Analysis Of This Land Is Your Land

In contrasting or comparing literary works it is crucial that the reader analyze the author's voice to gain a better understanding of the theme they are implying. In the contrast between the poems “I, too, sing America” by Langston Hughes, and “I hear America singing” by Walt Whitman it is clear that the two poets have very different point of views regarding American patriotism. Walt Whitman’s views on America’s joy and peace in his poems are very straightforward, while Langston Hughes poem--a response to Whitman’s--wants the reader to acknowledge what America should be like for everyone, including people of color such as himself. The authors of these poems prove to have conflicting judgements on matters in America including a theme of

In the essay “Of thee they sing with feeling”, Garrison Keillor details his opinion on the United States’ National Anthem and the unity it brings Americans when they join together in song. After reading his essay, a greater appreciation for the indescribable feeling it gives those who sing it was more thoroughly developed. Although our society is constantly changing, the National Anthem is a timeless patriotic piece that will be cherished by many generations to come.

When songwriters begin to pen the lyrics of a song, I believe their ultimate goal is to transcend time in hopes of reaching listeners for generations to come. J.R. Cash, professionally known as Johnny Cash, wrote a song that did just that. “Ragged Old Flag” is a patriotic song that speaks to every generation. Written in 1974, “Ragged Old Flag” was meant to tell the story of our country. Johnny Cash recorded “Ragged Old Flag” live at the House of Cash. Cash wanted the song to be recorded live because it was raw, untouched, and unapologetically real. The basis of this analysis is to show how patriotism spans generations, but also why a song such as, “Ragged Old Flag” is an important part of patriotism in the United States of America.

One of the most disturbing things in today’s culture is a loss of originality and nationality. People are no longer proud to be Americans and instead of pushing for new heights people follow in the footsteps of others. People today need heir sense of self back and need to start taking pride in what they do and where they’re from. In “One Song, America, Before I Go” by Walt Whitman and “I Too” by Langston Hughes, the speakers celebrated the concepts of individuality, originality, and nationality.

In the poems "I, Too, Sing America" by Langston Hughes, and "I Hear America Singing" deriving from Walt Whitman's collection of "Leaves of Grass", both have idealistic views. In Whitman's piece of writing, it talks about how America is exceptional. Also, how wonderful all of the laborers in America are. They all sing and love their jobs, and when needed, come together to form the whole society of America. But he can see that one day, he will no longer have to hide. Rather, his owner and his guests will see how strong and beautiful he truly is. Clearly, in both of the poems, the authors see the idealism in America.

As The Star Spangled Banner is heard through the speakers of the football stadium, pride fills the hearts of all the Americans while they stand tall. The sole purpose that the song was written was to get America through a time of war and to instill a sense of strength and pride. The songs main focus is on the star spangled banner or the American flag. When people think of America they picture the red, white, and blue flag with the fifty stars. The American flag gives America something that represents them and that is why they wave the flag around proudly when given the chance. That very same pride that fellow Americans get when waving the flag is the same pride that Francis Scott Key felt as he seen the flag flying over Fort Henry. These following lines of The Star Spangled Banner is proof that Americans should be proud to live in America, “What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last

The song God Bless the USA by: Lee Greenwood bestows a message of unity and love towards the United States of America. The message of this song shows that the American dream means working hard and fighting for our country. America is an outstanding country that has pride and loyalty embedded in the heart and foundation. The tone of the song is pride, which captures the sprit of the United States of America citizens. Tone is heard throughout the song especially in the chorus; “God Bless the USA”(Greenwood Line 16). Pride is another important element in creating tone in God Bless the USA; “That I’m proud to be an American”(Greenwood Line 25). I choose this song because I grew up listening to it with my father who fought for our country. I think

The United States has a storied musical history, shaped by a massively diverse population and geography. “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “Dixie’s Land” are two of the most important songs to American popular music history, and shaped the outcome of the Civil War and much of the past two centuries. Historically they represent entirely opposite ideals, but they interact immensely over the course of American history. Their complicated evolving relationships with society and each other represent the changing politics and culture of the United States from the Civil War to present day.

Woody Guthrie was an American singer-songwriter and musician who is today known as a huge part of traditional Americana music. Huge musicians in their own right, such as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellenkamp, Pete Seeger, and many more have acknowledged Guthrie as a major influence in their creative song writing process. Many of his songs are based on his experience during the Great Depression as Guthrie travelled with displaced farmers from the Dust Bowl of Oklahoma searching for a better life in California.

“ Take it easy but take it.” This is a quote by Woody Guthrie. His inspirational words and songs make a huge impact on our world today. Woody Guthrie wrote lots of songs such as, “This Land is Your Land”, and so much more. His songs and words build many people up, and make people feel good about themselves. I admire his inspirational words and songs in so many ways. His songs and words are alike and different in many ways.

In other words, the speaker is celebratory over each American carrying out their tasks and fulfilling their responsibilities; which allows for America to be established as a strong and productive country. In contrast, “Let America Be America Again,” has a bitter and angry tone which over time changes into hope. To explain, the speaker is upset over the lack of freedom and opportunity in the country everyone dreamed about, yet he is still hopeful that America can reach its potential. In addition, the poem includes metaphors such as, “let it be that great strong land of love” (Hughes); which evokes unity and equality. Similarly, in “I Hear America Singing,” the speaker compares the people’s work to music due to their strong work ethic. One may infer that the singing of America means that the country

“let America Be America Again” has a gloomy, heavy, sulky view of America. It questions as to whether America is all it’s cracked up to be, a place where anyone can be whatever and do whatever. Whereas “I Hear America Singing” has a rose-colored, on cloud nine, view that paints America as a utopia. It makes everyone look like little gears that, no matter what, keep on turning to make things run as smoothly as possible. Both of these selections are biased , one positive and one negative, but they both make the reader paint an image of the America that the selection points out. To me America is a dream and ideal place to live, they don’t restrict one’s thoughts or feelings. If they did then Hughes and Whitman wouldn’t have been able to release these two pieces of work and, in turn, there would be a lot less emotion in the work today, and work without emotion is work that doesn’t belong in

The national anthem plays a vital role in the establishment of a nation’s identity. Across the globe nations distinguish themselves through song, anthems that have the power to emotionally pull individuals together for a common cause based on shared history and a common vision of the future. In the United States, the nation’s dualistic economic structure based on the invention of black and white social castes led to the creation of a second national anthem, intended to connect and establish an identity for members of America’s Negro population.

In 2013, a high school choir sang a song in tribute to the military. Several members of the 200-person choir had family members who were at the time deployed, at one time been deployed or had given their lives for the country they loved. Others had members of the police force or firefighting. The song was titled "Song for unsung hero." The director wanted to find a way to connect each individual to this song, to connect the audience not only to the song but the choir itself. The music was written in such a way that in some parts there were seven different harmonies being sung alongside the melody. The power of one could have done the trick, but the meanings and parts that each individual of that choir was singing, is what took it from separation to a collective identity. The people they were singing about is what united the group of students, the audience and the heroes they were singing for. Similarly, Walt Whitman's poem "I Hear America Singing" is a unique view on America's sense of individuality. This individuality is expressed through an almost seemingly contradiction of the

The Star-Spangled Banner has been sung exquisitely by various celebrities before many sporting events. Who doesn’t remember or know about Super Bowl XXV in 1991 when Whitney Houston serenaded America with her powerhouse voice? However, the meaning of America’s national anthem is more than just the change of pitches, octaves, and notes that are sung before a football game. As an American, our national anthem symbolizes the strength and resilience of America. For me, the words written by Francis Scott Key represents the importance of being a military child. Because of the selfless service of my father and countless others being enlisted in the United States Military, and their continuous courage to fight for America, we can state that we