We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

My Name is America

from Backroads by Johnsmith

/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $1 USD  or more

     

  • Buy the Full Digital Album

about

Regardless of our political persuasion, I feel there's a longing to bridge the great divide across this young nation of ours. My prayer is this song is a step along that healing journey.

lyrics

My Name is America
Written by Johnsmith

My name is America
I live between two oceans blue
And as nations go I’m a child who
Is sadly now, torn in two

I was born out of a dream
And for that dream I’m on my knees tonight
For there’s shouting on the left and right
I could use some help to mend this great divide

Chorus:
Oh, help me heal
These wounds I feel
Please help me heal
From these wounds I feel

It’s not the first time I’ve been torn
The bloody redcoats shot and drove the natives from their homes
Then the flood of immigrants all came ‘round
In hopes of 40 acres, a mule, and plow
And the right to speak their truth out loud

Chorus: repeat

Bridge:
Then it was the Blue and Gray
The North and South spilling blood over slavery
Leaving a scar centuries deep
Now they’re still marchin’ up and down my streets.

My name is America
I am wounded but I’m not down yet
I am still the Great Experiment
I was born from hope, and tears, and sweat
And I’ll hold to that hope with every breath

Chorus: repeat 2x
My name is America

credits

from Backroads, released January 3, 2022
Johnsmith guitar/vocals, Dan Sebranek guitar harmonies, Radoslov Lorkovic organ, John Peiffer French Horn, Larry Dalton bowed bass. Choir: Darrell Scott, Elisi Smith Waller, Tim O"Brien, Jan Fabricus, Tom Prasada-Rao

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Johnsmith image

Johnsmith Trempealeau, Wisconsin

Kerrville TX fest New Folk winner. Teaches songwriting, leads music groups to Ireland, raft trips to Idaho, was featured on NPR's ‘New Dimensions’.
“Johnsmith’s songs make me laugh, cry, dance, or just sing along. He is one of the most consistent writers of quality songs that I’ve ever met.” Lydia Hutchinson, Editor, Performing Songwriter Magazine ... more

contact / help

Contact Johnsmith

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like Johnsmith, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featured guests are the golden-voiced Baby Rose and psyche soulsters Brainstory.
listen now