I'm the Spirit of America

Annotation

The song "I'm the Spirit of America" (Antique Records # ANT-52) is very similar in theme to the dozens of Bicentennial records released back in 1976 - a patriotic, fanfare styled song, the narrator took on the role of the American flag, recalling the country's history, from the Revolutionary War, to the Civil War, World War One & Two, the Korean War, the Space Race, John F. Kennedy, the 1979 Iranian Hostage Crisis, and of course the Vietnam War, with the line: "I know every name on the great black wall, that hovering tower...and although we didn't want to go to Vietnam we all knew that's how it had to be". Interesting to note the post-war re-interpretation, claiming that "we" (the people? the flag? the government? the military?) did not want to fight in the Vietnam War. But it was "how it had to be". The record came with a lyric sheet. Released in Pittsburg, Kansas, USA. Released on a country label founded by Gene Strasser, who himself released a few political records ("Prisoners of War" about Vietnam P.O.W.s, "The Ballad of John Kennedy", and "Dear Little Soldier" about the First Gulf War).

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Lyrics

English: I was born a combination of many great men's minds / In 1776, yes it has been a long time / It was I who stood ready at Lexington to heed this country's pride / And for a thing called freedom I had to watch while many young boys had to die / The night that Mr. Lincoln was shot I was right at his side / I was the strength of a mighty nation, and the tears that thousands cried / I've carried the burdens of the great World Wars / And yes, Korea too... / And when we sent up our first rocket ship I was right there in my place /I was the beat of all America's heart, and the smile on Mr. John F. Kennedy's face / I know every name on the great black wall / That Hhovering tower... / And although we didn't want to go to Vietnam we all knew that's how it had to be / I'm the voice of every American ever held hostage by foreign lands / We hold to our strength and sanity because god holds our hand / And remember these words, you that burn our flag and step in our face / And never have we treated you with such disgrace / We've accepted your people, every colour, every creed, and given aid to all countries in their times of need / And we've shown by the way that we give out our hearts, truly, we are the world / And in America is where it starts, and to Americans near and far I get a feeling still the same / I'm a powerful super inner strength no belief or country could ever shame / I'm the spirit of america and proud to have that name

Notes

Antique Records, Box 192, Pittsburg, KS 66762, 316-231-6443, ANT-52 (U-14607 M), "A" side, stereo, white label marked "D J Copy"; "I'm the Spirit of America" (Rich Rhuems), Country Party Music, BMI, 2:27; producers Geneo Strasser and John Poznich. The picture sleeve, "©Copyright 1985 Country Party Music", prints the title in red script over pale-blue drawings of the flag, the Statue of Liberty and figures from American history, with the full lyric signed "Rich Rhuems, Antique Records": the Spirit of America recalls Lexington, Lincoln, the world wars, Korea and Kennedy, and declares "I am every name on the great black wall" and "although we didn't want to go to Viet Nam, we all knew that's how it had to be". [From the record sleeve and labels]

Themes

Patriotic · American Revolution · Civil War · Lincoln · JFK · WW1 · WW2 · Korea · Flag Burning · Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall

In collections

Veterans Memorial Wall Songs