For nearly four hundred years we knew

What “American” was and was not.

On the swiftest of wings time flew

And we have since then forgot.

–

It used to be that “American” was apple pie

And evenings spent with family;

Freedoms for which we were willing to die;

And common sensibility.

–

Now they say that “American” is lies

And slavery and hypocrisy;

They march in her streets and cry

Their chants and deface her history.

–

They say that “American” is pronouns

And cancel culture and white shame –

“American” that was founded

On racism – or so they claim.

–

“American” used to be the self-made man,

Self-education and motivation;

“American” used to be working the land,

Finding pride and joy in cultivation.

–

“American” used to be about equality,

Freedom of speech and religion,

Independence from tyranny,

And free & fair elections.

–

“American” used to be marching bands

And fireworks on the Fourth of July –

“American” was creating by hand;

“American” was live free or die.

–

“American” was something real neat –

“American” was something to die for,

A magnificent historical feat.

But now… well, those things were before.

–

Now as people scream hate in her streets,

Demand that the police be defunded,

Pride in “American” seems to be history.

Can “American” possibly be defended?

–

A revolution is direly needed in our time:

Not one of armies and rifles and blood,

But of “American” thought and pride.

“American”, the best of the world.

–

“American” is something to love and cherish;

“American” is something to fight for.

“American” must be protected or perish…

Becoming but a thing of lore.

–

So lift up your voices and be strong,

Live and breath and dream “American,”

Stand for the anthem, our national song.

Learn of our heroes, brave women and men.

–

As long as we fight, as long as we dream –

As long as the freedom flag flies –

As long as we cherish our history –

As long as we reject tyrannical lies –

–

As long as we have “American” pride –

As long as we share our passion and love –

As long as we remember those who died

To protect our freedoms from God above –

–

“American” and all that word stands for –

Justice, and independence, and liberty,

Equality, respect for law and order –

“American” shall, “American” must survive.