Sounding Childhood Main Menu Part 1: Children's Hymns Part 2: Songs for School and Play Part 3: Animal Welfare (Bands of Mercy) Songs Part 4: Christmas Carols Part 5: Folk Songs Part 6: Patriotic Songs Part 7: Early 20th-Century Hymns About the Author Works Cited

"My Country 'Tis of Thee"

43370

"My Country 'Tis of Thee" was one of the earliest patriotic songs [published 1832] after the founding of the American nation [1776], though almost 60 years later. Its tune "America" is actually co-opted from Britain's "God Save the King [or Queen]."  The new words were written by a student at Andover Seminary, Samuel Francis Smith, realizing that Americans needed their own patriotic song.  The song was premiered at Boston's Park Street Congregational Church on July 4, 1831, by the JUVENILE CHOIR at a Sunday-School Rally, always important to realize how many songs young people premiered!  It went on to be published in my children's Sunday-School hymnals: in 30% of 19th century hymnals and 56% of early 20th century hymnals, according to my research. And Smith went on to be come a powerful Baptist preacher and college professor. 

Sources: Robert J. Morgan, Then Sings My Soul (W Publishing, 2011). 
       & publication forthcoming: Clapp-Itnyre, Children's 19th and 20th Century Hymns.docx
Score from: The Hymnal for Youth (Philadelphia, Westminster Press, 1941 [see below as 2nd page]
Choir: The Community Choristers (2025); soloists Grace Parshall, Hope Royer, and Alice Kostiak.

 

This page has paths:

  1. "My Country 'Tis of Thee" Alisa Clapp-Itnyre
  2. "My Country 'Tis of Thee" Alisa Clapp-Itnyre
  3. "My Country 'Tis of Thee" Alisa Clapp-Itnyre
  4. "My Country 'Tis of Thee" Alisa Clapp-Itnyre
  5. "My Country 'Tis of Thee" Alisa Clapp-Itnyre
  6. "My Country 'Tis of Thee" Alisa Clapp-Itnyre
  7. "My Country 'Tis of Thee" Alisa Clapp-Itnyre
  8. Part 6: Patriotic Songs Alisa Clapp-Itnyre

Contents of this path:

  1. "My Country 'Tis of Thee"