blessingsI receivedLet me know in my heartWhen my days are throughAmericaAmericaI gave my best to youEach generation from the plainsTo distant shore with the giftsWhat they were givenWere determinedTo leave moreValiant battles fought togetherActs of conscience fought aloneThese are the seedsFrom which America has grownLet them say of meI was one who believedIn sharing the blessingsI receivedLet me know in my heartWhen my days are throughAmericaAmericaI gave my best to youFor those who thinkThey have nothing to shareWho fear in their heartsThere is no hero thereKnow each quiet actOf dignity isThat which fortifiesThe soul of a nationThat never diesLet them say of meI was one who believedIn sharing the blessingsI receivedLet me know in my heartWhen my days are throughAmericaAmericaI gave my best to you