America, America My dad sure believed in you Said, 'A man's got to do what he's got to do' Got his degree at your diploma barn He was the first kid off the farm Gonna change the world with chemistry
But I know he'll do What you ask him to For America
Buy a new house with a tailored front yard Run up all the credit cards There's more where that came from It's a cinch But I knew by the age of six I'd never make a scientist When I saw the price you paid in their trenches
But I know he'll do What you ask him to For America
They cut the moorings of your sacred ship Pushed her out, and they let her drift Then the wind changed unannounced Brought a new friend home to watch TV To help you deal with the anxiety She measured out her love in ounces
Yeah, I've seen you do What she asked you to For America
I remember standing 'round On the vacant corner of some playground Hoping we would get you back Dying to make contact, contact, contact With America
Now I struggle to pretend And to fill the gaping holes in And remember all you did Looking back to take inventory Put the best construction on the story I'm now writing for my kids
'Cos I know you'd do What they asked you to For America
America, America God, shed Your grace In his lonely heart this evening And if he falls asleep tonight Gather him and hold him tight And help me with this grieving
'Cos I know he'd do What You ask him to I salute You