Survey Opinions

Opinions of the song itself, sorted by respondents’ ranked opinion (1 = no opinion; 2 = strongly dislike; 3 = dislike; 4 = mixed feelings; 5 = like; 6 = really like.) 1 I do not have a feeling one way or another about that song. 1 I don't think people should be held hostage, like they used to be at Yankee stadium. Get over it. 1 I'm Canadian 1 It's a good song and used to have meaning. Now it is over played and has no relavence to me. 1 Nothing against the song if sung in private. There are many songs that I feel are patriotic. As a musician, I have performed many of them. I don't think too much into this 1 particular one, I have heard many better and worse. I can't believe it is played in public. If you want to hear this garbage, go to church and play tiddlywinks with your invisible 2 friends. - heavily features "God" - assumes America is awesome and everyone else can shove off - one is assumed to be an 2 asshole if you don't respect the song 2 "God" and "patriotism" do not belong together. A lot of people try to push it as our national anthem after 9/11, but we already have a much better song. I don't like how I 2 have to stand for it at baseball games considering it's just a song. 2 A mediocre song became ubiquitous and overplayed. 2 Advances view that America is favored by God America is not about god or religion. It's about freedom; the freedom to believe or not believe in mythology and supreme 2 beings. If the conservative right wish to adopt it as an anthem for their church, that's fine, but don't impose it on the rest of us. Another blindly patriotic song that's played at baseball games. In the vein of the pledge of allegiance and the national anthem, it's an archaic song with little to no cultural significance today and is not at all needed during a baseball game. Let 2 the boys play ball... As a baseball fan, I disagree with it being sung during the 7th inning stretch of MLB games since 9/11. We already honored America with the Star Spangled Banner; let's honor tradition and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." Also, it's pretty 2 conceited to assume God is a fan of America and only America... As a baseball fan, i started to dislike it more when they would play it in the 7th inning stretch. I'm okay with the song being play b4 the game but not during 7th inning stretch. On another note, it is disrespectful when its being played in major events where people might not be Christians. I rather have them play the Star Spangle Banner than God Bless America. Why not, God Bless Iraq, God Bless Palestine, God Bless Sudan, God Bless Honduras,God Bless Haiti, God Bless Latin America, 2 Africa, Asia. As a student of music, I recognize that songs are often used as political rallying points. That being said, I find the message of the song to be repulsive. It is a song of baseless national pride; it reinforces the nationalist ideology, a politics of 2 exclusion. As a Yankees fan, I can't stand the playing of the song during each 7th inning stretch. It is time to move on and throwing a religious song down the throats of many non-religious fans is annoying. I'm at a baseball game, its already part of Americana. 2 I don't need to continually be reminded of the closed-minded, honor thy country now mentality of the Bush-era. As an atheist Jew who isn't particularly patriotic, I don't like the tyranny of the masses that forces foists a Christian (yes, the 2 god that is being preyed to is a Christian one) city-on-the-hill nationalist identity upon me, and that assumes that I will like it. As an atheist, GBA bugs the heck out of me. It feels outdated, nationalistic and even jingoistic. It has less to do with loving my country and more to do with bowing down to the imaginary bearded man in the sky. It's imposition upon us at sporting 2 events is enforced right-wing "patriotism". As an athiest, I am uncomfortable with the injection of religion into public life in that manner. And, if there WERE a God, and 2 I'm not saying there is, it is simply ridiculous that he'd bless one country over another. 2 As an athiest, it offends me. Assumes a theist point of view, and imposing that on the average citizen as well as assuming there is something theisticly 2 better about america than other countries. 2 Bad tune, chauvinist lyrics, badly sung. Because I am tired of hearing it at baseball games in the middle of the 7th inning. It's insincere, in-your-face patriotism that 2 doesn't amount to anything real. 2 Because if there is a god he doesn't bless america, and there is no god 2 Because it interrupts the Yankees games Because it is only done to appease the religous people rather than put on a song that would actually be appropriate at a 2 sporting event. 2 Because it's pseudo-patriotic kitsch. 2 because its a stupid peice of shit song because the yankees insist on making everyone be still and show their patriotism during the 7th inning inning stretch. during every home game. it's offensive. I liked it when Dumbo sang during the playoffs, but nobody had to put up with the rest of 2 the time. Being forced to listen to it every time I go to a Yankees game (a setting in which I find it inappropriate to play) has made me 2 dislike the song. 2 Cloying and annoying 2 co-opted by conservatives after 9/11 Combines jingoism, extreme patriotism, and religion (at least by its fans now--no idea about the original writer), none of 2 which I am a fan of. Contradicts the notion of church/state separation and implies that America is a christian nature; disrespects those of other 2 beliefs or nonbelievers Didn't care about the song at all until it became a form of enforced faux patriotism during the 7th-inning stretch at ball games. 2 My wife mutters about the separation of church and baseball, and I couldn't agree more. 2 Disagree with the religious tone and message of the lyrics. 2 does god not bless other countries? 2 Don't like how it's played at Yankee games and that YES always shows it as well. It's unnecessary. Ever since it has been used at baseball games after 9/11, I leave the room when I hear it. I now associate it with the 2 mindless patriotism that was in fashion at that time. First, I think it is a pretty wretched song. Irving Berlin wrote many great songs, but this is not one of them. Both the tune and the lyrics are syrupy sweet. Second, few people realize that the song is actually supposed to be a prayer, as in, "God, please bless America." Most people think of it as a fact, as in, "God has blessed America." Third, since 9/11, the song has been 2 associated with the Bush/conservative opinion of the "War on Terror." Standing for this song? Ridiculous. For one, it removes all semblance of secularism from the idea of the US. Second of all, we have the Star-Spangled Banner, 2 and don't need an unofficial second anthem. 2 Forces religion/false patriotism uppon groups of people. God Bless America is a song that is offensive to people who don't believe in a Christian god or any god at all. To think that a 2 god prefers one country to another contradicts the fundamental concepts of religion. 2 god doesnt bless one nation over another or care for any other human any more or less than another from a different country 2 God should not be limited to blessing one country, America should work at blessing God. Hear it at ballgames: its completely overplayed. Other than that, I don't like Kate Smiths rendition and many many Americans 2 do not believe in God or associate their beliefs with being American. 2 I "strongly dislike" the song because it is useless. Patriotism is shown through acts not empty, obligatory lip service. I am a non-believer so to me there is not god to bless America. Also, god is forced down your throat. I am a patriot but the 2 song offends me a as person that does not believe in religion or god 2 I am a strong believer in separation of church and state; this song seems to fly in the face of that. I am an atheist and do not like the religious overtones of this song. I feel it is an attempt to force religion into patriotism, and to act like the United States is a "chosen" nation. I also feel that some people try to make this into a national anthem, when it 2 is not. I am also not a fan of taking time out of ballgames to sing this song. I am an atheist, so any mention of a deity "blessing" anything I find arrogant and stupid. Plus, it ruins the 7th inning stretch at 2 Yankees games. I am an atheist, so I don't feel like God should "bless" America. Also, I don't understand the connection between sporting 2 events and patriotism. 2 I am an atheist. Our constitution specifically forbids establishment of religion, but the mob acts like it's the national anthem. I am an atheist. I think that praying to imaginary friends is stupid and that religion discourages freethought. Like religion, strong nationalism relies on dogma, and both have caused millions of deaths through countless wars. That the song combines these two ideas is terrible. Furthermore, it contributes to the myth that our country was founded on christian, not 2 secular values. I am an athiest and also a sports lover, and I feel that this song has been coopted to be a national anthem of sorts, when in fact it is nothing of the sort. I do not believe in any god, and I shouldn't have to stand up and sing about this - or listen to the 2 entire crowd basically worshiping god - at a sporting event. Nor should I have to see it on TV during a sporting event. 2 i am for the song but dont let it be played during baseball games. i mean come on... 2 I am no longer proud of my country I am non religious, and the playing of this song at ball games, with people acting like it was the National Anthem (which it is 2 NOT) is extremely offensive to me. 2 I am offended by the association of religion and patriotism. 2 i am sick of the false patriotism people try to wrap around themselves and this song exemplifies that insanity I associate it with the mindless and uncritical jingoism that's arisen since 9/11, with the "you'd better watch what you say" attitudes of the American right, and with a chauvinistic and reductive belief that the U.S. is a "Christian nation" (when the 2 founders were largely deists). Do. Not. Like. I associate it with the popular fear mongering after 9/11 and a climate of intense public pressure to "tow the line" in support of 2 the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I believe it is another example of a how the political right has attempted to coopt the notion of patriotism by latching on to 2 symbols and empty gestures, while ignoring the true meaning of the term. I believe some people view it as the ultimate patriotic song and feel you don't love your country if you dislike it. Plus it is 2 insincere as it was written to be a hit. I believe strongly in separation of church and state. I hear this song and I picture people wrapping themselves in the flag and 2 invoking the Judeo-Christian deity and it pisses me off. 2 I change the channel everytime it comes on because it bores me to tears I consider the combination of religion and patriotism highly dangerous. Also, the song is typically used in celebration of 2 actions, such as wars, that I find reprehensible. 2 I disagree with invocations of any god in support of any country-government-politician-political system The song has nothing to do with any sporting event. To me it represents an unthoughtful point of view. I dislike the emphasis on God. I also dislike being forced into false shows of patriotism at a ball game, particularly by people 2 who have no idea what freedom means. I dislike the entire tradition that sees America as having a special relationship with God, but the reactionary nationalist rituals post 9/11 have intensified that feeling considerably, especially in regard to this particular song. (Given its writing by jewish immigrant, the song is perhaps less an "intrinsic" expression of that tradition than something appropriated by it--but the 2 appropriation is now pretty vigorous.) I dislike the song for two unrelated reasons. First of all, it is a terrible song: weak lyrics and a terrible melody with no good harmonies. Secondly, the entire idea of the song is off-putting to me. "God bless America"? Why not God bless everyone? It 2 just really strikes me as the epitome of what I think of as obnoxious American exceptionalism. I do not believe in God. I don't think "God bless America" is an accurate separation of church and state. I don't think "God Bless America" should be on our currency. I don't think it's fair to those who practice Islam, or those individuals who believe in another form of a higher power. I think that, as a nation, we tend to blur the lines between church and state. At least those churches that are Christian-based. I perish the thought of a mosque coming out with an Arabic version of "Allah bless 2 America". The right wing conservatives would have a freaking FIELD DAY with that one, wouldn't they? 2 i don't believe in a god and i don't appreciate how it is used as propaganda at sporting events 2 I don't believe in God and think its ridiculous to sing a song about something that no one can prove exsists. 2 I don't like when I am forced to listen to it at Yankee Stadium. Kate Smith is like 800 years old. I don't strongly believe in "God" or "America", and certainly have a problem with the idea that this woman America ("her") and 2 God are somehow linked through providential mission. 2 I don't think god cares about America. I don't think it is a very good song. There are many better patriotic songs. I am also not overly fond of the religious overtones, 2 particularly as commonly used public song. I hate Hate HATE its use at the 7th inning stretch. 2 I don't think it is necessary to play at baseball games. Politics and baseball should be kept separate. I don't think patriotism should be tied to religious beliefs. Just because one doesn't believe in God doesn't mean one doesn't 2 appreciate the opportunities one has as an American citizen. 2 I feel high degrees of patriotism are unhelpful in today's world. I feel it is arrogant to ask God to bless one nation, ours, and i am uncomfortable with religious ideas in public life such as 2 sporting events. I also don't like most versions of the song, such as kate smith's I feel it is strongly linked with fanactically driven and insincere false patriots that use it as an excuse to huff their chest and 2 make challeges to others loyalty to our government 2 I feel like the song implies that the U.S. is a christian nation, and it implies that everyone believes in a God. 2 I feel that it is forced phony patriotism and forced religion non-sense. I feel that it is taught to kids in school as a way to give them false optimism and feelings of nationalism, and that for some reason being American is the best. I feel the song is out of touch with the working class of America and is just too happy go lucky about what is right in the country and skips all the negative aspects about the country. I preferred Woody Guthrie's original and uncensored version of This Land is Your Land where he speaks about issues that the working people face. I also 2 think it leads young kids into believing in God without them seeking out the answers for themselves as they grow up. 2 I feel that it represents the commingling of church and state, and I do not like it at sporting events and government functions. 2 I feel that this song assumes that god has chosen to bless the US over other countries. 2 i feel the song represents a shallow/fake type of patriotism 2 I feel this song does not belong in any public domain. I find any song that references God in public to be unappealing. I also feel that any song that references our country and a higher being in concert misrepresents our ideals separating church and state. As a baseball fan, I find it distasteful that it started being played during the 7th inning stretch after September 11th. I personally don't think God's blessing has anything 2 to do with baseball, America, or life in the modern era... 2 I find it to be masqueraded as a marker of positive patriotism that in fact conceals a slightly malignant jingoism I find the song irritating and hate the fact that I'm forced to hear it during baseball games. It has nothing to do with my feelings towards America, I just think the song is awful. I'd much rather sit through "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" instead of being force-fed this patriotic hogwash, but if a sports franchise is going to shove nationalism down my throat, at least do a 2 song like "American the Beautiful" that has a nice melody to it. I get the impression that only "patriots" sing this song and attach any sort of meaning to it. By "patriots," I am referring to 2 nutbags like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V1nmn2zRMc I hate having it forced into the 7th inning stretch, as if its a patriotic song everyine must stand and hinor, like the Nat'l 2 Anthem. 2 I hate hearing it at all the baseball games 2 I hate it when religion is shoved in my face. This song is all about God, and I can't stand it. I have 2 problems with this song. (1) it's only carted out to drum up support for war, which would indicate that God is somehow on our side, regardless of the conflict, which is bullshit and (2) that it has also become a tool to divide Americans - 2 conservative/Liberal, peace lover/jingoist, fake american/real american. It's just like support your troops car magnets. I have a few things wrong with the song. this is a secular country and this song endorses a christian vision for the country 2 its one thing to be proud of your country but we don't need to be browbeaten with this song. its not even a very good song 2 I have always disliked it; one of Berlin's lesser efforts and certainly exclusionary I have heard it too many times over the years, and it is now being used as if it were the National Anthem. The incident in Yankee Stadium when the fan was prevented by security from leaving his seat while it was being sung is an example of excessive zeal. As a veteran, I feel we can do better. There are many other patriotic songs [from "This Land is Your Land" to "America the Beautiful" to "Columbia Gem of the Ocean" as well as many others that could be rotated. And if you ever 2 heard Kate Smith sing it 1000 times or more, you understand what I mean. 2 I honestly don't know. 2 I intensely dislike the idea that God has a national preference. I like the song itself (when sung by someone who can actually sing). Unfortunately, it's been appropriated by flag-waving, 2 bumper sticker patriot types. 2 I liked it as a Flyers' gimmick, but now its overuse makes it trite. I never really liked the song much (the tune was kind of grating, the lyrics too corny), and it bugs me they sing it at ballgames and treat it like a second national anthem when to me it's a pop song written by a guy who also wrote Broadway shows and 2 has no patriotic significance whatsoever to me. 2 I prefer patriotic sentiments that don't invoke God. I still don't say "under G-d" when I recite the pledge. America is about its people, some of whom don't believe in God. Many 2 people think this is a Christian nation. Therefore, they think the god is a Christian god. My god is not a christian god. I strongly dislike the song because it was used in the wake of 9/11 to promote jingoism and xenophobia, particularly during the 7th inning stretch at baseball games, where it has no place. The song is outdated and assumes all Americans are united 2 by a Christian faith. I tend to dislike patriotic sentiment in general. In my opinion, it's a round planet and excessive "flag-waving" only serves to highlight personal/cultural insecurities. Then there's the religious element - it seems small-minded to suppose that God favors one country or group over another. At worst, "God Bless America" implies the inferiority of anyone - including other 2 Americans - who doesn't adhere to the underlying (conservative) religious/political mindset. I think America has a double standard. "god bless america" singing it in a country that has a war on all religions and GOD 2 himself is just wrong. Its a smoke screen. 2 I think if it a nice song about our country and makes you feel patriotic, and it is short and to the point 2 I think it is a lame attempt to be patriotic I think it is representative of what is wrong with our country. It's us acting like we are better than the rest of the world; like some how God favors us. Which is why we have to impose our views on the rest of the world. We know what every country 2 should be doing because we're guided be God! I think it works on the premise that people feel that life is so good in America because god loves us. The corollary that seems to escape them is that them god must not love the people in country's that have wide spread disease, poverty and 2 war. Add that to the fact that not all Americans believe in gods. 2 I think it's not a good song musically, and was overused tremendously in the wake of 9/11. I think the people who love this song have a subconscience view that America is somehow blessed by God in ways that 2 other nations and people are not. I used to be pretty indifferent to the song, even though I've recently become an atheist. But now that it's played so often at MLB games, I can't stand it. It breaks the flow of the game. And it injects politics and religion at the ballpark, which is a big 2 no-no. 2 I view its popularity as haven risen since the September 11 attacks, and I relate it to a very conservative point of view. I was not familiar with it before 9/11, but I resent the way it's used during baseball games during the 7th inning stretch. I'm 2 not a fan of patriotic songs to begin with, but this one is especially inane. I won't stand up during this song when it's played at MLB games because it's not the national anthem and because it's a really awful song (it has the word 'foam' in it). But it also introduces an element of apprehension into going to MLB games that I don't like because I worry that someone is going to give me a hard time and call me a Commie terrorist or something 2 because I won't give this particular song the same respect that I give to the national anthem. I'm a firm believer in separation of church and state, and so I dislike anything, song or otherwise, that has to do with some 2 deity blessing our country (especially when it's taught to children in an elementary school setting!). 2 I'm a Yankee fan and I'm forced to listen to this song every game. It went from patriotic to annoying. I'm a Yankees fan, so mostly, I'm just tired of the damn thing, for two reasons: 1) the Kate Smith recording they usually use just isn't very pleasant to listen to, and 2) I was five blocks away from the WTC on 9/11, and I don't really need to be reminded 8 freakin' years later of how to feel about that. The song served its purpose for a while, but now it seems like an excuse for jingoistic self-congratulation, and I get that baseball is the national pastime, but nobody else in baseball is still playing it. My uncle is a veteran; I have enormous respect for people in uniform; I don't need to be told BY A SONG how to 2 feel about servicemen and -women. It's obnoxious. 2 I'm agnostic and hate when religion and patriotism is conflated. 2 I'm agnostic. We shouldn't push religion on others. 2 I'm an atheist with strong opinins about the the separation of church and state. 2 I'm an atheist, i dont like song about god blessing anything, let alone it being tacitly endorsed by our government 2 I'm an atheist. 2 i'm an atheist. the premise of the song, outside of being offensive, is ludicrous. I'm not a fan of the composer (see the background story of white christmas) and I don't like the increased Nationalism and love of bloated government (through military, domestic terror programs). This song, like most political songs, is meant as a 2 type of propaganda, if you will. I'm not fond of national chauvinistic attitudes and super patriotism. I hate that baseball games, like school, are used as 2 opportunities to indoctrinate children by infusing patriotism into positive and emotional experiences. i'm not religious at all and don't believe in god. i'm not particularly fond of the government either. i watch baseball everyday 2 and walk out of the room during the 7th inning stretch because i hate hearing it all the time. 2 I'm not sure, probably because I associate the song with a rigid, conservative viewpoint. 2 I'm sick of having to chance the channel during the seventh inning stretch of yankee games. 2 I'm sick to death of hearing it during the 7th inning stretch at MLB games 2 I'm so sick of hearing Kate Smith sing during the 7th inning stretch at yankee stadium. she sounds like a dying cow. 2 I'm unhappy with the idea that a deity would favor one nation over another 2 i've always found it nonsensical ('night with a light from above'?) and mawkish. it's an awful, awful song. 2 If god hasn't blessed us, he's not going to; if he hasn't, it's just pathetic whining. 2 If there is a god why would he single out America? 2 In the right forum, it's fine, but a ballgame isn't the right forum 2 It basically never entered my mind until it became a post-9/11 staple at baseball games. 2 It calls to mind "Got mit uns" which the Germans had inscribed on their belt buckles in WWII. it conflates a sense of God with nation, which in the united states is wholly inappropriate, with our history not as a Christian nation, but as one defined by the separation of nation from religion. As somebody who cares about those national values, I 2 hate the song. 2 It glorifies America above other lands as deserving of divine blessing. It has no place in a society based on freedom of religion. It is especially inappropriate after 9-11, which came about, in part, 2 due tyo the belief that God (or Allah) takes sides in worldly conflicts. It has no real historical significance. It 's insipid. It's just a song written by a songwriter, albeit a famous one. Yet people act 2 and feel as if it's a song to be revered. It has pathetically shallow lyrics and a tune that is appropriate for a poor show tune jingle, which, obviously, it is. Its lack of 2 musical majesty strikes me as ironic, considering how it is used as a replacement for The Star Spangled Banner 2 It has religious implications and it's a very shitty song compared to America the Beautiful. It implies that god is politically behind america in all it's endeavors. It rubs me the wrong way. I prefer this land is your land or 2 the power and the glory It is a hymn, a religious song focused on a deity specific only to certain religions. It has no business being played routinely at 2 public events in a society which has freedom of religion as a founding principle. It is not a pleasant song to listen to. The National Anthem and other patriotic songs at least have a good sound and rhythm to them, but this song has neither of those qualities. I also feel that it is overkill when played during the 7th inning stretch. 2 The national anthem is enough, and they are ruining a tradition. It is not our National Anthem, yet compulsory standing and singing are expected every time we hear it performed in public. 2 This to me forces a conservative Christian agenda. It is not so much the content of the song, but the context of it being shoved down people's throats, as though if it is sung enough it will actually imbue the country with supernatural support. For me, it represents the segment of America that seems 2 to consider one's beliefs as the criteria for being American, rather than birthright or naturalization. 2 It is not the National Anthem, but is quickly replacing it by accident. It is seemingly only associated with a rally/battle cry during wartime. As a fervent pacifist, I can only react with dislike at 2 hearing the song. 2 It is too christian 2 It is very shallow and seems like a mini-neocon anthem It makes the assumption that there is one religion in America. America is a place of many traditions, including atheism. I feel 2 that some traditions are disrespected when this song is played at secular events. 2 It represents a terrible mixing of religion and politics. Thank goodness Woody Guthrie wrote a response. It seems overused, almost as though it's a propaganda tactic of forced outward patriotism that must go above and beyond 2 any kind of patriotism after 9/11 It signifies all that troubles me about American patriotism: smugness, self-satisfaction, and the assumption that America is 2 uniquely favored by God. It stands in complete opposition to the constitutional policy of the separation of church and state. The idea that a divine being chooses one nation over another is a dangerous idea, one that has already caused enough issues on this planet. Those of us non-religious Americans are, for lack of a better word, offended by it, and met with hostility when we do not 2 participate in the ceremony. It trumpets the worst kind of patriotism -- that of unthinking allegiance to one's country, right or wrong, with "God on our side" to justify whatever course of action we may take. Musically, lyrically, and philosophically, it is vastly inferior to "America the 2 Beautiful," or, for that matter, to Woody Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land." 2 It wants to give Gods blessing to just one country. It's a boring, musically uninteresting song. It symbolizes to me the onrush of fear, flag waving, and religious fundamentalism of the George W. Bush presidency, post-9/11. Also, it makes the 7th inning stretch in baseball longer, and takes focus away 2 from the lighthearted, whimsical "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" It's a cheesy overwrought song by a mediocre songwriter. The melody is horrible, I don't like the lyrics, and I associate it with 2 patriotism as a contest about who loves america the most It's a Christian hymn, written by a Jew, for commercial profit. It has been appropriated by self-styled "patriots" for jingoistic purposes. It is played during the 7th inning stretch at AT&T Park on Sundays and holidays. I resent its political misuse immensely. I probably wouldn't hate the song so much otherwise. I've written to San Francisco Giants management to 2 complain and to suggest that GBA be replaced by Woodie Guthrie's "This land is your land." It's a euphonically and metrically weak song, even compared to the "Star Spangled Banner." And it has been used for normative political and religious purposes since 9/11. "America the Beautiful" is a much more powerful song and would, to 2 my mind, reflect a more appreciative form of patriotism. It's a fascist song representing a jingo-istic world view. It's precisely this attitude used as the POV that has us fighting two separate wars. The idea that a God should bless our country vs. another is infantile. Moreover to blindly support a 2 country/government can be immoral. And that's probably why Woody Guthrie wrote "This Land Is Your Land." It's a horribly written song, it's cliched, and generic yet manages to be bad at the same time. It's also very unrealistic and 2 overly sentimental. 2 It's a jingoistic quasi-religious song with no real ties to our country. It's a lousy song, I will never be able to get Kate Smith's fatuous rendition out of my head, and it's a lousy song. Did I mention 2 it's a lousy song? It's a mediocre song which emphasizes nationalism in a false religious setting. When used in a setting like a baseball game, 2 it forces both patriotism and religion on those who may not agree. 2 It's a poorly written song and overtly religious. It's a prayer, not a song. It's not even a good prayer; in asking for God's blessing, it actually lists examples of God's blessing, and so it's exactly the kind of sniveling, gimme-gimme prayer that borders on the heretical. And it's also not patriotic: Other than listing geographic features present in most nations, "God Bless America" offers not praise for America, nor any reasons why America might be worthy of praise, respect, or love. I find the "song" highly objectionable therefore on both religious and 2 patriotic grounds. It's a religious song that's one component of the brainwashing of our children to believe in an imaginary being that will help 2 them get thru life and with their fear of death. It should never be forced on anyone. It's a show tune and has no place at a baseball game. Not to generalize but it's a great illustration of this perverted patriotism which started in the 80s and really became what it is post 9/11. The symbols have become more important than what they're 2 supposed to stand for. It's a superficial way of proclaiming one's patriotism. It doesn't actually mean anything, and it has been co-opted by the political and religious right as a way of promoting their own agenda. Singing the song is an empty gesture, and if people 2 want to show their love for this country, I'd much rather that people actually do something to support it in a meaningful way. 2 It's an arrogant song, and I've grown sick of it because it's been so overplayed. It's an inappropriate religious song that promotes national jingoism. Why should God bless America in particular--only 5% of 2 the world's population? The song has also been inappropropriately used to promote war and militarism. 2 it's annoying and just not very pleasant. It's been appropriated to serve as an image of jingoism and I don't l ike the forced religious connotation that assumes a "god" 2 in the first place and that that "god" will bless America over other nations. It's been co-opted by the right as litmus test of patriotism. Plus America is supposed to have religious freedom, making God 2 not so important It's been overplayed by the Yankees to the point that it is no a hindrance and no one cares anymore what it stands for. No Yankee fan sympathizes with the song now. When we hear it we think, oh great Lonn Trost and Randy Levine are ruining 2 more of the Yankees 2 It's nationalistic It's not a very well written song-- sounds tacky. It's also overplayed. We have a great national anthem and for god's sake, 2 that should be enough. It's poorly written and overplayed at Yankee Stadium - it's a way for the Steinbrenners to boast that the Yankees are more 2 patriotic than other teams. it's really just a dull, ponderous and slightly pathetic song. i was inspired to actively dislike it after learning that woody guthrie 2 wrote 'this land is your land' in direct response to it. 2 Its a boring, useless song that has little to nothing to do with America. Its basically an iron-clad confirmation that the separation of church and state doesn't really exist. If you dont stand up and sing, you obviously hate your country. Its a shame that someone had to file a lawsuit against Yankee stadium because they 2 were kept from going to the bathroom during the singing of God Bless America. 2 its not a good song at all in my opinion. I believe a song for your country should have prestige and elegance. Its not a pretty song. If there is a god I don't think he goes around "blessing" things or people. I'm not even sure what it 2 means. I dislike peer pressured displays of purported patriotism. 2 Its the Anthem of the Patriot Act, inextricably linked in my mind to the jingoism and militarism of the post-9/11 period. 2 Jingoistic 2 Jingoistic bullshit 2 Like the flag, it has been co-opted by the political right. I resent it being imposed on me at sporting events. Makes me feel like the Yankees think that the 29 other teams are run by Commie bastards that don't know the meaning of 2 patriotism. It's overkill. But Steinbrenner is a hardcore conservative, so it's logical. 2 makes me think of the blind patriotism that too many people display in the U.S. 2 Mixes religion and politics. Most Americans seem to confuse the song with our national anthem. But this song is NOT our national anthem, and I think it 2 lessens the importance of our national anthem when we treat other songs as though they too are the national anthem. Mostly because I associate it with blind jingoism and I think Kate Smith is a terrible singer. I'm fine with the Three Tenors 2 version. Musically, it stinks. Also, I don't believe in God so I don't see why I should sing a song worshipping him. Finally, I take 2 offense at the notion that a God, if such deity exists, would choose to bless one country over another. 2 Nationalism is a lot more dangerous than people think. It leads to very closed-minded views of the world. 2 no reason to mention god or religion, should only be used at religious functions 2 No such think as god. 2 Overly nationalistic, ties religion in with patriotism 2 overplayed now, esp at yankee games Overplayed. Boring tempo, lyrics not inspiring. Too much religion forced on us already on a daily basis, bad enough we have to get the god talk at ballgames now too. America should have to earn it's place in the world, not be blessed by some 2 ludicrous imaginary sky man. Patriotism is something you show everyday through actions not words. The song is used as good luck charm by the Flyers 2 and to get national attention by the Yankees. 2 Politics should stay out of baseball post-9/11 the song has been imbued with new meaning. its over use has endowed the song with an association with blind 2 patriotism 2 Religious 2 religious overtones, and the song implies that America is inherently better than every other country in the world seems more like a prayer. not very lovely from a musical stand point. has become a flash point for "us" and "them" mentality 2 for some. simply a bad Broadway musical tune that beats Americana over you head continuously. There are far more beautiful songs 2 about America than this, e.g. O Beautiful. 2 taken to mean if you don't like the song, you are unamerican Technically, I feel it's composed well (the melody goes up and down evenly.) However, it's excessively melodramatic. It seems like a cash-in on "basic traditional American values," whatever those are. The song drives me nuts, and there are 2 FAR better choices of songs to celebrate being an American that this pile of syrupy-sweet dreck. 2 The concept of God should not be taught to our children whether explicitly or impliedly through song or story. The fusion of relgigion and a state is the worst combination. Check out valle de caidos outside madrid where franco is buried 2 beneath the largest cross in the world--450 ft. high---an homage to fascism in relgious form. 2 The God damndest piece of treacle ever written. 2 The lyrics are a bit twee and predictable. Represents an out-dated view of the US and the world. The lyrics are sappy, the Kate Smith version sounds terrible, and the white-supremacist message doesn't go over too well 2 with me. 2 The lyrics are terrible, the message is insulting and the song is used for all the wrong reasons. 2 The melody is terrible and I hate the forced patriotism of Yankee Stadium. The song claims to speak for all Americans, or at least the playing of it in large crowd situations makes it seem that way. And the fact is, it does not speak for all Americans. It combines two things--patriotism and religion--that should never be assumed 2 in a free country. The song is jingoistic and flawed: god blesses the USA no more than he blesses Bangladesh. It's not a particularly good 2 song. The song is overused by people or organizations that try to prove how American they are or how much they support the troops. In fact it is is overused does it not lose some of its value? I also don't particularly enjoy the melody of the song and think the lyrics would be offensive if the listener is not Christian. I do not enjoy the "In god we trust" crap and "Under god" we 2 are not a christian nation despite what Glen Beck may say and promoting that view is just wrong and Un-American. The song is too cliche, and the notions of patriotism expressed are, to my mind, among the most unattractive aspects. Since 2 I can't simply agree to the sentiments, I find I have to distance myself from it. The song is very intolerant. It implies that God favors America over other countries. It is an excuse for war, bigotry, and 2 nationalism. 2 the three words from question 6 sum up my view point The title is theocratic, and it reeks of christian white patriotism. The music is loud in a major-key manner, and the entire song sounds like a 20th century re-write of the Star Spangled Banner. America the Beautiful is much better. Heck, O Canada is 2 much better. The United States is not a country of any particular religious persuasion. I am annoyed that the game is being sung during baseball games, America's past time. What also annoys me is that the singing of "God Bless America" is shown on the 2 television broadcast while the National Anthem and "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" are not. 2 Theme song for the Christian fundie movement. The less religious we get as a nation, the better. There are many reasons why I feel this way. First of all, ever since September 11th people have started treating it like the National Anthem. It's not the National Anthem and it should not be treated as such. Also, because of it's association with 9/11 it reminds me of all the people who decide to be "Patriot for a Day" and either complain about mundane things or 2 become apathetic after the Fourth of July and 9/11. 2 There should be separation of church and state. I don't believe in God. This is not our national anthem. Therefore, I strongly object to its recent insertion at baseball games and attendant requests 2 to stand, remove hats, etc. Post-9/11, it's gotten over-used and quite frankly has worn out its welcome. 2 This is NOT our US national anthem for god's sake! This song has no place. Anywhere. It's over simplistic garbage at it's finest. I remember it from school right along side the pledge of allegance, and I remember feeling awkward about it even as a youngster. Wasn't sure why until I learned the word Nazi and saw countless movie visuals featuring Nazi crowds listening to a speech and then breaking out into chant or song. 2 Glassy expressions, mindless obedience, I never looked at public schools the same again. This song is extremely arrogant, portraying a belief that America is the only country in this world worthy of being blessed and no other country is even remotely as important as we are. Regardless of my views of the country or religion, I think this is a 2 selfish and ignorant way of thinking that should not be used for a national song. This song is part of the hymnody of American civil religion--which is a false religion! The song celebrates an ideal of American freedom vis-à-vis other nations "across the sea." Though America is arguably more free in certain respects than other nations, it is also a land of perpetual inequality which perpetuates inequality in lands across the sea and across its 2 borders. We need to puncture the myth of the divine election of America, not promulgate it with songs like this. This song is played before the bottom of the 7th inning at every New York Yankees home game. The song is unnecessary, not applicable to me and, frankly, not very good. Kate Smith's version is awful, and yet it's the version they play every game. Patriotism is great, but don't we fill our quota with "The Star-Spangled Banner" at sporting events? I understand why Woody 2 Guthrie hated the song so much now. Here's an idea: why don't we sing "This Land is Your Land" at baseball games? This song is played every 7th inning of every New York Yankees home game. It has been overplayed and no other team plays it every game like the Yankees do. For some reason the Yankees feel that they need to be more patriotic than others. This song was actually a pop song from the early 20th century. The Star Spangled Banner is patriotic and fine on it's own. 2 We don't need any more patriotic songs at sporting events. Though the melody and lyrics, on their own, are pretty horrible, my main beef comes from the fact that the Yankees play it at every home game. I am an atheist, and so I don't stand when it plays. On several occasions, my fellow fans would yell at me and throw things at me, as if the song were a second national anthem. The song reinforces the absurd and destructive belief that there is an all-powerful being that favors America over all other human societies, and that this should serve as justification to bully anybody who doesn't agree (be they mulsims or christian-looking atheists like me). I don't think I can 2 express the true depth of my hatred of this song, how it is used, and what it stands for. To me, it is heard in places when I have no control over whether I hear it and it seems to be a strongly religious song. I am 2 not religious and would prefer to never hear the song. Unlike America The Beautiful this song is an awful song musically and the implied message is God Bless America but to hell 2 with the rest of the world What god would bless, or choose, or support one country over another? What god would possibly "take sides" by "blessing" one group of people behind one line in the dirt vs. another? God bless EVERYONE is what we should be singing. Do kids think "America" (actually representing the U.S. in this case) is somehow more worthy of god's good will than other places? Is 2 this god choosing the United States as his favorite? While the intentions of Jewish/Russian immigrant Berlin could be admired, the respect for the basic tenet of separation of church and state in the American charter is seriously breached. Also, in our interconnected post WWII and especially post 2 Cold war/internet world, such an unbridled call for old style nationalism is out of step with the times. Why does it exist? It feels unnecessary, dumb, and manipulative like the Pledge of Allegiance or the 2 Minutes Hate. I also 2 just think it's a bad song. 2 why shouldn't god bless canada or mexico? 2 Why would Americans want the support of an asshole terrorist god Woody Guthrie called This Land ... "God Blessed America." In other words we already have enough. I hate mandatory worship. I despise the integration of church and state. I despise loyalty oaths. As Twain said"Reverence for one's own sacred things--parents, religion, flag, laws and respect for one's own beliefs--these are feelings which we cannot even help. They come natural to us; they are involuntary, like breathing. There is no personal merit in breathing." I hate American self- 2 congratulatory crap like God Bless America. (1) I'm sick to death of it. (2) I'm not into any organized religion. (3) I'm tired of the faux patriotism of the thing and the 3 implication that disliking this treacly mess somehow implies that I'm not a "true" American. 3 (Overbearing) reference to god. Don't care for the tune either. 3 1. It is not congruous with my religious views 2. I don't believe America deserves or gets any special blessing Admittedly, I am an atheist/agnostic, so I have an aversion to 'god' songs in general. But I have never liked the concept (certainly present in US politics as well) that America has some sort of 'favored nation' status with god. To me, it's 3 associated with faux-patriotism and the blind belief that america is the best country in the world. After hearing it so often/so many times during (on sundays) or before baseball games, that i just really dont care to hear it 3 any longer. for lack of a better description its been over played, at least to my ears. Although I am patriotic, I do not like displays of blind nationalism. Also, I am a graduate student of music, and I do not like 3 being forced to listen to an inferior piece of music every time I watch a Dodger game. 3 Annoyed that I am forced to stand for it during the 7th inning stretch at some baseball games. Another form of forcing religion on people in a social setting. Most people just go with it, rather than think about what they are 3 singing 3 Apparently the idea of separate of church and state doesn't apply to this song. As an atheist I object to forced public prayer, asking a god to bless America. Forced secular public patriotism is scant 3 improvement. 3 As an atheist, I feel we need to work more on separating church and state; this song does not help. 3 as mentioned above, i find the song trite and sappy. it's the "god likes us best" sort of sentiment. As noted above, it's overwrought and reeks of overt nationalism. Plus I now - thanks fox tv - associate it with post 9/11 3 jingoism. 3 BC the Yankees play it every 7th inning and it drives me nuts Because it has been rammed down my throat at baseball games since 9/11, and I don't appreciate forced patriotism, 3 because it kind of defeats the whole point. 3 Because they have over played this song at Yankees Stadium. 3 before 9/11 I doubt I'd heard it for years. Now it's _the_ song and I'm thoroughly sick of it. 3 Complicated answer involving agnosticism, patriotism, the illusion of patriotism, and other factors. Not a fan. 3 Didn't like being forced to sing it. 3 dislike it more now because of baseball's misusage of it during the 7th inning 3 Do not like references to "God". Don't like God being inserted into the United States of America. It's just a collection of words that says nothing particular 3 about the country. 3 Don't like mixing God and country, also they must stop playing it at Yankee Stadium. It drives me nuts 100 times a year. 3 Don't understand why God would bless one country over another 3 False patriotism Far too much religious connotation - there are far better, equally patriotic / nationalistic songs that could be used in its place 3 that would be more inclusive and less presumptuous. Faux patriotic show tune that's being forced down our throats at sporting events. Fans are told to take off their caps as if this 3 is the national anthem. 3 Feel like it is being shoved down my throat at sporting events lately. It's not our anthem and has no place alongside it. First of all, I just don't like the song. It's just not my style of song. And second of all, I don't like the rallying cry-type of feelings 3 it brings out in people. I feel as though this kind of thing drives people apart rather than unites them. 3 Forced religion. Religious intolerance. Generally speaking I find it absurd to have to conform to one form of accepted behavior in order to be ritually deemed patriotic before yourself and your peers. Honor your country; not the song. Are we so absurd in our attachments that we 3 must place symbolic relevance to such things? God Bless America appeared in ballparks at the time the Iraq war was starting. It has become a symbol of American self- 3 righteousness. 3 God blesses Bangladesh just as much as he blesses America. 3 God should bless EVERYBODY. The song implies American exceptionalism, to me. Had no particular feelings about it (other than mild aversion) before 9/11, but since then it's been co-opted by the whole hyper-patriotic war-supporting crowd. And the Yankees. Apparently Woody Guthrie wrote "This Land is Your Land" in 3 response -- much better song. 3 heard it too many times 3 Heard it too many times 3 Honestly, it's not the song I hate so much as being forced to hear it every ballgame. I am an atheist. But if there were a God, I think s/he should be blessing things that need the help. God bless Africa, the 3 homeless, the infirm, the starving. America is blessed enough. Share the wealth. I am not a big God person and I find the idea of a god blessing America at the expense of other nations a silly concept. If I 3 believed in a god I might even find that concept conceitful and ugly I am not interested in having God associated with the United States, especially in a manner that can be construed as 3 patriotic. I am probably in the minority these days, but I don't actually associate religiosity with any particular political point of view (likely because I study history). That said, the song is, obviously, an invocation, and I dislike it for that. This nation is, 3 fundamentally, a secular one (and I defy anybody to argue with me about this fact--bring it!). 3 I am sick of obsession with patriotism. It feels nationalistic. 3 I associate it with a conservative brand of "patriotic" jingoism. 3 I associate the song with holier-than-thou Christians, televangelists, women in pastel dresses with bouffant hairdos, etc. I associate the song with the increased militarism in the US after 9/11, longer seventh-inning stretches and (sometimes) no 3 Take Me Out to the Ballgame, and the moral certitude that the Bush administration wrapped itself in. I associate the song with the kind of extremely conservative, overtly religious, in-your-face patriotism that (rightly) annoys 3 much of the rest of the world. I believe in the separation of church and state. A patriotic song that alludes that God should bless only our country and not others seems to contribute to the belief that if you're not christian and American you're not as "good" as someone who is. (Note that these two things, being American and Christian, are most commonly born into and not a actual choice.) In short 3 the song promotes bigotry. 3 I could do without god bless anything. I'm not religious. I didn't mind it until after Celine Dion sang it post 9/11 and now I find it to be representational of an overly-simplistic view of 3 America. (also, why is a Canadian singing a song about America?) I dislike the song because of its ridiculous playing during the 7th inning stretch of baseball games since 2001. Before its recent overuse , I really didn't think much of it other than it was a simple but sappy song/prayer asking for some non-existent 3 deity to show favoritism to America. I dislike the song, but I hate it in ballparks. It's *not* the national anthem and should not be treated as such. And its religious 3 overtones don't belong in patriotic events. I do not believe that nationalism is useful concept and the song is very nationalist. I do not believe in religion and the song is very religious. The use of the song at baseball games seems particularly inappropriate. The combination of baseball, religion 3 and nationalism demeans baseball. I don't believe in "god", but even if I did, I don't believe that God would "bless" a particular country while not blessing any other country. I believe Woody Guthrie wrote the patriotic song, "This Land is Your Land", precisely to counter the ideas in 3 "God Bless America." I don't believe that it belongs during the seventh inning stretch of baseball games. It's not about the song having religious 3 overtones, as I am devout Catholic. It's more about the song being incredibly boring. I'd rather hear "America the Beautiful" I don't care one way or the other for the song, but I hate how it has become synonymous with the patriotism of America after September 11 at sporting events. I don't mind the song anywhere else, but I don't like the teams playing it during the seventh 3 inning stretch and whatnot. 3 I don't feel it's a very elegant song, and I have to listen to it when I'm at Yankee stadium every single time I don't have much problem with the song itself, it's fine, but I'm not a fan of how it's become the unofficial national anthem that is played at sporting events and we have to stand for and remove our caps. I think it takes away from one of the best 3 baseball traditions of the seventh inning stretch. 3 I don't like having it forced on me. I don't like how a patriotic song has to have religious overtones. But, I can't be upset that people like the song as a tribute to 3 America. I am not religious, and don't like to sing about God blessing my country. I don't like the idea of the lyric - that God should bless America in some special way. It goes against the grain of a secular society, mixing, albeit in a non-coercive way, church and country. The song is musically uninteresting, and generally 3 performed as a dirge. 3 I don't like the reliance on god in the song. 3 I don't like things that seek to combine patriotism with religion. I don't really like the song itself. But beyond that, I am the unusual liberal who believes in God and it seems to me that alot of "patriotic" people actually seem to mean "God bless America" more than other nations b/c after all we're American and better 3 than everyone else because we live in this great country. I don't so much dislike the song, but how it has been used my modern American culture. Its use in the 7th inning stretch is particularly offensive, forcing patriotism and religion on a group of people. I believe it is being used to encourage jingoism 3 and rampant natiionalism (not the good kind) I don't think God should bless any particular nation, over any other, and I feel as if that is the point of this song. Not just God 3 "bless" America, but God "prefer" America. I don't like mixing patriotism and religious conviction. 3 I don't want the Yankees to play it every 7th inning stretch - it's frustrating. 3 i dont believe in god. i resent the way the song has been co-opted by baseball as a patriotic anthem. 3 I feel it doesn't represent all Americans. Every American does not necessarily believe in God. I feel it has been exploited by Republicans to make it seem like anyone who doesn't totally embrace this song is an 3 "unpatriotic liberal" and "terrorist-lover" and someone who isn't honoring our troops. 3 I feel it is used to prove your worth as a patriotic American instead of what it should be, just a nice song. I feel it was a relatively normal song from a Broadway musical that has been torn apart from its proper context and used to 3 force "patriotic" values upon baseball fans. 3 I feel like it's being forced upon listeners at public events. I feel like this song violates the separation of church and state just a little bit. It's a bit nationalist as well, and that irks me just 3 a little but as well. 3 I feel that it is not the national anthem and is not the best of patriotic songs. I feel that the song is vastly overplayed in America, a sort of second national anthem. A sense of forced patriotism or 3 nationalism comes to mind when I hear the song. I feel that the use of the song, "God Bless America" at sporting events is an imposition of religion upon everyone and has been used by the previous presidential administration as another propaganda tool. The use of the song in sport is, to me, a 3 step away from a secular society. 3 I feel the song denigrates other cultures and puts forth a Judeo-Christian idea of God in an inappropriate manner. I find the belief that people need divine guidance to lead the country both insidious and demeaning to human intellectual 3 capacities. It also presupposes a theistic notion of the divine that is not tenable. I find the idea of asking "god" to bless one particular country, in this case America - ostensibly to the detriment of others - to be selfish, myopic and particularly emblematic of a specific America-centric view that foments ill will abroad. I also see the song's use as representative of terror-mongering political stance that aims to keep Americans in constant fear of attack. I also feel that by constantly reminding Americans of the tragedy that occurred on Sept. 11, Americans are encouraged to only 3 think about what happened and to not think about why. I find the melody to be relatively bland at best, annoying at worst. The singer always has to ham it up ("White with 3 fooooooooooaaaaammmm") and I'm just not a symbolic person. I have been in the Navy Reserve for 8 years, and that doesn't mean that disliking a song is "disrespecting the people who have died for this country" blah blah blah. If I died for this country, I would not force people to listen to songs they didn't like on my behalf... I go through the motions so as not to get yelled at, but I secretly hate having to stand and sing in honor of a war I don't 3 believe in. 3 I have a low opinion of organized religion. It says in the Constitution that their shall be seperation of church and state. I have long disliked the use of the song in group settings. Not all of us are Christians (though I am, I don't believe in imposing that belief upon others) The song is jingoistic, too. Why should God bless America? Why not the every country in the world? Seems to me that's a more accurate representation of the Christian God I worship. I've long felt that Guthrie's "This Land is 3 Your Land," best embodies the diversity that built this country. I honestly think the song is too religious in its nature, and I believe it is often used by people who try and prove they are more 3 patriotic or a "better american" than others. 3 I just don't think it is a very enjoyable song. I don't find it to be particularly clever, catchy, or well-written. I just don't think it's a very good song, and am uncomfortable with a song that's becoming a de facto second national anthem making such obvious references to the christian god in a country that touts its freedom of religion. I'm no fan of the phrase 3 "God bless America," so setting it to song isn't something that appeals to me either. 3 I mostly just don't like the song on an aesthetic level. I find it overwrought and plodding. 3 I prefer America the Beautiful. Seems God Bless America was forced upon us after Sept. 11. 3 I tend to dislike associations of god with country and the implication that we alone deserve to be "blessed". I think it contributes to a civil religion in society that blurs worship of God with patriotism. This is a dangerous merger when politics, religion and patriotism collide. Also, it contributes to the idea that America somehow deserves more blessing than 3 other nations of the world, which is counter to the understanding of God from the Bible. I think it is another song that is forced upon us to give us patriotic feelings towards our country. I'm not necessarily a nationalistic person and I think the song pushes people towards unnecessarily towards a feeling of blind loyalty. This bothers 3 me because people should think for themselves more. I think it's a fine song, but having it sung at every baseball game is a part of the silly rah-rah patriotism that I find to be 3 embarrassing for everyone involved. I think it's unjustified that a show tune written by Irving Berlin (and it's not his best stuff) now competes with the National Anthem in public spaces. The Star Spangled Banner is a truly great song that hearkens back to our patriotic roots. God Bless 3 America resorts to cheap nostalgic imagery and a religiousness that not all Americans can identify with. I think Kate Smith spoiled the song for me, and besides there are much better patriotic songs out there, America The 3 Beautiful for one. I think Kate Smith spoiled the song for me, and besides there are much better patriotic songs out there, America The 3 Beautiful for one. I think that America the Beautiful is a much better song, and I feel that our National Anthem doesn't deserved to be usurped by God Bless America. I don't think God Bless America is a bad song, I'm just not really keen on the overt and constant 3 injections of faith in the song's lyrics. 3 I think that mixing religion into a patriotic song excludes some people. 3 I think that mixing religion into a patriotic song excludes some people. 3 I think the lyrics are a fantasy of a country that has no relation to the actual history of the US. 3 I think the song is being used as part of a plan to gain support for the expanding american empire. I think we need to look beyond our borders. If we want God to bless something, why just America? Why not the whole 3 world? I though, after 9/11, the song came to be used by and to represent a very broad, jingoistic, overt sort of Christianity that was 3 not at all separate from a very broad and overt sort of "Americanism." 3 I tire of patriotism being drilled into us -- especially when mixed with references to god. I use to love the song, but it is really played out because I heard it every time I go to Yankee Stadium. It is a cue to go to the 3 bathroom now. 3 I used to be rather indifferent about the song until it started to be used in the seventh inning stretch at Yankees games. I used to like the song enough but as a Humanist and nonreligious person I wish there were more secular ways of demonstrating patriotism. I can't sing along in a formal setting because I like to believe in what I'm singing and while I hope 3 America will be blessed, there's no God to do the blessing! 3 I was neutral, but having to hear it at every single New York Yankees game, I've gotten sick of it. 3 I would think God blesses all countries, not just the USA 3 I wouldn't find it objectionable in another era, but after 9/11 when everything became overpatriotic, it got played too much. I'm agnostic and think it's ridiculous that a country would be convinced that a supreme being would have a horse in the race 3 among the nations. 3 I'm an atheist and think that America is just fine without God. I'm an atheist. I don't need a "god" to "bless" anything. And I'm flat out tired of hearing it played during baseball games. I mean, seriously, get over it. And I'm a Republican; I'm patriotic. But can we have a simple baseball game without having to 3 hear a religious jingoistic paean to our country? Can we escape that crap for 3 hours? 3 i'm just tired of hearing it 162 times a year. I'm not a big Irving Berlin fan and this song is a big reason why. I was never terribly fond of it, and since September 11 it has 3 taken on new connotations that make it even worse. I'm not a religious person, and I don't particularly like that aspect of it. Also, I'm a baseball fan, and it's often played during 3 games (especially on sundays), and I'm not a fan of the mixing of baseball and "patriotism". I'm not into mixing up God and Country. The song makes it seem to me like we are asking God to bless our land over other 3 lands. It's also not a very catchy song or tune. I only selected "dislike" instead of I'm not religious, so the song doesn't speak to me. I don't pray, and I don't need to pray for my country in song. I don't think it captures anything either particular or substantive or truthful about the United States, other than our ostensible willingness to 3 put our fate in god's guidance, a position that seems firmer in its articulation than in its activation. 3 I'm really tired of hearing it now. I watch a lot of baseball, and I just no longer feel like it has a place there. 3 i'm sick of it 3 I'm tired of it. It's not much musically or lyrically, and its patriotism is quite shallow. If you are not religious this song probably holds no meaning for you (and has questionable implications with the first amendment). If you are religious why are you saying god should bless america and not the world, the idea that god prefers 3 america is similar to the religious ideas some of our enemies have. In a country that (should) celebrate the separation of church and state, here is a song that combines the two. Dangerous stuff. I also highly resent being forced to stand and honor America and hear about God when that's not necessarily where I 3 am in my head. In a country that's supposed to celebrate and protect religious diversity and freedom, promoting the use of a song that seeks to exclude many seems rather hypocritical. While most of the song does discuss the high points of the nation, the part that 3 everyone actually knows if the chorus focusing on "god bless us above all others". In general I don't like religion & politics being mixed. Specifically I don't like the way the singing of the song has injected 3 "patriotism" into baseball games. 3 In the post 9/11 New York, it's been forced upon us to the point that it went from inspiring to overbearing. 3 it does no represent USA as it currently stands 3 It doesn't move me, and I just don't like the tune. I much prefer "America the Beautiful" and "The Star Spangled Banner." 3 It exemplifies jingoism and isn't a very well-written song (either musically or lyrically) It feels like a gut reaction to 9/11, and now I fear that the sports world is afraid to remove it because a portion of people will 3 protest. It gets stuck in your head, is corny, and almost holds the status of a national anthem even though it's more of a kid's song. 3 There is no pride in god bless America. It goes against the separation of church and state when sung in publicand can offend people with differing or no religious 3 beliefs. Okay to be sung in private, but not necessarily public. It has a very bland melody and dull lyrics expressing a Judeo-Christian point of view that is no longer the reality of this 3 country. It has been done to death since 9/11. It's not a horrible tune but now that you have to hear it during the stretch EVERY night 3 it became nothing more than an annoyance ever since. It is a powerful song, written with great meaning, but after hearing it too many times, the song has lost its power and 3 meaning 3 It is a prayer, and therefore should not be sung as a public "anthem" 3 It is an overly nationalistic song with a strong religious overtone. 3 It is difficult to sing. The lyrics are uninspiring. I can't disassocaite the image of kate smith singing it at hockey games. it is just kinda blah, not particularly moving, at least with the deluge of hearing it nearly every night while watching baseball 3 games 3 It is overplayed It is overplayed and has become a "patriotic" thing at game when it has no tradition like the National Anthem. That we sing it 3 now after 9/11 just is sad that people need this song to feel American. 3 It is overplayed. 3 It is overstated, sugary, and jingoistic. It is played during the 7th inning stretch at Yankee Staduim everyday supposedly to show support to soldiers who have lost their lives and the brave that still fight. It is a great idea, don't get me wrong but they play one of the worst recordings/versions of the song I have ever heard everyday, and it feels like its become almost pompous, like look at us, we 3 are more patriotic than you when thats not what it should be about... 3 it is too wrapped up in religion, and america the beautiful is a superior patriotic song. It is used in too many organizations that one would expect to be secular and non-religious in nature. Its use in these settings allows the initiator to further maintain this idea of American Exceptionalism. People can love this country without believing in god, and using this song in non-religious settings forces people to publicly assert to fellow members that they both A) love the country enough to sing about it and B) believe in god. This social pressure is an undue burden. We are the statistical 3 beneficiaries of chance, and the notion that god blessed our country specifically over all others is hooey. It mixes religion and government (which i do think is a dangerous thing). It ignores the actual way in which the US (america) goes about its political life, it glorifies blindly. It was written for a different time, written for a different people and now it is 3 used to exploit the mushy minds of the masses. 3 it reminds me of mindless jingoistic conservative crap and george w. bush era politics. It seems to be typically used to express over-the-top patriotism and to set an aggressive nationalistic mood. In and of itself it's a fine tune- just used wrong. The typical recorded versions that I'm aware of (Kate Smith and I believe Ethel Merman (?)) 3 are also sung in a VERY loud manner, with little musical nuance, which adds to my irritation. It stood in as a symbol of a dark period of American history where patriotism and fear shouted down common sense. The 3 Yankees have played it to the point of meaninglessness in the 7th inning of every game. 3 It's a hackneyed, artificial attempt at post 9-11 patriotism. It's a not particularly beautiful song that suggests God might be persuaded to bestow His almighty wisdom and grace to one 3 arbitrary political affiliation over another simply by asking nicely. 3 It's a poorly-written, heavy-handed pile of drivel, and I don't want to hear about what people think God blesses. 3 it's a show tune, mixed with patriotism and chavinism It's a song appropriate for rallying the population during a crisis. Playing or singing the song too often is, IMHO, an enema 3 cloaked in a flag. 3 It's a stodgy song from a previous generation 3 It's a stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid song, mixing politics with religion, something this country has plenty of. It's an old, God- dependent song that is played at every Yankee home game and has gotten to the point of excruciating to 3 even hear. It's an overwrought patriotic song that mixes religion and patriotism too much for my liking. I greatly prefer "America the 3 Beautiful." 3 It's become part of a superficial patriotism. 3 It's been done to death. 3 It's been overused/misused since 9/11, not Berlin's best. More of a fan of America, or This Land is Your Land It's highly exceptionalist and presumes that God would care to choose one group of people over another...which is probably 3 some sort of sin. 3 It's just not a great song. America the Beautiful is much better. It's just not very pleasing to the ears. Too slow, no rhythm, etc. It's like one of those old songs your grandparents are fond of 3 that just don't work anymore, like The White Cliffs of Dover. 3 It's long, ponderous, overplayed, boring melody and lyrics It's not a good song musically, the lyrics are silly, and people seem to think that singing it and/or expressing reverence for it is 3 some sort of necessary characteristic of a patriotic person. I don't think I need to like God Bless America to like America. 3 It's not a particularly "fun" song. 3 It's not very entertaining and it's been corrupted into a political tool. 3 It's overplayed, it's meaningless. The lyrics are trite. God doesn't mean anything to me. 3 It's overused at Yankee Stadium 3 it's played at the yankee game right now and it feels a bit odd/out of place. it's representative of america's obsession with itself -- asking God to bless us as if we are somehow entitled to his blessing. 3 that's not true (it's bad theology) -- we're not entitled to anything. 3 it's time for something new 3 it's very pompous and boring, and way overused. the national anthem is just fine, and a better song to boot 3 Its a song about god, not a song about the united states. 3 its an ugly mix of religion & politics, and since 9/11 has been used as a hammer by so called "patriots" 3 Just doesn't really do anything for me. Just never liked it. Berlin himself didn't particularly like it, and he wrote it. I hate that people treat it like the national anthem. 3 It's not the national anthem. 3 Keep God out of my public events Like Woody Guthrie said, it's "unrealistic and complacent" and it invokes the link between church and state. I would rather 3 hear "This Land is your Land". Written by an American for Americans. 3 Lyrical content is mediocre; melody is uninspiring, Broadway-like 3 Mixes politics patriotisms and explicit religiosity. Not good musically. music is not Berlin at his best--predictable tune--words are pablum; no comparison with America the Beautiful or My Country 3 Tis of Thee 3 Musically uninteresting, potentially divisive. 3 Musically very uninteresting. The Star Spangled Banner is a much more interesting, inspiring piece of music. 3 Nationalistic nonsense 3 nationalistic reactionary nonsense 3 neutral unless it's at a ballgame, then hate it. It's not the national anthem, so it's just forced peer-pressure prayer 3 Ostentation nationalism, invocation of fictitious guy in the sky, dull tune. 3 Over played and has come to represent patriotic jingoism. 3 Overplayed at Yankee games 3 Overt religious song now portrayed as a nationalistic song for a supposedly secular country. 3 Overused, musically not interesting. Patriotism and nationalism need not be force-fed. That said, the song bothered me less when it didn't intrude on baseball 3 games. 3 Pedestrian melody. Equates religious belief with patriotism. People have beat it to death. Especially playing it at sporting events. Additionally, cannot stand those who take off their hats 3 or put their hands to their heart when singing or when it is played. people pay this song the reverence they do to the national anthem. It's NOT our national anthem! Also God and America 3 should not share a song as far as i'm concerned. Why shouldn't god bless other countries for a change. 3 People trot this song out for semi-forced mass displays when it's wished to appear patriotic. Played at every Yankee game since 2001 and I don't like the song, I would prefer America the Beautiful or This Land is Your 3 Land. 3 Played during yankees games before "Take me out to the ballgame" since 2001. Annoying. Poor melody and lyrics, nationalist and religious exceptionalism in lyrics that I find outdated and unnecessary in a "national 3 song". 3 Promotes religion and mindless patriotism 3 Reference to deity. 3 Reference to God. 3 Religious aspects of the song. Formal and very dated 3 Resonates with false, or forced, patriotism. 3 separation of church and state would be nice for a change. 3 Separation of church and state. 3 Silly lyrics (ie "oceans white with foam") 3 Simply not a good song, even among patriotic songs, which tend to not be the best musically. 3 Since I have followed baseball for MANY yrs, I am tired of hearing Kate Smith sing the song. Singing the song in the 7th inning of baseball games was a knee-jerk reaction to 9-11. It is NOT the national anthem. Why do 3 we have to stop, stand and remove our caps. 3 So God doesn't care about the rest of the world? 3 Song is tedious, uninteresting, commonplace nationalism. Not gripping musically; not inventive lyrically. Song is used to promote a vision of blind patriotism while masking the efforts on the right to take away peoples' liberty in the 3 name of preserving liberty - go figure! 3 Tedious, overplayed. 3 The music isn't of a kind I'd enjoy, and I've heard it too often The song has become a jingoistic anthem for the right-wingers. Perfect example: Steinbrenner. A union-busting, scab- 3 hiring, city-destroying (Lorain, Ohio), egomaniac. The song in itself is not a major issue, although its lyrics are a bit trite and not up to Irving Berlin's usual high standards. The 3 problem is that the song has been hijacked by a certain element in the country. The song is a cliched and poorly written attempt to arouse patriotism. America the Beautiful is a far better example of what 3 God Bless America tries to be. 3 The song is kind of boring and is overrused to express patriotism. 3 The song is trite, overused, designed to elicit superficial, politically correct public displays of conformiity, The song itself is a fine song, however, I believe that it should not be considered a state song, nor should I have stand and 3 remove my cap due to a separation of church and state. 3 The song itself is all right, but the jingoistic ideals it has come to represent do not represent my views. 3 The song itself is fine, for being an old song. The song itself isn't that bad, but I think we have much better patriotic songs, such as The Star Spangled Banner. Also, I 3 despise Kate Smith's version, which is the one I always hear. 3 The song should only be used sparingly, otherwise it loses its meaning. The version I hear most often is the Kate Smith version. Not only do I not enjoy her singing style, but I connect hit with the 3 hated Philadelphia Flyers of old. 3 the version the Yankees play is so old...Having it performed live is nice..but man...it gets old. 3 The words and meaning are fine, but I don't like the music/tune at all. It's boring. The Yankees have destroyed the song for me. I am sick of hearing it at every game. It isn't the National Anthem, it's a song 3 about God blessing a country. Give me a freaking break already! 3 The Yankees have ruined it. 3 There are simply better "patriotic" songs out there. There was a time when my feelings were more positive about the song, but the Yankees have ruined that forever. The 3 National Anthem at the start of the game is enough. This is overkill, and brings out the worst of some elements in the crowd. 3 They play it EVERY DAY at Yankee Stadium. Please. Make it stop. This song reminds me of a Yankee ballgame post-911, which was very touching at the time, but now I feel as though it has 3 been twisted into "your not a patriot if you want to sing Take Me out to the Ballgame instead of GBA" 3 Though spiritual, I'm not a religious person and I think the song's message is a bit over the top. 3 Too frequently performed at sporting events. 3 too maudlin 3 too religious for a secular nation 3 Tough melody, overly purple lyrics, not my cup of tea weak singers tend to over sing the song, doing runs and scales they barley understand which strips any meaning out of the 3 words, the whole event is a hollow experience. Well meaning, I suppose, but belief in God is a private thing and far too many wars have been started due to "My God is better than your God." Also, as I work for a baseball team (Newark Bears), the use of the song for every seventh inning stretch is overkill. It's like the Pledge of Allegiance. I guess I've pledged thousands of times in my life. Isn't that quite enough? 3 Or is it just a temporary pledge? 3 While I tend to like patriotic songs, this one just doesn't sound good. Melody/Lyrics just don't sound right. 3 White with foam? Yuck 3 Yankees play it every 7th inning. I'm also an atheist. Give me the Star Spangled Banner instead 3 Yankees played it to death 3 You don't have to believe in God to be an American, nor do you have to sing a song to validate your patriotism. 4 The song itself is sort of lame. -asking for God's help (church-state issues) -war connotations -decent piece of music, but others such as America, the 4 Beautiful are better and don't contain such divisive lyrics 4 A nice, but simple tune. When sung by an accomplished singer can be quite moving. 4 Actually like the tune...... don't like the god bless part After 9/11, it became the anthem for the mentality, "God Bless America, and no other country!" The use of this song as 4 macho, jingoistic propaganda sort of ruined what's really a beautify ode to our great land. 4 Although a Yankee fan I think the playing of the song, the pomp and certumstance associated demean the National Anthem. Always thought it was a great song, but the persistence of the New York Yankees using it to express cynical patriotism has 4 ruined it for me. 4 America is the land that I love, but I am an atheist. 4 Any patriotic song is too easily coopted for purposes of mindless patriotism 4 As a born-again Christian, I don't mind the mention of God, but I prefer the fourth verse of the Star Spangled Banner As a kid, it was just some patriotic song you learn in school with the rest of them. As I've gotten older there are parts I like and parts I don't like to the song. But lately it's seeming way overdone, partly because I hear it everytime I'm at a Sunday 4 baseball game. As a moderate American I have always supported America, even when sometimes I disagree with some of the things the nation stands for. I like the idea of national pride, but I don't exactly believe in the notion that any God would bless one 4 nation above another, just as God would not bless one person over another. 4 As a song it's better than the Star Spangled Banner. As an aetheist, I don't understand why it would matter that some imaginary, all-powerful person would 'bless' our country. Did we sneeze? And, I don't know why any deity would favour our country more than any other -- Americans are no better 4 than any other group of people on this planet. 4 As an atheist, the name alone makes me cringe. It also brings up connotations of the religious right. 4 As far as the song alone is concerned, lyrics are great, melody is beautiful. Associate the song with a religious context, but often hear it in public events and find it dismisses the views of many. It 4 aligns with my religious beliefs, but I do not feel the need to impose on others. 4 At one time I thought it a wonderful song. But it has been misused and abused since 9/11, especially by the Yankees. 4 Bad musically. Unification of god and state - not a supporter of than concept. because it is my impression that it has become a conservative batle cry to help play on peoples' emotions to gain support for 4 the wars we are currently engaged in, in Iraq and Afganistan. 4 Because it's a love-it-or-leave-it song that's been kidnapped by the dumbo right over the years, like the Flag itself. because like everything else in this country, it's been beaten to death by those who want to wrap themselves in the flag. 4 enough already at baseball games, etc. Berlin wrote it as a patriotic song, not a national anthem. Kate Smith popularized it. To me, its more kitsch than something 4 to be revered (or treated the way NY Yankee management did). 4 Briefly, I'm an atheist and don't see why I should view it (hear it?) as part of my identity as an American 4 brought about from rampant forced patriotism and conservatism after 9-11 Catchy tune, works well to show off a good voice, but it's a bit over the top, cheesy. I have bad feelings about the song as 4 well because of its use at baseball games. 4 Cause, baseball is playing it to death. It's getting a bit tired now. Certainly appeals to my love for my country, so I appreciate the intent of the song. However, it's a bit too over the top to me - 4 - a little overly dramatic and heavyhanded, and I'm not crazy about the religious aspect of it. 4 Commercialized Decent enough song/tune, though I don't agree with its message and the way its performance becomes an occasion for 4 forced, public patriotism. 4 Didn't know God chose sides 4 Do not agree with the use of "God" in relation to government. This song, "In God We Trust", etc. 4 Don't feel strongly about the song. I don't like that it's sung at baseball games. 4 don't like blatant connection between religion and nationalism 4 don't like having the song forced upon you - either you like it or you're unamerican don't mind the song per se but cramming it down our throats as they do at yankee stadium and show during every game 4 makes me sick 4 Don't really believe in God, and if there is a God it's pretty insulting that it would only bless America 4 Enjoy the patriotic stance and it's use at sporting events. Not a big fan of the use of "God" in it. Enough is enough with playing it during 7th innning stretches. We already honor America with the national anthem at the beginning of games. I understood it -- sort of -- right after 9/11, but it's time to put it to bed. And STOP FORCING people to participate. Don't they realize that this goes against all the freedoms that the song professes America to provide? If you're going to shove it down our throats, let those of us who realize that patriotism is the last refuge of scoundrels to use that time 4 to take care of more important business. Like going to the bathroom! 4 Feel it was hijacked by George Bush supporters and the whole 9/11 coup d'etat. 4 Feel there are better songs to represent America 4 fine song - used too much for what seems to be forced patriotism 4 Fine song, unnecessary during baseball games. From my youth, a time of innocence, my best memories of the song are of good old Kate Smith belting out the song, a happy celebration of our country. I even liked it when the Philadelphia Flyers played the film of her singing at their games, still a celebration. But now it has become an obligatory, jingoistic recitation, principally at baseball games, at public settings, no 4 longer a happy celebration of our country, but a reflexive, jingoistic assertion of our national militarism. 4 God blesses all nations, not just America. I prefer "America the Beautiful" 4 God doesn't play favorites with countries. 4 Good patriotic song, but has been overused lately. And could be offensive to those who arent religious 4 Good song but overused 4 Great song but now cannot stand it at Yankee Games 4 Great, memorable tune. I just don't like the idea of God blessing a particular country. 4 Hate they play it at every Yankee game since 911 4 heard it so much that it's become meaningless 4 I absolutely love the song when Dr. Ronan Tynan sings it. The version by Kate Smith is positively terrible. I always liked the song for its general message, but like "in God we Trust", I could never understand how it could be used in government institutions (i.e. my public school, in which we sang it for Chorus). While no God is specified in these cases (thereby causing the different uses no have no religious affiliation), the use of the word God immediately recognizes an 4 existence of some God, which is directly against the beliefs of many within this country. I always think of 2nd grade, when our teacher would have us sing a series of patriotic songs out of a book. It always seems 4 strange, when I look back on it that we did that. I always thought it was an old song for a different generation and and appreciated it for what it was... but didn't find it overly 4 enjoyable or relevant to my experiences. I am a big Yankee fan and it's annoying that they play it at every single game. But it's a good patriotic song. We play the 4 national anthem at the start of the game and that gives me my fill of patriotism for the game. I am a Christian and appreciate the evoking of God's name, but prefer to ask God to bless all. Nationalism and Religion are 4 a bad mix. I am a proud American and I love this country, for the most part. I am also an atheist. I can understand the sentiment of wishing well for our country, but putting even the most remote amount of dependence on some higher power to "bless" our 4 nation is bad. I am an atheist. However, I feel like the sentiment of wanting one's country to be guided by goodness (which is what the basic conception of God posits), is not a bad one. It strikes me more as a song about hoping we are on god's side than asserting that god is on ours, and I like that. On the other hand, I don't like how god has to be brought into everything. See 4 point number one. Also, I like the tune, and I like Irving Berlin. 4 I am not a patriotic or religious person. However I can understand that some people are. I am not sure it's necessary to have a song sung that doesn't represent my personal religious view, in public, as many times 4 as it is. 4 I am uncomfortable with the association of a national anthem with such overt religiosity. 4 I am very very especially tired of hearing it at sporting events. I think it is the NY Yankees theme song, and I hate the NY Yankees. Other teams don't play the song, and I like the fact that they don't play the song. I associate it (negatively) with the rush of emotional patriotism immediately after 9/11 - it gave a sense that the U.S. was 4 morally just in its post 9/11 actions I associate it with a politically conservative point of view, less because of the actual lyrics than that it now seems to be used to stoke nationalistic sentiments. When I hear it now I think of the bumper stickers that were common after 2001 "America Love It Or Leave It" where the definition of love requires one to be blind to problems or mistakes that the U. S. has and 4 continues to make. I associate it with my grandfather who loved this song, and this country. But as the years have gone on, I am more opposed 4 to using it as a vehicle for the right wing crazies to rally round the flag, supporting the United States -- sometimes blindly. I associate the song almost exclusively with Kate Smith who everyone made fun of because she was heavy and old 4 fashioned, her career in decline. The song seemed desperate. 4 I associate the song with the attitude that America can do no wrong. To me it's a jingoistic anthem. 4 I attend a lot of baseball games. Maybe it is just the Kate Smith version, but it seems to be overused in that situation. 4 I believe it is inappropriate for it to be sung at baseball games. I like how George Carlin described the song. I believe strongly that America is not a Christian country so I don't generally like how politicians use the phrase "God Bless 4 Authority". But I do like the ideas of "land that I love" and the images of mountains and oceans that are evoked. 4 I did not dislike the song, nor like it, until it appeared in the seventh inning stretch. 4 I do not really like, but I can't say I hate it. I don't really care either way. There's no reason to not sing it. I do not subscribe to mainstream Christian views, therefore, while I do like the song and the premise, I am more in tune with 4 earth spirituality than a single deity. I don't believe in God but am proud to be an American. I feel people have a right to freedom of religion but find people 4 disrespect you if you don't want to sing the song. I don't care for the injection of religion into anthemlike songs, or the insinuation that one country is superior to others because a higher power selected it. However, I think the song is a genuine expression of love for a place and its people. That's why 4 my feelings are mixed. I don't have a problem with the song, but I don't see the need to play it at baseball games or other sporting events. I believe 4 the national anthem is more than enough to satisfy the patriotic needs. I don't know, it just seems kind of pompous or arrogant to think that God is specifically blessing the United States of America, 4 as opposed to humanity or the whole world. I don't like "God Bless America" because I think "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" should be played during the seventh inning 4 stretch. 4 I don't like it at baseball games. They will play this instead of "Take Me Out To The Ball Game"... 4 I don't like the idea of bringing God into a patriotic song. I don't like the way it is forced down people's throats as if it is the National Anthem (i.e. at baseball games). Also, "God 4 Bless" really has no place in anything truly about the USA, if it is to be for all of the citizens. 4 I don't mind it, but i don't need it crammed down my throat at every baseball game. Feels like patriotism just for show. 4 I don't mind the song itself but the way it's used like an athem annoys me I don't mind the song itself, as I think it's a decent patriotic tune, but I don't like the way the song has been used, particularly 4 since 9/11. I don't mind the song, but I feel like now (as opposed to when I was a kid), it's used in a way that somehow implies that 4 America is the only country which should be blessed by God. 4 I don't mind the song, but I hate how it's used, and I hate how OTHER people view it I don't mind the tune or melody or even the lyrics so much, but it I am bothered by its recent use as a war anthem and its 4 lingering association with major league baseball. I also associate with the New York Yankees and typical Yankees excess. I don't particularly like the Kate Smith recording. I don't like the reference to god. I like the idea of a patriotic song (other than 4 the national anthem) that everyone can participate in to be played during the seventh inning stretch. i dont mind the song in moderation. its alright for the fourth of july and other patriotic events, but every game at yankee 4 stadium-not necessary 4 I dont think God should be associated with the song. But it is also a song of history for our country 4 I enjoy the song but hate that the conservative bases uses it in their rhetoric. I enjoy traditional patriotic songs but the implication that the "God" referred to in this song is the Judeo-Christian God has never sat well with me. This country is based on religious freedom and at times it feels that Christian conservatives use this 4 song to try and reinforce their views that the only god for this country is the Christian god. I feel it is normal to have songs that are patriotic and foster a positive feeling for your country but too often it has been a forced, dogmatic -like experience with my being forced to sing it in school and compelled to participate at public events. It has felt contradictory with word like "'and of the free" but seeing people cursed out and screamed at when they don't stand 4 up or participate as it is played and song. 4 I feel it is unnecessary to play it during sporting events. We already have the national anthem. I feel like a nice song has been co-opted by the political right wing as a propaganda tool to drum up support for the wars post 9/11. I do like the song and some of its sentiment but I think it has been over used and used by people who would not be doing what they are doing if they really did follow what the Christian God teaches. I dod think we should support our troops but I hope we ca do it without supporting the wars. I think the use of God Bless America creates a black and white 4 dichotomy where one is either for or against America based on liking or disliking the song. 4 I feel like it is a part of the nation's musical history. As a music teacher I greatly appreciate that aspect of the song. As a member of society I don't know how I feel about the song in a general context. It sometimes feels contrived when it is performed in a public place outside of a patriotic setting (e.g.: a Independence Day celebration or a Memorial Day service). 4 I feel like it's become jingoistic. I feel like the song has been overused since 9/11 in a bad way. In the days, weeks, and months after 9/11, it gave me a sense of comfort and community. But as the years have gone by, the powers that be exploited everything about 9/11 for their own benefit, thus cheapening everything. The continued use of God Bless America feels the same way - it feels like a 4 cheap way to make people feel patriotic. 4 I feel like the song is outdated but can't say I dislike it because of the theme. 4 I feel like this is a Christian song and I am Jewish..however I do embrace the same God. I feel patriotic, but the song is too religious for me. It does bother me that some people want it treated as if it is another national anthem, which it is not. If you don't stand and hold your hand over your heart at sporting events people look at you as if you are an America basher. Also bugs me that some people think you need to put your hand over your heart for the 4 national anthem - hand over heart is for a pledge, not a song. I feel that it was written by an immigrant (Berlin) to express his love for his new country but got co-opted by those who promote a right wing point of view. Also, I associate the playing of it with the Iraq War which I am against(although I believe 4 the tradition started after 9/11) 4 I feel that it's a good song sometimes used for the wrong reasons. I feel that singing the last verse of the song without the first obscures the fact that it was written at the time of European fascism, and that makes it sound more like a boast (that God *does* bless America because it's so great), instead of its being 4 a prayerful request *to* God to protect this country in times of peril (as the song writer intended). I feel the song has been abused ... overdone, and it's been co-opted by the conservatives. What I enjoyed as a very pleasant song with good intentions wishing blessings on Americans but with no ill will toward anyone else now conjures up images of "My country right or wrong," and those scoundrels who wrap themselves in the flag while shredding the constitution. All in the name of corporate capitalism in its most virulent form, which they somehow equate with democracy and freedom. And anyone who doesn't believe corporate capitalism = democracy and freedom is a Godless communist. I 4 certainly don't want God blessing that, though God's will, not mine, be done. 4 I find it annoying that it has taken over "take me out to the Ballgame" at baseball games. I first heard the song in church as a child, and it was appropriate. I hear it in public places for patriotic ceremonies, and it 4 feels uncomfortable. I go to baseball games often, so I hear the song a lot. I prefer the National Anthem as an expression of patriotism, and it's 4 strange to hear GBA right before "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." 4 I go to church - but I think the song has too much "religion" in it. I grew up hearing and singing it along with other patriotic songs at school, but now as an adult Christian, I am uncomfortable 4 with the intermingling of religion and politics. Are we singing God Bless America above other places? I hope not. I had no negative associations with the song until 9/11. Since then, I think it is being used in an odd way, almost forcing a 4 patriotic attitude. I had positive associations with it as a child. It's a good song, stirring words and sound. Well, at least I thought so as a child. Now, I am getting pretty sick of the song being sung all the time at sporting events (e.g., 7th inning of Yankee Games) and, although I still like the song, when I hear it I am now associating it with forced and false patriotism. When and who decided it should be sung so often when big groups get together. The whole public display of it is starting to remind me of a different era and a different country, one we defeated in World War ll. of course, I don't understand why the National Anthem is played at all sporting events either. Who decided that? Why isn't the Star Spangled Banner and Gold Bless America played before 4 operas, movies, and plays? Are the audiences not big enough? I have always liked this song and like to sing it in a group. However, since Sept. 11, 2001 I am loathe to sing it, as I think it has been "kidnapped" by the right wing. For example: I am a Yankee fan and go to at least one game a year at Yankee Stadium. They play the song at every game since Sept. 11 as a way to show support for the "war against terrorism" and "our way of life" (That's the phrase that kills me... they always say the troops are defending "our way of life"... they actually use those words at the Stadium) Anyway, it pisses me off that this good song now means some sort of what I consider false 4 patriotism and support for the USA's occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan. I have no ill feelings towards the song or the sentiment behind it, but I feel that it's meaning has been tampered with in recent 4 years thus changing my opinion of it to an extent. I have no problem with the song itself, just not one of my favorites. I've always been annoyed that in general many of our 4 patriotic songs have so many references to God, but oh well. I have no problem with the song itself. But I feel it should be played in public places. The song is a self proclaimed "prayer" for worshipers of monotheistic religions. It therefore excludes atheists, agnostics, and polytheistic worshipers, which is roughly 1 out of every 6 Americans. As with other prayers, It should only be recited for/by an audience whose religious 4 beliefs coincide with those expressed in the lyrics of the song. 4 I hear it at every MLB GAME I attend and I feel it is unnecessary. I just find it really annoying and over played at events. I don't believe it is in any way an official song of anything, so why is it 4 everywhere? It isn't the National Anthem after all! I like certain renditions (Ronan Tynan's in particular though I find that amusing since he is Irish) but overall the song and patriotic songs in general make me uneasy. Such passion for something so vague a concept has created most of the ills in 4 the world today and throughout history. 4 I like hearing Dr. Tynan singing it live at Yankee games, but I don't like the recorded Kate Smith version at any other games. 4 i like it - but not at baseball games. 4 I like it as the song it represents as pure love for our country, but I dislike it when it is used to bolster support for jingoism and militaristic agression. I like it but it is overused by the Yankees & basically forced on people. I loved it right after 9/11. I should have read the next 4 question. 4 I like patriotism, but I dislike schmaltzy, intellectually easy versions of it. I like some of the words ("amber waves of grain," or "purple mountain's majesty"), but associate it with use by conservatives 4 and with Kate Smith. I also like "The Star Spangled Banner" and it's sometimes pitched as better than that song. I like the familiarity and the fact that others "feel something positive" about it. But I also wonder why god has to be there and 4 how important that is to others...so if it's a religious song I would distance mysef. I like the imagery of the song but feel uncomfortable with how it has been hijacked by the religious military complex (for 4 example, glorifying god and the military at the same time at a baseball game) 4 I like the lyrics but I only know the Kate Smith version and it's horribly outdated I like the melody and the sentiment of the song, although I'm not religious and am uncomfortable with things that link 4 patriotism and religion. I wouldn't want it to become our national anthem, but I still like to hear it sung from time to time. I like the notion of patriotism. I dislike the reference to god. I feel as if the song is used too often to influence patriotic feelings, and that it has, ocassionally, been used for purely political purposes. I feel the same way about the National Anthem and the Pledge. My patriotism is personal, and shouldn't be forced. Further, I feel as if I can be patriotic without being a believer in 4 god. 4 I like the sentiments expressed by the song, but it is not a great song musically I like the song and appreciate its significance. Unfortunately, due to post 9/11 baseball (in particular, Yankees baseball) I 4 have come to view the song as maudlin and representative solely of the aftermath of 9/11. 4 I like the song and it's message but I think that it was used as a political tool by the Republicans after the Sept. 11th attacks. I like the song at the right times and in the right settings with the right performers or group singing it. Otherwise it gets 4 overdone and loses meaning and emphasis I like the song because I associate it with baseball memories and specifically, Yankees' baseball memories. I dislike the song because the Yankees' renditions (Kate Smith, Ronan Tynan) are a little tiresome. I'm also a little uncomfortable with a 4 religiously themed song being played at a sporting event. I like the song because it is a patriotic one, but as a fan of the New York Yankees, I hear it every 7th inning stretch and it 4 begins to grow old and I often tire of hearing it. I like the song because it reminds me of my elementary school days, singing it in class. I dislike it because it's being 4 overplayed during major league baseball games, so I'm starting to get sick of it. 4 I like the song but am a little uncomfortable with how it's being used at baseball games. 4 I like the song but don't like 'nationalism" or "patriotism". I like the song but it has no place in the 7th inning stretch at baseball games, unless it's Memorial Day or July 4. Don't 4 impose patriotism on us, MLB! 4 I like the song but not the "god" part 4 I like the song but not when sung at baseball games. 4 I like the song itself (for the patriotic ditty it is), but it's time to let it rest for a while. I like the song, but I don't like how it is used at baseball games. It seems like they did it after 9-11 when we couldn't have enough patriotism, and it is still done (though, thankfully, not as much) and it seems like it has gotten tied in with the Iraq 4 War, flag pins, and the ten commandments in the court room. The song has been politicized. 4 I like the song, but I feel that it borders on excessive patriotism. I like the song, but in recent times has become too overplayed. It especially lost meaning when a Canadian (Celine Dion) sang it at one of the memorial/benefit concerts after 9/11. I am a big baseball fan and it gets tiresome having it at every 4 game-that is for the national anthem I like the sound and its celebration of America, but I don't like the way it is used at sporting events. Seems like fake 4 patriotism in the name of appealing to some unknown (or non-existing) super-patriotic fan base. I like the tune and that it is easy to sing, but I don't really like the message. I'm not a religious person, and even if I was, I personally think that God's scope should be larger than any one nation. I guess I just think that the message is very narrow 4 and conservative. I like the way Kate Smith sang it--with spirit and clarity and quickly. I really dislike the way it's nearly always done now--as a 4 dirge or a long drawn-out blues song. 4 I likethd song but it is overplayed,most especially at dodger stadium thanks to an aarogamy Charles steinberg I love America, and love the patriotic feeling of this song. BUT the song also implies a feeling of "God bless US but don't 4 bless THEM" -- and it is often used politically in that way. I love America, but I do not believe in God. So why do I care if God blesses America? I feel that asking me to stand up while 4 this song is being sung is akin to forcing me to acknowledge that God exists. 4 I love my country, but there needs to be a separation of church and state. I love the poetry and simplicity of the song. It's a celebration of American landscapes and breadth of experience. However, it's been appropriated by people who believe: 1) in God, and 2) that America has to be better than any other country, not just a really good one that we're very happy with and lucky to live in. I hate the fact it's played every 7th inning stretch at yankee 4 Stadium. It cheapens the song and the 7th inning stretch. I never gave it much though, until I read that Woody Guthrie wrote this land is your land in response to the song. I do see the 4 song as presumptuous, if you will, in asking God to bless a certain country, implying a preference over other countries. 4 I sometimes feel like the conservatives of our country use this song as a shouting point. GOD must bless america... I strongly associate the song with baseball, as a number of teams have taken to playing the song during the middle of the 7th 4 inning since September 2001. That teams still do it (except for certain holidays) seems a bit over-patriotic. 4 I think it feels religious and should nor be a national song. I think it is a nice song, better than The Star Spangled Banner, but not as nice as America The Beautiful. I also don't like the 4 religious implications of the song. I think it is overplayed, jingoistic and can get very annoying. Then again, that might just be because I am a Yankees fan and 4 have grown very tired of hearing it on every telecast. I think it is patriotic but sometimes is used as a pseudo national anthem. And it has become very over played at sporting 4 events. I think it is rather better than 'The Star Spangled Banner,' which, I think, is overly violent and doesn't describe the country, but instead a piece of cloth with emblems on it. On the other hand, as a person with liberal tendencies and a Northeast upbringing, I cringe at the thought of mentioning 'god' in anything for the country- no need to forget about our atheistic, 4 agnostic and polytheistic brethren. I prefer America the Beautiful over any other patriotic song. 4 I think it should be used for specific, patriotic occasions (i.e. a holiday, day or remembrance, etc.) I think it was a fine song, but now it's far overplayed. It doesn't have a very uplifting feel that some people seem to think it 4 does. I think it was written as a lovely ballad but has been transformed into a hollow, jingoistic exercise that allows drunken fools to 4 give vent to frustrations and intimidate others at baseball games. I think it's a beautiful song musically. It's certainly a lot more pleasant to listen to in musical terms than The Star-Spangled Banner. But I feel like it's been really over-exposed, particularly through regular playings at sporting events. I feel like once you hear a song over and over again, it loses its emotional appeal. If you hear it just a few times at particularly evocative 4 moments, it can be something really special. 4 I think it's a fine song, but has been overused in recent years and is somewhat overshadowing the National Anthem. I think it's a nice song, but the idea of a song asking God to bless only your country is a bit uncomfortable, and when it's sung 4 at so many events, I get more wary of its message. I think it's a perfectly fine song, and appropriately deployed in some settings. I think its use in America over the last decade is emblematic of a larger problem; the ostentatious and aggressive display of patriotism. My default image of a fan of the song is someone with no deeply considered or nuanced ideas about what it means to be an American of a patriot, but rather someone whose view of patriotism is an American flag sticker in a window and a distrust of viewpoints that challenge the 4 superficial view of American exceptionalism. The religious connotations of the song contribute the problem. I think it's over-played since 9/11, as certain people (on both sides of the party lines, but mostly Republicans) used it for 4 political gain. 4 i think its a great patriotic song but the NY Yankees have ruined for me. I think much of what I feel is related to the song's being overplayed after september 11th. I was alerted to this survey as a baseball fan, so certainly the Yankees' overuse of the song is on my mind when I started the survey. I am a yankee fan, but the overdone, every day use of the song I find cartoonish, the security at the stadium trying to stop people from going to the bathroom during it, etc. George M. Steinbrenner III's overwrought patriotism in the wake of 9/11 and his use of the song 4 seems to me to be an empty shell, though recently things have quieted done I guess. I think musically, it can be beautiful and emotionally comforting to ask for a deity to watch over your country. However, I truly 4 believe in the separation of church and state and I don't like the idea that God should bless our country and not others. I think of the song as an old-fashioned, innocuous tune. It has a pleasant association with my youth as a hockey fan in 4 Philadelphia more than as a patriotic inspiration. I think people who treasure this song (especially after 9/11) have their hearts in the right place, and I strongly believe it's important to remember 9/11 and it how it changed our world. However, I think the song itself is pretty corny and it's getting overplayed to the point where it's lost its significance. I'm also fed up with getting a lecture on the servicemen who have 4 given their lives for this country (I fully appreciate their sacrifice) just for saying I'd rather not hear this song so much. 4 I think that it's become overused by society and lost it's meaning 4 I think the song is some kind of protest song that implies that america is for everyone, even the little guy. I think the song stands for everything that this country used to represent. This song is one I strongly associate with the post 4 9/11 Bush administration. 4 I think the words are weak, but the tune is pretty catchy. I think this country has probably had more than its share of blessings from God. We are after all, the proverbial rich kid on 4 the block? Where do we get off asking God for more blessings? I used to have no real opinion of it, until the Dodgers started singing it during the 7th inning stretch. This made me a little 4 more against the song, at least in that context. I used to like it until MLB started doing it at baseball games after 9/11. Very inappropriate. "Star Spangled Banner" at 4 beginning is patriotism enough. 4 I used to like it, but have become overexposed being a Yankee fan I used to like the song fine and just approached it like any other patriotic song. Then it got out of control after 9/11 and 4 became George Bushified. I used to like the song well enough until the overkill usage of it began after 9/11, but now it almost strikes me as jingoistic. It's certainly unnecessary in the context of a seventh-inning stretch, where, rather than providing some kind of patriotic statement about loving one's country, it gives lousy singers the chance to show off their inability to stay on pitch or interpret material 4 from the first half of the 20th century. I used to like the song well enough until the overkill usage of it began after 9/11, but now it almost strikes me as jingoistic. It's certainly unnecessary in the context of a seventh-inning stretch, where, rather than providing some kind of patriotic statement 4 about loving one's country, it gives lousy singers the chance to show off their inability to stay on pitch or interpret material from the first half of the 20th century. I used to like the song, and love Kate Smith's rendition. However, as a Yankee fan, I have had it inflicted on me since 9/01 4 and used as a jingoistic exercise to support policies that I find abhorent. I used to really like God Bless America, but like so many neural patriotic gestures, I feel it got so overused following 9/11 that 4 it has lost all meaning. I want to feel patriotic but the playing of the song at ball games and other non patriotic events seems nationalistic. We HAVE 4 to be patriotic, take off your hat and enjoy yourself. I was basically indifferent. The Kate Smith version annoys me because I don't like her voice and I have heard it hundreds of 4 times during Yankees games. I wish good things for my country of birth but the song contains direct reference to ideas that I do not share. Also, patriotism 4 in a group forum can be intimidating. I would prefer it as a National Anthem to Star Spangled Banner, but I don't find either song to be particularly special one way 4 or the other. 4 I'm a sportswriter who covers the Yankees and I hear it every home game. I'm an atheist. Personally feel there is no God to go around blessing us. Still, it's Americana. Can have fun singing it. Most 4 singers really go over the top with it. But there are better patriotic songs out there. 4 I'm big into separation of church and state. 4 i'm intensely patriotic and proud to be american. its well written and easy to sing (unlike the national anthem) I'm liberal, and I associate all overt expressions of patriotism with in-your-face, aggressive, parochial conservatism, which irks me. I also associate it with baseball, and I think that stopping Yankees and now every Dodgers game in the 7th inning to 4 sing the song is unnecessary. 4 I'm not a very patriotic person, but if one likes the song, that's fine. I'm not comfortable with a song about my country invoking God. It's a beautifully sentimental song, that shouldn't have a 4 religious twist. 4 I'm not religious but understand that the majority of people in this country are. 4 I'm not religious so I don't like God being brought into all activities. I'm tired of hearing it at NY Yankee games; where they shut down the entire stadium during the taped playing of it during the 4 7th inning stretch. I've come to have strong negative feelings about the song, and for reasons that have nothing to do with the song itself. For 4 years now I've felt that the song has been used to tie patriotism to militarism. If I recall correctly it was written during the depression and that Guthrie's This Land... was written as a response. Any song 4 that generates that song as response can't be too bad. However, it is a bit overmuch and overwrought. In the manner that it's sung, it comes off as a very arrogant and gives me the same feeling as people who thank God after 4 winning a game or an award - as if God wanted them to win. It invokes arrogance over pride for me now. Initially, I had no opinion of it (as a child) but post September 11, the explosion of "patriotism" (quote marks intended) has made the song seem almost jingoistic. I don't claim to know Berlin's intent of the song, but from what I understand, it was 4 written in a time of war, but I feel that his patriotism was more authentic than what I feel people practice today. 4 It blends patriotism with religion 4 It comes off more like a religious hymnal than any sort of anthem. It found a new life post 9/11 so I have mixed feelings about it. In some ways I like the song, but have grown to dislike the idea of God blessing one country over another. Thus using the song at the 7th inning stretch at baseball games seems like forced 4 patriotism AND pushing a religious view. It has becoem n=more assosiated witht eh right - so that's part of why I am not in love with it. But i also just don't love the tune or the lyrics. Its not nearly as pretty a song as say "America the beautiful" - which also mentions God but not so "in your face" with it.. Even though I am a spiritual person the "God" thing can be offensive to some and I feel this song has been 4 used in a very preachy way. 4 It has been co-opted for a particular and bellicose point of view. 4 It has been over used since 9/11 It has been over-used since 9/11. The Flyers using it in early '70's showed that they were different than every other sports team. Having an Irish tenot or a Canadian pop star singing it at key moments seems stupid. Why are non-American singing G B America? Does putting god into this discussion makes us better? What is the difference between God Bless 4 American and the terrorists quoting Allah when they crashed planes into buildings? Nothing. It has its time and place (beginning of the war/Memorial Day/4th of July) but I think to continue to sing it at every baseball is a 4 bit much now. It is a fine patriotic song, but the fact that it is done during the seventh inning stretch ocassionally at baseball games, and 4 regularly before the National Anthem is ridiculous. It isn't our anthem. It is a fine song, one of the better solemn patriotic songs. But it brings baggage of religion into our secular republic. It is not 4 the national anthem. It should not be treated as such. 4 It is a good song and fun to sing. I wish there weren't references to God in it. It is a good song, but we don't need to hear it every time a sporting event goes on. It is a patriotic song, but conservatives 4 have almost made this song the de facto national anthem. 4 It is a nice song about our country, but it is too overplayed and used as a be-all end-all of patriotrism. Enough already. 4 It is a nice song that has good words and meaning. 4 It is based on "God Save the King (Queen)" It is not a particularly catchy song. When thinking of patriotic songs, I prefer "America the Beautiful" or "Stars & Stripes 4 Forever." 4 It is often used as a bludgeon to imply ratification of sometimes unjustifiable acts by this country. 4 It is over-performed and has become more significant to Americans than it deserves to be. It is overplayed at baseball parks, there is no need for the National Anthem and then God Bless America at every single 4 game. It is played compulsively at sporting events after 9/11. This issue also feels like one of those things you can't mention, lest 4 you call your patriotism into question. 4 It is stiring but also brings out feelings of trying to state that God is on our side. 4 It isn't a bad song sung correctly. It just has been turned into patriotic much It kind of feeds into the notion that we are better than other peoples of the world. Like we have a special 'in' with a higher 4 power. It reminds me of 9/11 everytime I hear it because I am a big baseball fan and they started playing it at games. I actually 4 prefer it to the Star Spangled Banner. 4 It was a perfectly fine song, until it became a talisman after 9/11, and I am learning to hate it. It was a song that brought out pride for me personally, until well after 9/11 when it seems to be played or sung at any large 4 gathering or event. 4 It was an ok song, but hearing it constantly is irritating. It was one of the first songs I learned, so I never really thought about it critically. It was also an easy and inoffensive song to teach my kindergarteners when I taught in a Catholic school. However, as I've grown older and more unsure of my own 4 religious beliefs, I'm not sure I like the idea of appealing to God to favor our country over all others. It was written during WWI - simpler time, terrible war. Kate Smith made it famous during WWII - country was pretty united. Since 9/11, it is being forced on people to "prove" their patriotism. It had it's time and place. It is like religion to me, keep 4 your feelings to your self so each of us can believe what we believe privately. 4 It would have been liked, but it is getting too much play at major league baseball games. It's a beautiful song that's should never be a public, "rah rah" thing. Too much religion and too cliche to be playing during the 4 7th inning. 4 It's a bit of an overkill to have it sung at every baseball game you go to. 4 It's a decent song, but I'll take Ray Charles rocking America the Beautiful anyday It's a fine song, but really has no place in the middle of baseball games. It's ruining the seventh inning stretch in the limited 4 number of places it is played. 4 It's a fine song. But don't like the ideas of forced singing of patriotic songs and don't like it's interrupting of baseball games. 4 It's a good patriotic song, but it's overly cliche. It's a good patriotic song, but since most, if not all, are cheesy, it's still pretty cheesy. Not as good as America the Beautiful or 4 This Land is My Land. It's a good song on its own, but has been used as a jingoistic anthem by conservative and Christian America in recent years, 4 even though the song was written by a man of Jewish Descent who was a veteran of Tin Pan Alley. 4 It's a good SONG, but I dislike the way it has been co-opted by war-mongers. 4 It's a good song, but it's certainly not the best patriotic song out there. 4 It's a great song about my country. Nothing but positive. But at the same time I think it's been overused lately. 4 It's a great song. It's just completely overplayed by the Yankees and paraded around like some big post-9/11 patriotic act. 4 It's a great song...but they play it during every yankee home game. it is too much. i dread it. 4 It's a interesting song, but it's so overplayed. It's a nice enough song, but just as with the national anthem, it's generally a showcase for American Idol wannabes with little 4 or no talent. 4 It's a nice song but can feel a bit oppressive when out of context, like at a baseball game. 4 It's a nice song, but I feel it is overly intrusive in baseball games. Why televise it and not Take Me Out to the Ballgame? 4 it's a nice song, but is way over used...it's not the national anthem, it's just another patriotic song It's a pretty song about our country, but it references God (which makes me uncomfortable, since it seems like it is about a 4 Christian idea of God). And, there's now some sort of nationalism to it. It's a pretty song, with a nice melody, and a positive message. But it feel its ubiquity and my own associations with the conservative Bush administration and their (often divinely approved) war in Iraq turn the song into something like a 4 propaganda song. 4 It's a very nice, respectful, patriotic song that is unnecessarily overplayed publicly now. 4 It's a very patriotic song, that has been overplayed since 9/11. It's about being a baseball fan...when that comes on...you're singing with a bunch of people who are in a stadium to enjoy a game in which you all love for whatever reason....maybe it was your escape when you were younger....maybe you like to get out of your house....maybe your dad took you to baseball games and you remember singing it with him....the latter is my reason....my dad and I used to sing it together in the last years of his life...way off key....I miss him...so I continue the tradition 4 even though I don't believe in god. 4 It's an all right song, but I get irritated when it is treated like the national anthem at baseball games. 4 It's an ok song, but you want to sing an "America" song, why not just sing "America," which is far and away, the better song. It's an okay song. Soaring and majestic and all that, but ultimately pretty boring. I appreciate how it's a request for a blessing, 4 rather than an assertion that we're already blessed. It's fine in small doses. It's fine for that kind of song. But I'm not big on patriotic songs. To me, they are not reflective of real patriotism. They're 4 symbols that are abused. 4 It's getting to be a bore. Whatever happened to "Take Me Out To The Ball Game?" 4 It's hard to sing and really slow, but sometimes at the right time and place, it's moving. It's history with the (hated) Philadelphia Flyers left me sick and annoyed with the song for years. But, it's a pretty good song 4 and rather stirring. It's important to show patriotism; however, I believe it's overdone. I don't believe the song is for everyone or stands for 4 everyone's beliefs. 4 It's nice, should only be used on special occasions...NY Yankees play it too much every night during 7th inning stretch It's not a bad song, and it does lend itself to grand performance, but they lyrics are fairly boring - as patriotic songs go, I 4 greatly prefer My Country, 'Tis of Thee. 4 It's not a bad song, as a song. I don't like when it's flaunted as an example of patriotism. It's not a bad song, as far as patriotic songs go, and it's easier to sing than the national anthem, but since I learned it as part of the forced daily singing in elementary school, it will always have that sort of connotation for me. It is not an expression of genuine sentiment. It is merely part of the vacuous singing that occurs when forced in public situations, where not singing is 4 seen as a controversial political statement. It's not all that great a song. I like "America, the Beautiful" much better. Either one is better than the "Star Spangled Banner" 4 though. 4 It's not as patriotic as The Star Spangled Banner and not as musically great as My Country 'tis of Thee 4 It's not the worst patriotic/propaganda song, but there's only so much Kate Smith one can take. 4 it's ok 4 it's ok at patroitic events, like fireworks or parades. 4 It's OK. Not as cool as the national anthem. It's OK. It's hard to remember the words in the middle. I know some people don't like "God bless America" because they think 4 that's exclusionary, but I don't agree. I like the geography bits. 4 It's okay to use a song to commemorate the troops, but I also associate it with mindless war supporters. 4 it's okay, the national anthem is better.. this is the Kmart of songs about America. It's one of the more moving of the patriotic songs. However, as with all that genre it's fairly cloying. Also, I think America is a 4 great country because of its people and institutions, not because of any particular religion or view of god. 4 It's overplayed. It's cliche now. It's overused, sometimes exploited for political purposes, but when used in a time of national mourning (or at the end of The 4 Deer Hunter), it can be prayerfully emotive. 4 It's traditional but seems to be taken over by conservatives. 4 Its a good song, but I hear it too much during baseball season, and I dislike Kate Smith's rendition Its a nice enough song in of itself. However it seems to be sung too often in situations that smack of fake or forced 4 patriotism. I guess that I just don't like to be told when I need to express my patriotism. Its a nice enough song, and I understand the sentiment, but I don't think crowds of asking God to bless America, in a song, is 4 going to result in God doing anything. 4 Its a nice song, but just played way too much 4 Its just boring, doesnt do anything for me. America the beautiful is a much better patriotic song. 4 Its not really catchy... a good meaning though, I guess 4 Its the most overplayed patriotic song. Ever since 9-11, I feel that its becoming our national anthem. 4 Like the idea, hate the god part. 4 Like the sentiment - don't want it thrust upon others. Keep church at church. 4 liked it before 9/11. since then it has been overplayed. Mixed feelings between fond memories of a hopeful childhood, and modern day connotations of a ignorant conservative 4 politics. Musically, I don't particularly care for it. I can appreciate the lyrics as being very poetic and eloquent, but they don't especially 4 resonate with me, as I'm not really religious. My opinion changed during the Reagan years when God and America became partners in a conservative meme that was 4 solidified with Corporate America during the Bush/Chaney era 4 Nice sentiment, easier to sing than the anthem, but uncomfortable with religious aspects. 4 Nice sentiment. Over played. Nice song but a bit religious. Don't like that the yankees play it during the 7th inning stretch. And don't like that people 4 stand, remove their hats and cover their hearts during it. 4 nice song but should not be obligatory anywhere Nice song, and better than Star-Spangled Banner (but not better than America the Beautiful), but I like separation of church 4 and state. 4 Nice song, but religion has no place in government. 4 Nice song, but way too over played. Nice tune. I always picture Kate Smith singing it. I can play it on the organ and pretend I'm the baseball organist. On the 4 other hand, the idea of God is silly. 4 Not a bad song on its own, but it's been given too much weight. National anthem is fine on its own. 4 Not a bad song. Sick of hearing it at every damn baseball game. 4 Not exactly catchy but I guess I can appreciate the patriotic sentiment. 4 Not my favorite patriotic song - no real reason. I don't actively hate it. 4 Not religious and to think that god is singling out America to support is ridiculous. 4 ok song, but should not be viewed as a litmus test for patriotism. On the positive side, it has a nostalgic feeling that takes me back to my youth. On the negative side, it mixes religion -- and worse, a specific religion -- with "America". I don't believe in God so "God Bless America" makes no sense to me. Also on the negative side, I cannot stand it being sung at baseball games, and further, what REALLY pisses me off as a loyal, patriotic American is that people are directed to take their hats off, but "God Bless America" is NOT, repeat NOT, a song for 4 which men are required to remove headwear (Only the National Anthem and Taps rate this). 4 Oveplayed 4 Over used for something that's not our national anthem 4 Over used. Leans towards jingoism vs patroitism 4 overplayed - loses its meaning 4 Overplayed now. 4 Overplayed, but powerful tone and emotional song. 4 overused Patriotism is important to me, but so is inclusion. Just as adding the words "under God" created controversy around the Pledge of Allegiance for some, this song may offend some and detract from the enjoyment of the game. Religious 4 persecution comes internally as well as externally for some. Patriotism isn't a Red of Blue thing and God isn't, but combining them kind of makes one hesitant to support a song as a 4 democrat. Sad, really. Pointless alternative anthem - played incessantly at stadiums everywhere since 9/11 - initially borne of genuine feelings of 4 patriotism, now seems mostly to serve as extension of time allowed to buy beer during games. 4 Post 9/11 it's become a commercial cliche of faux-patriotic celebrations. 4 Pretty funny that the flyers won everytime the song was played and that they invited Kate Smith to a hockey game. Pretty religiously oriented, but I like the images of physical beauty of the country. Reminds me of some stirring music to try 4 and inspire love of country. 4 Pretty song, but is being politically abused. 4 Religious songs should not be played at public outings, especially since not everyone believes in God reminds me too much of overly patriotic (and often times ignorant) "middle america". yet at the same time, i'm not going to 4 say that i dislike a patriotic song about my own country 4 SECOND FIDDLE TYPE SONG COMPARED TO THE NATIONAL ANTHEM 4 should not expect God to bless one country over another Shows the country has not moved on from the 9/11 attacks. It is played at Yankee Stadium for no reason, and to me, song is 4 losing its meaning 4 SIck of it being sung during the 7th inning of baseball games 4 Sick of it thanks to yankee stadium (big yankees fan) Somewhat overused; not exactly an ecumenical standard, nowhere near as good as America the Beautiful (see Ray Charles, 4 Super Bowl). 4 song has good energy, but it has little historical signifigance and unwanted religious references Song has lost its true or intended meaning as it is played at most sporting events, and it is questionable whether people still 4 pay attention to it, 4 song is fine if schmaltzy - now its overplayed by the Yankees 4 song is great -but I hate the hand on heart tear jerking we are the greatest country in the world attitue that accompanies it Song written in early 20th century before non-whites had the right to vote. Before women had the right to vote. So how could God possibly bless a country that practices segregation, racism, lynchings, white supremacy, and inequality. It's arrogant 4 and hypocritical. Started thinking since 9/11 it was ``thrown in your face'' by conservatives. But before that, always thought it was a gentle, 4 thoughtful, meaningful song. 4 Take it or leave it. Taken on it's own merits I have positive childhood memories of the song. I find it patriotic and usually imagine it sung by crowds. The phrases about the American landscape stir some pride and nostalgia, however, as an adult I'm not so 4 comfortable (certainly singing) with the use of "God". 4 The Bush era ruined my positive feelings for the song. The fact that I learned it in grade school, even though there's supposed to be separation of church and state, is unsettling. But, the part that actually bothers me much more is that it perpetuates an "us vs. them" mentality. ("God, please bless Our country, but not Theirs, if you don't mind.") On the other hand, it has a very pleasant melody, and, as a child, I felt somewhat 4 comforted and secure when we all sang it together; I felt safe (even though I didn't believe in God, at the time). 4 The intent of the song is good, but because it is so over-used, I think it's lost its specialness 4 The lyrics themselves are not objectionable but the song has been appropriated by the right-wing. The older I get, the more I dislike it & associate it with post 9/11 uber patriotism. I do however also associate with nostalgia 4 for my youth and a more innocent time. 4 The religious tone of the song goes against what the United States was founded upon The sentiment is okay -- "...land that I love..." because I do love this nation -- but it is jingoist and religious -- "...stand beside 4 her and guide her with the light from above..."; "....god bless..." and I could do without that. The song does remind me of childhood and is patriotic. However, I don't think "God" would bless just one country or choose 4 which countries to bless. 4 The song has a certain pretentiousness, presumption and complacency about the nation that doesn't sit right with me. The song is brilliant and wonderful, but my favorite baseball team, the Yankees, have run it into the ground 81 times a year at 4 the home stadium. I think it would be hard to listen to any song that many times. 4 The song is fine in that it allows some people to call upon their god to bless America. I, however, do not believe in a god. 4 The song is generally fine-I don't find it as inspirational or rousing as the national anthem, or even "Our Country Tis of Thee". The song is mindless cheap sentiment, but effective. It prompted Woodie Guthrie to write "This Land is Your Land" in rebuttal, which is has more meaningful lyrics and a more intereresting (less obcious) melody. After 9/11 it was imposed on 4 baseball games as a method of social control and distraction from the real issues, including drumming up war sentiment. The song itself elicits an amount of pride in my country. It does have some patriotic gravity in the form of a voluminous chorus and typically powerful vocals (although, musically and lyrically, I prefer "America the Beautiful"). However, I feel "God Bless America" -- the song and the phrase -- has been used, especially this decade, as a propaganda device (implicitly or 4 explicitly) to justify misguided policies (such as the Iraq War) that are paradoxically divorced from the spirit of the song. The song itself is a little sappy and simplistic, and I don't much care for the music. The notion itself is sweet, although I feel 4 its poorly executed in the song. 4 The song itself is fine but I've heard it so many times that its starting to wear on me. 4 the song itself is fine, but they play it every 7th inning stretch at yankee stadium, and make everyone stand, and its horrible The song itself is fine. It's fine for Yankees games too, but mandating it beyond New York it seems like Bush-era pandering that actually cheapens the feelings expressed But who will ever have the courage to say "enough?" No one in Major 4 League Baseball wants Bill O'Reilly breathing down his neck. The song's just as good as any other patriotic song (Star-Spangled Banner, Grand Ol' Flag, America the Beautiful). But the rampant patriotic connotation (and the mildly religious undertone) associated with the song has made it often unbearable 4 and, ironically, devoid of any real meaning. 4 The song's message is nice but compositionally I think it is rather boring. There is supposed to be separation of god and state. The government has pushed this song and the saying "God Bless 4 America" for many years. 4 Tired of hearing it at every game 4 tired of it being sung at every baseball game 4 too much god inserted into government 4 Too religious to be sung at sporting events. Trivial, I know, but I first heard the song when Kate Smith sang it to "guarantee" a victory for the Philadelphia Flyers against the New York Islanders, so I had an immediate dislike for it. That is part of the reason for my disliking it having been adopted by the Yankees as a permanent post-9/11 fixture. On a little more reflection, though I am an athiest, I can see how the song is inspirational and would be OK with it if it hadn't come to symbolize a rather narrow, jingoistic world view, especially in the 4 2001-2005 period. Not really the song's fault, I suppose. Until the GOP hijacked patriotism I liked the song, and thought it should have been our national anthem. After 9/11 when 4 suddenly we were some kind of cowboy nation and the song was shoved down my throat, I began to dislike it - a lot. Used to have no problem with it but it has become this almost ignored necessary evil played at events. I don't feel the same 4 way about The Star Spangled Banner. 4 Used to like the song until it was completely over used after 9/11. Now it's just rammed down our throats. 4 Used to like the song, but am now sick of it being played at Yankee games for 8 years 4 Very beautiful but I am an atheist 4 Way overplayed We already have an anthem...in terms of a sporting event, it's overkill to sing it at say, a ballgame in the 7th inning...we 4 should stick to Take Me Out To The Ballgame We have plenty of patriotic songs. America the Beautiful mentions God, but is not the focus. On the other hand, the Battle Hymn of the Republic talks about the Death of Christ, so that goes much further towards intolerance than God Bless 4 America. Well, there is nothing wrong with the song and even patriotic songs but forced public consumption of the song makes me 4 sad. "God Bless America" has become soulless and joyless. While I believe the original intent of the song is genuine, I believe its usage in contemporary society is often as a propaganda 4 tool to exploit those easily manipulated by emotional impulse (such as a contrived sense of patriotism). While I think it is a great, singable, song, I feel that it is emblematic of the unthinking patriotism that sprang up after 9/11. If 4 you don't stand up and shout this song, you must not like being American and are actually a terrorist (whatever that is). While I understand the need for patriotic songs, I literally feel like this song has been used as a cudgel to beat me into a sense of patriotism, when a beating is not necessary. It's like having dad beat you so you eat your peas while you're eating 4 your peas. This song is overused now. While listening to an instrumental version on my own terms, I love the song. I appreciate the music for what it sounds like, and the lyrics for what they express but, personally, at a Yankee game, I don't care for the theistic tone of it, especially when the 7th inning stretch suddenly became a time to enforce the "honoring" of all things "patriotic". The Yankees have turned me 4 off to the song in that respect. The way the lyrics describe the entire nation ("From the mountains...White with Foam!") strikes a chord with me. In some 5 ways, I suppose the song fill me with a strong sense of pride. 5 'Twas a fine American song until 9/11. Then, the "yer with us or against us" crowd. It loses any meaning when it's pro forma. 5 A little annoying at sporting events, but nicely partiotic 5 a moment in time when everyone is listening to the same thing with no interruptions. After 9/11 it seems to be used as a 'requirement' for patriotism. Before 9/11 you weren't 'required' to stand when it was 5 played at the ballpark. Although I feel that it maintains a rather conservative view of a bucolic America of past times (whether or not such an 5 America ever existed), it's a wonderful little song that easy to sing and rings nicely in the ears. 5 An easy-to-sing and easy-to-remember Patriotc song Associate with Philadelphia Flyers which use it as a good luck song. I like it better than national anthem - it's easier to sing 5 and makes more sense. 5 beautiful song - nice tempo and brings feelings of greatness 5 Beautiful song, easier to sing than the anthem, lyrics more powerful, makes me feel good about my country (and myself) 5 Because Irving Berlin is one of the greatest song writers ever. 5 Because it is asking God for His blessing upon our country. Before 9/11 it was just another American song; but after the attacks (and still to this day), it feels patriotic and reminds me 5 that I live in this great county that is still standing strong. Being an American who still lives in America and believes there is a God, I sure hope God blesses America because we're in 5 even more trouble than we already are if He doesn't. 5 better melody than the star spangled banner 5 Better than Star Spangled Banner 5 Better than the anthem 5 Brings back memories 5 Conjures up feelings of pride toward being American. 5 connects with childhood; pride in Jewish authorship doesn't give me the chill up the spine like the national anthem, but doesn't make me nauseous like take me out to the ball 5 game either. and there's that cooky first verse where you ask "whet the hell song is this?" and then they hit the chorus Early on in my life it was a song that closely associated with the Philadelphia Flyers because they had Kate Smith sing it at 5 every home. Later in my life I've come to associate the song with patriotism and a positive feeling towards my country. 5 Easier to sing than national anthem. 5 Easy melody, unambiguous theme. 5 Embodies a spirit of patriotism Enjoy the Tynan rendition with the prelude. Used to have a more negative assoc. with right wingers. More positive since 5 9/11. 5 evokes patriotism. song I grew up with. 5 Exalts America, under God 5 Expresses love of country Feel positive about the song. It reflects my own religious perspectives, but I feel the use of it in certain settings is 5 inappropriate. 5 From a songwriting standpoint, I think it's great. It builds and builds into the finale. It just has a lot of baggage, too. 5 Generally few it's a good uniting song 5 Gives goosebumps, especially when sang at a sporting event, like a 7th inning stretch 5 Good cadence, patriotic 5 Good lyrics, very stirring and patriotic 5 Good music. Similar to national anthem 5 good song that describes the united states 5 Good to show respect for our country 5 good tune, if a little bombastic 5 Great song about a great land! 5 great song that shouldnt be played at ballgames unless substituting for The Star Spangled Banner ala hockey games 5 Great song, beautifully written, makes one proud to be an American. 5 Great tune; rather insipid words. 5 Has a nice message, pleasant song to hear or sing. 5 I actually like the melody and the emotion with which it is generally performed (the way it builds until the end). I am always a fan of patriotism and I love hearing it, however I am a big yankee fan and the version they play in the 7th 5 inning I think is awful 5 I am an AMERICAN - and as a very religious person I think God DOES bless us. 5 I am fairly patriotic, even though nationalism and patriotism can be toxic states. I am reminded of the rise of patriotism that swept the country in the wake of Sept. 11th. At alternating times, it was heartfelt emotion or ostentatious affectation. Depending on its use, it can be meaningful and patriotic, or it can be saccharine and jingoistic. Discretion is necessary for tasteful use. I love this country, but your loyalty to its ideals should not be judged on 5 the basis of how loudly you sing. I associate the song in the same regard as the national anthem and believe anyone who gets overly tied up with the references to god in the song are missing the intended message of being thankful and proud of the Country. Also, hearing 5 Ronan Tynan sing the song is just amazing, his rendition and voice may be half the reason I accept the song so easily. I associate the song with Ronan Tynan singing it at Yankee stadium during the 2001 playoffs after 9/11. It was such an 5 emotional time and the way he sang it was just amazing. It always gives me chills 5 I believe in God and I believe in America. 5 I can't help associating it with the spoof "God bless my underwear," which I learned from a girl I had a crush on in college. 5 I enjoy patriotic songs. Although I do not personally connect to the religious aspects, it resonates just the same. I enjoy the melody and the sentiment, but it should not enjoy the quasi-official status it does, as it violates the separation of 5 religion and state 5 I enjoy the song, but often it could be sung better at baseball games. I feel it draws the singer/listener back to the ideals of freedom and liberty as an individual in a self-governing society, where our personal faith becomes our governing force, and God responds with blessings for a nation that acknowledges him and 5 honors his creation by not encroaching on the freedoms he grants us. 5 I feel it is a nice patriotic song. 5 I feel it is an appropriate song to honor the freedoms we have in our country. 5 I feel like it is a great song that shows how great it is to be American. 5 I find the melody more pleasing than other "patriotic" songs. I generally judge songs by the music, not the words. I just think it is a well-composed song, with a nice arc to it. Additionally, 5 I think its description of America and the images it depicts is a nice reminder of what America once was. 5 I generally like it, but I do prefer patriotic songs that make less overt references to a deity. 5 I guess it's a good song about patriotism. 5 I had no feelings in particular prior to 9/11, and since then I've felt protective of our nation and have related to the song more. 5 I have always rather liked it as a nice song, until recently when it has been coopted by the right. I hear it every time I attend/watch a Yankee game, nearly always sung by Kate Smith (a recording of the song, of course). I 5 like the way it sounds and actually prefer it to the Star Spangled Banner in many ways. 5 I just think it is a beautiful sentiment. 5 I like it because this song is about America in general. It isn't hard to remember the lyrics... I like it becuase it is patriotic and I have good memories but I hear it at least 82 times a summer when i watch the Yankees 5 games. 5 I like it but I don't need to hear it during every Yankees game 5 I like it, but feel it gets overplayed in certain situations 5 i like my country and support it during a time of war. 5 I like songs about the US 5 I like that it deals with the land and light rather than war like the Star Spangled Banner does. Plus I love Irving Berlin's music. 5 I like that it expresses patriotism toward America, and what it is about. 5 I like that the song reminds people of being an American. 5 I like the direct appeal to God to bless our land. 5 I like the lyrics. 5 I like the melody, I like the message. 5 I like the plea for God to help "The Land that I Love." I like the song and the lyrics, but feel it is overplayed. I also feel that it has become a way for conservatives to measure 5 patriotism. I like the song because I believe in God and I do pray for spiritual guidance and direction for the country and its leaders. However, it does seem to directly conflict with the separation of Church and State by directly mixing the two and I could see 5 how it would impose beliefs on those who oppose religious convictions. 5 I like the song because it isn't as wordy as the national anthem and the tune is better. 5 I like the song if it's sung well. It's brief, to the point, and the ending can really get you all fired up and fill you with patriotism. 5 I like the song just fine, but see answers to #13 & #14 I like the song, and still believe it or America the Beautiful would be a better national anthem for the U.S. It's a nice song 5 praising our nation, but can be offensive if you don't believe in God, which is why it should not be our national anthem. I like the song, as just that, a song. Like much of Mr. Berlin's work he grasped the sentiments of many Americans that we 5 lived in an extrodinary country, if not quite the reality, certainly the dream of many that all things were possible in America. 5 I like the song, but feel it has lost meaning over the years by being over played. I like the song. Oddly I consider myself liberal, but I like the song despite the fact I sometimes associated it with conservativism. I feel as though the song is clung to by some extreme conservatives. As far as Sporting events (of which I attend a lot maybe 30 a year) I like it as an alternative/companion to the Anthem. For instance during the 08 World Series gm 5 which was split over two days, God Bless America was used to open the 2nd half (Day)of the game. I also 5 would like to see America the Beautiful get more recognition as a national song. 5 I like the song. I don't like it being shoved down our throats at Yankee Stadium game after game. 5 I like the tune and it conjures up images of America. Don't like the religious overtone to it, though. i like the way it sounds and i like paying tribute to america. but at the same time, i'm uncomfortable about the connection 5 with God, i'm a big believer in the separation of church and state. 5 I like the way it's written, and the history of it. But I've gotten pretty tired of hearing it at ballgames lately. 5 I like this song much more than either the Star Spangled Banner or America. 5 I like what the words convey about our society. 5 I lke the images it paints. and i do love this country. 5 I llike it better than the National Anthem which is based on war things which I find distasteful. I prefer that it is sung in an upbeat and rousing manner rather than a more serious solemn self-consciously patriotic way as is often done. I don't think it matches the spirit of the song and is just done to impress upon the listener a forced patriotism. So 5 if it's done like Kate Smith I like it a lot. If it's done like a lot of country music people tend to do it, then I don't. 5 I prefer the Star Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, and Battle Hymn of the Republic 5 i seems patriotic I sort of like hokey, patriotic songs. Conjures up images of small town Americana, where everyone knows each other, looks 5 out for each other, etc. 5 I think it better reflects our country than the national anthem and it just is a song about why the writer loved our country. 5 I think it encourages patriotism and expresses the love of America and its bounties well. 5 I think it has a nice melody and a message, though I wish the religious overtones were not as strong. 5 I think it is a good song; I do not enjoy being told to sing it I think it is a nice song and it reminds me of baseball and summer because they randomly sing the song almost every week 5 at the church I go to in the summer (and, of course, at Yankees games). 5 I think it is a prettier song than our anthem, and should replace it I think it would be a significantly better national anthem than the Star Spangled Banner and based on that alone I feel it's 5 necessary to like it in case I ever get in an argument with someone whom disagrees. 5 I think it's a fantastic song to characterize and pay tribute to the United States. 5 I think it's a great song, it probably would function as a National Anthem much better than the Star Spangled Banner 5 I think it's a nice representation of American ideals, although I could certainly live without the God stuff. I think it's a song that exemplifies the American spirit more-so than the Star Spangled Banner- it should be the national 5 anthem I think that it allows you to feel pride in your country, without expressing other political points of view. It is not a hokey song, but one that is classic and easy to learn and sing. Also, even though it is "God" Bless America, I don't feel that there are 5 strong religious undertones. I think that it is a beautiful song - in many ways more melodic and representative than our national anthem - but am not 5 thrilled about the religious undertones of the song itself. 5 I think that it should be the national anthem. 5 I think the lyrics are a good description of our country, both our spirit and landscape. 5 i think the song expressed Mr. Berlin's heartfelt love for this country, I think the song is a fine one, I like the tradition of patriotic songs, though this one is one of least favorite -- I prefer "America 5 the Beautiful." 5 I think this song ranks with the Pledge of Allegiance" and "The Star Spangled Banner". It is about love of country. 5 I was upset when people at my church referred to it as a hymn. It is not a hymn, just a nice song. I'd say I like the performance of the song more than the actual lyrics or music. When I hear it that now means I am usually 5 watching baseball and that pleases me. 5 I'm religious and patriotic 5 I've always liked the song. It talks about some of the things that make America great. 5 If sung properly, it's actually pretty good. 5 inspires people to celebrate America, which I dearly love. 5 inspiring Irving Berlin wrote a lot of great, timeless songs. This one is such a wonderful tribute to his adopted home. When done well 5 (which it so often isn't), it's an inspiring -- and fun -- song. It expresses a love of country in a humble way, in that it asks for God's blessing and strengthening of our country in terms of 5 making all of us better people. 5 It brings back good memories of singing in school choir, it has a nice melody, it is optimistic/upbeat It brings good memories - it also feels like a way to pay tribute to the country. I'm a liberal, but that doesn't mean I don't love 5 the USA even if I don't always agree with it. Also, it's much easier to sing than the Star-Spangled Banner. 5 It brings to mind imagery of beautiful place across the country. 5 It causes me to pause and reflect on the natural beauty of the land we live in, and of the freedom we enjoy 5 It embodies what the nation is all about. We will remain strong so long as we trust in God, he will guide us. 5 it evokes the majesty and vastness of our country 5 It expresses that we still enjoy freedom in the United States of America. 5 it has a better tune than the star spangled banner. It has a catchy tune and easy to understand words and a song about our nation's greatness and the ideals Americans strive 5 for. It has always been a secondary song to me to the National Anthem. I am sometimes upset that it has taken such a large role in the post 911 age, to the point that men are now expected to remove their hats when that should be the status for the Star 5 Spangled Banner. 5 It historically has had an uplifting feel and of course it is easier to sing than the Star Spangled Banner. 5 It inspires patriotism in all of us, something that can be lacking once in a while. 5 It is a beautiful melody that does not get old. It is stimulating. It was written by a Jew. 5 It is a connection to the (relatively) distant past. 5 It is a fair patriotic song. Harkens back to an older era. 5 It is a good patriotic song that everyone can participate in It is a good song, often performed well. Never the less, I feel that post Vietnam-war era, the media and the Republican party 5 have made their brand of patriotism almost required, and thus I have some negative associations with the song It is a good song. I like it's statement. I'm a big believer of seperation of church and state and i would like it more if it wasn't "god", but I see the song as a national song not religious. It is wishing our country well. That is my personal take on it. I could be offended by it as an athiest but i choose not to be. I think it has a good message even if i don't agree with some of the 5 wording. 5 It is a nice simple alternative to other hymns. 5 It is a powerful song about asking God to bless America. 5 It is a prayer for something I value. 5 It is a real anthem approraite for our country 5 It is a simple statement of national pride. 5 It is a song of pride and thanksgiving for our country. 5 It is a song that makes me think of the blessings of this country. It is a prayer for protection. 5 it is an expression of appreciation for the greatest country that this world has ever seen. 5 It is an upbeat and positive tune and words - along similar lines as America the Beautiful. it is important for americans to be reminded of the sacrifices that were made for the freedom that we all enjoy, and to 5 appreciate it rather than take it for granted 5 It is part of my American Heritage/upbringing. 5 It is part of our heritage as a country 5 It is rousing; has an esy melody that we can all join in with; goes back to a more predictable time of values. It is singable. It describes a good part of the country. It advocates love of one's country, but does not espouse any political 5 philosophy. 5 It is what it says it is, an overtly patriotic celebration of America. 5 It is, at its core, a song about our great country. 5 it just sounds good and makes me feel good 5 It makes me feel proud when I sing it at sporting events. 5 It paints a vivid picture of America...one can see the vast richness of the land when you listen to the song 5 It reminds me of my childhood. 5 it reminds me of the america of my childhood and now 911 5 It represented america, as an 'immigrant' at the age of 6 it made an impression. 5 It stirs strong feelings of patriotism in people, plus the words make more sense than those of the Star Spangled Banner 5 It tends to express my personal feelings about my country in a more straighforward fashion than our national anthem. 5 It unites Americans in a positive feeling about their country. 5 it was my grandfather's favorite song and it makes me think of him when i hear it 5 It was one of the earliest ways I was able to understand and express my patriotism. It will always remind me of a time when life was pretty simple. And with the history lessons we had had, we understood that 5 we should be very grateful for the wonderful country in which we lived. 5 It's a better song to be the anthem than Star Spangled Banner It's a descriptive song that does a very good job of evoking a sense of pride in the hearts of Americans, but at the same time, it is merely one song of many that has the ability to unite a group of people. Guess that's not a completely positive vote of 5 confidence for what it's worth. 5 It's a fine work of craftsmanship. 5 it's a good patriotic song 5 It's a good patriotic song. 5 It's a good song about America, and most people know the words from church or school. 5 It's a good song about our great country but pale in comparison to our national anthem 5 it's a good tune It's a good, well-written song that is frankly better than "The Star Spangled Banner." It should be our national anthem instead. But I've gotten REALLY tired of this insistence on singing it at nearly every sporting event in addition to the national anthem. 5 Especially in baseball, where it's now put in the seventh inning stretch in the middle of the game. 5 It's a little less belligerent than the Star Spangled Banner 5 it's a nice enough song, i prefer it to the national anthem. my favorite patriotic song is 'america the beautiful.' It's a nice little patriotic ditty with the vibe of a Sousa march. Easy to sing along to, nice descriptive lyrics, a nice focus on the 5 natural beauty of the land. 5 It's a nice patriotic song. It's a nice simple song. It's better when the introduction is sung, as when Ronan Tynan sings it at Yankee Stadium. It's NOT 5 my favorite patriotic song. I like America the Beautiful better, also the 4th verse of The Star-Spangled Banner. 5 It's a nice song 5 It's a nice song that points out some of America's beauty and wonder. 5 It's a nice song, and it probably has more to do with extolling America's greatness than the national anthem. 5 It's a nicely written song and I feel a sense of patriotism when I hear/sing it. 5 It's a patriotic song and I love my country. 5 It's a patriotic song and it's part of the American fabric. 5 It's a patriotic theme, good for national holidays like the 4th of July and such. 5 It's a short, succinct, patriotic song that (most) everyone can sing along to. 5 It's a song that talks about America and being a part of it. What's not to like? 5 It's a song written for america. It has sort of become the second national anthem. 5 It's a standard, good patriotic song. Nothing amazing, but not bad. 5 It's a standard. I like it fine as a song, but others are just as good at expressing the same sentiment. 5 It's a Tin Pan Alley remake of The Star-Spangled Banner. It's peppy, and patriotic, and has just the right bit of schmaltz. 5 It's a traditional song that is hard not to like 5 It's a very sentimental thing...my dad used to always sing it, especially on long car trips. 5 It's about America. It's beautiful and patriotic. Even though it invokes a Christian God in a song about a secular nation, I still find it powerful and 5 uplifting. 5 It's certainly not the best song about America, but it does a serviceable job. 5 It's easier to sing than the national anthem and is far more elegant. It's easier to sing than the Star Spangled Banner, is prettier and would be a better national anthem, but that will never 5 happen. 5 It's familiar, comforting. It's good, but as someone who believes in God and His sovereignty and believes that this nation as a whole disrespects and 5 disobeys Him constantly, I think it's a bit pretentious. 5 It's just a nice song about the US, and it describes all the differant parts of the country. It's like a back-up national anthem. 5 It's like the National Athem. It's a patriotic and positive. It ties people together as Americans. 5 It's memorable, nice tune, easy to sing. 5 It's not a bad song, pretty good. If they want to play it, play it INSTEAD of the National Anthem. 5 it's not bombastic 5 It's patriotic which is good. We need unifying events to remind us that we're all Americans despite differences in politics. 5 It's the perfect, quick patriotic anthem 5 It's well crafted and sincere. The melody is pleasing. 5 Its a classic and its a nice song. 5 Its a good song, not the best that we have ( I like My Country 'Tis Of Me). 5 Its a nice song 5 its a nice song, easy to know 5 Its a nice song, good lyrics, but it is not the National Anthem and should not be used as such Its a nice song. My biggest complaint is that I am very much in favor of a strict separation of church and state and I have 5 trouble grappling with that view whenever it is sung at a political or state sponsored event. 5 its a quick and honorable song 5 Its a song about America, so that alone makes it great. Its easier to sing than the anthem. But not "rockin'". 5 Kate Smith 5 Less bombastic and chauvinistic then the National Anthem... 5 Makes me feel good, but makes me feel uncomfortable because not everyone believes in God. 5 Makes me feel proud. Makes me feel proud. Singing it with 40k other new yorkers, americans, etc in Yankee stadium truly makes me understand 5 solidarity in NYC. 5 makes me proud of america 5 Memories of the glory days of the Flyers 5 much better than star spangled banner 5 Much more worthy of being our National Anthem than "The Star Bangled Banner" 5 Musically appealing. 5 Musically, I like the melody. Also, I like the lyrics and the patriotism they evoke. Musically, it is quite pleasant. It's easier to sing than the National Anthem is. Words flow quite nicely. Being the liberal atheist that I am, I sing it and listen to it without paying any attention to its meaning or its words usually. Depends totally on the 5 situation in which it is being played/heard. 5 Must be psychological; cannot explain. 5 My family raised me in a patriotic manner, and I remain that way today, so the song has deep roots. My preference for the song is two fold. 1. i prefer it to the obtuse and clumsy poetry of the star spangled banner, especially since GBA most likely doesn't have a stolen melody. 2. like i said, i'm a flyers fan, and it became a wonderful tradition to sing GBA rather than SSB. It was quirky, and a bit more apropos because, almost all of those flyers were Canadian, and 5 GBA can include them as Americans where SSB cannot. 5 Nice melody 5 Nice Song 5 Nice song nice sentiment 5 Nice Sound - Fun 5 No reason 5 nostalgia Nostalgia. Does not really carry specifically patriotic feelings as much as childhood ones, but I think that those specific 5 emotions can be re-appropriated to a general sense of "patriotism" quite easily (i.e. learning the song in Kindergarten, being in America enables a good education, etc.).

5 Not a particularly catchy tune but is pretty patriotic. 5 Not sure. Learned it in school and always liked it. 5 Not the most stirring anthem (I prefer the star spangled banner) or my favorite American song (springsteen's hits). 5 Not too bad, not wonderful, it's a nice song. ny yankees fan, as a police officer I responded to NYC after 9/11, recall tear-filled eyes off fans at yankee stadium singing along with a Kate Smith recording, yes now it seems jingoistic, but it was appropriate at the time. no, i am not a bible- 5 thumping, flag-waving conservative. I voted for Obama. In the right context it is a moving song. I'm also an agnostic. 5 patriotic 5 Patriotic 5 Patriotic 5 patriotic song 5 Patriotism is something lacking in this country. Pleasant childhood memories as a shared experience and it is, after all (IMHO) a nice tune, especially when sung by Kate 5 Smith. 5 Positive image of America. 5 Pride in my country 5 relate it to being a proud American 5 reminds me of baseball 5 Reminds me of baseball. 5 Reminds me of my childhood patriotism. 5 reminds me of the 1950's and easier times 5 Reminds me of tradition and unity. 5 Represents America 5 Seems to be an inspiring song that references God but not any specific religious group or political faction 5 Short and sweet, personification of America, how even our varied geography still ties us all together 5 should replace the national anthem as it is a better song 5 Simple yet memorable song. Evokes a strong patriotic emotion. 5 solid patriotic 5 Sounds nice. Patriotic. 5 the associations I have with the song are why I like it---the song itself is stilted and boring, old-fashioned 5 The music is pretty, very singable and words are meaningful. The song is a tribute to my country and I feel the words portray the same feelings I have for my country. I am aware that many liberals do not like the mention of the word "god" in the song. I point them to the "fact" that our nation was founded as "One nation under God". This is a very traditional song. Sure, times have changed and many people in our country are "god-less" or feel that country and god should be seperate. It's my opinion that if they don't like this song, there is nobody 5 pointing a gun at their head asking them to stand up or even sing along. The song is so overblown--no, so cheestastic--that I just gotta love it. There is some ambivalence, however. For instance, 5 references to religion or gender in nationalist gestures always gives me pause. 5 The song reflects my feelings about the US. 5 The songs reminds us that we are one nation, that we are blessed to live here and that we need to protect it. The swell after the bridge is really beautiful. It's certainly only one aspect and point of view of America, but it's a beautiful 5 sentiment. 5 The way the yankees took it on after 9-11 5 The words and melody are lovely. A tribute to the natural beauty of the country. 5 The words carry meaning about the struggles our country went through to become a sovereign nation. 5 The Yankees use the song as a remembrance of 9/11. 5 This is America. The song is a fun way to celebrate where we live and our freedom. A few minutes a day won't hurt anybody. though Americans in general are not patriotic per se, it reminds people of being proud of our country more so than the 5 national anthem. Though I don't find the song particularly deep, it recognizes God's hand on America and His grace that has enabled us to 5 enjoy being in the greatest and most beautiful country on earth 5 To me, the song expresses hope that our country can do the right things and persevere through adversity. 5 Tradition. It's been part of my life since I was a child. Patriotic. 5 Traditional song that brings people together. Until this survey, I never really thought about the "God" part of the song. I'm an agnostic and it doesn't bother me. I see the song as being about appreciating what we have here. But now I see that others could be offended and/or use the song as 5 some kind of ammunition. 5 uplifting, reminds me of my country and things to be proud of like those serving in the armed forces. 5 Very patriotic, confers a sense of American pride. We were kids in the 40's and we associate it with G.I.'s and WW II. We've just always known it, it seems. It's not as 5 important as "America the Beautifuful," or "My Country T'is of Thee". Well, I think every country has their own song, and this one is ours. It's fine, but you wouldn't find me putting it on at a party 5 or something. 5 What is not to like? While I am not a very religious person, or all that spiritual for that matter, I enjoy the song's message of hope without taking it 5 too literally. Wrong to dislike it... it's just played every 7th inning and I don't miss many games... it is annoying. Lost it's original appeal. 5 The national anthem is enough. This is not Soviet Russia. 5 Yankees Fans never forget! 6 The song says alot about our country in a very singable way 6 1) I like patriotic songs. 2) I watch the Yankees often and associate it with baseball. 6 A beautiful song about the the counrty I live in and love. 6 A prayer for our country put into a song that is just wonderful. 6 Affirmative and partriotic. All I can remember is after 9/11 there was an outpouring of patriotism and a return to God in this country. I associate God 6 Bless America with that and that is a good thing. Although I am not Canadian, I grew up in NYC. This song represents my childhood, I have fond memories, and a part of me 6 will always be American. This song is representative of that. As patriotic American songs go, it is more tuneful than the "Star-Spangled Banner," and in contrast to "The Stars and Stripes Forever," it has words. So, I'm a fan of the song. Having said that, as a patriotic atheist, I have some qualms about the idea 6 of God blessing America, then guiding her "through the night with a light from above." It feels exclusionary to me. 6 associate it with the tremendous feeling of community in the USA in the immediate aftermath of 9/11. 6 beautiful lyrics about a beautiful country wonderful tune 6 Beautifully written song 6 Beautifully written, great music 6 Because it honors America Because it was one of the first songs I learned in grade school, and because it has been a mainstay at Yankee Stadium 6 since 9-11. There is nothing like hearing 57,000 singing it in unison. 6 Because it's a good reminder of what made this country what it is, and why people should always remember it. 6 Better than national anthem. 6 Brings Americans together 6 brings vibes of pride and patriotism 6 Confirms part of my identity 6 conservative, religious upbringing and played major league baseball deeply ambivalent feelings. the same way i feel about liking britney spears "oops i did it again." i don't like that it's so big on god when it's a song that is associated with patriotism and politics too. i don't think god should be part of that discussion and 6 yet, as i said in question 8, i "really like" it. 6 describes the natural, beautiful, characteristics of our country.... 6 Devotion to God and country 6 Easier to sing than Star Spangled Banner. 6 enjoy the words and the melody, plus the history of the song Every once in a while, it's not such a bad thing to reflect upon how fortunate we are to be living in such a diverse and 6 amazing Country and be grateful / appreciative about it. In that sense, we are all truly "blessed". 6 Every year on July 4th we would all sing it together,I also love that I can still sing it at baseball games. 6 expresses our love of the entire US 6 fantastic melody, great lyrics combine to create patriotic mood... Great combination of patriotic lyrics with a good musical tune. Easy to sing & remember the words. Words are very stirring, 6 combining love of country with love of God. 6 Great concept 6 Great way to honor our country. 6 Having pride in one's country is extremely important, and this song embodies the American spirit i am a singer and it is my dream to sing at a sporting event. since they adopted 'god bless america' as the 7th inning song, i 6 became entirely excited because i can acutally sing that song - a friendlier range than the star spangled banner. I am proud to be an American and this is a song that stirs those emotions even stronger. I can't carry a tune and yet I belt 6 this song out and I don't care who hears it. Besides, this country and it's people could use a ton of blessings from above. 6 I am very patriotic and love all patrioic songs and marches. I began a tradition at Notre Dame unitversity after 9/11---the ushers that work inside the stadium gather at Gate D before the opening of the gates and sing the song now...it started the first home game after 9/11 and has grown to be a big part of the 6 game day experience for fans. 6 I believe in God, so the song makes sense. 6 I believe our country is blessed by God and the Founding Fathers wanted this to be a godly country/ I believe this song is open to a person's own interpretation. When someone hears it they an mold it to their own personal 6 perspective on life. It also reminds me of baseball which is my number one hobby. 6 I do not mind mixing belief in God withI love of my countryt. I don't know why I like the song, I just do. To be honest, I don't know the beginning part but few people do and it is hardly ever sung anyway. It is considerably shorter and more tuneful than interminable 'Star-Spangled Banner.' It is less jingoistic 6 too. I don't like the idea that we're asking God to bless us...it should be more that we're thanking God for blessing us. We Americans are pretty greedy always wanting more blessings. I do however really enjoy this song. I think people relate to it 6 better than our actual National Anthem. 6 i feel it is a beautiful song those pays homage to a great nation. 6 I feel it would be a better song for our National Anthem 6 I feel proud to be American when I hear it. I feel that anytime I can combine my faith with my favorite baseball team and sport, it is a good thing. Also, it gives 50,000 6 people a reminder that god does bless america. 6 I feel that the song shows patritism and reverence for those who died fighting for our freedoms. I grew up in the midwest & it was one of the few popular songs that included my part of the world - the spacious skies & the amber waves of grain. It has always seemed very beautiful to me, both in the words & the soaring melody, & always reminds 6 me that as the child of immigrants, I am fortunate to be able to live here. I had a completely different feeling about it before 9/11. I loved the song and loved to sing it growing up. I liked the words of expanse: "from the mountains to the prairies etc." Now I feel it is being used to stress that GOD favors the USA over other 6 countries and I don't agree with that. So I now have a mixed feeling about the song. I see that what I wrote applies below. I have performed the song many times before large crowds at baseball games. The melody is much more singable than Star Spangled Banner, in a number of keys. If SSB isn't started at just the right spot, most people cannot make the high notes. 6 The melody of GBA, in addition, is very stirring and moving, not so militaristic. I learned the song from my family, so I have fond memories of sing-alongs in the car when I was a kid. Now, I usually hear the song at Yankees games, preceded by a moment of prayer for our servicemen. It inspires me and makes me grateful for the freedoms I have and the sacrifices others have made for our country. By asking God's blessing on us, it implies that our 6 country's strengths are gifts that we need to thank him for. 6 i like it 6 I like songs about America. I don't love bringing God into it, but it's a likable song and easy to sing. 6 I like the crescendos in the song that evoke strong patriotic emotions and the finishing flourish. 6 I like the idea of God blessing America. I like the tune and the words. Also, the range isn't too wide between the high and low notes -- so it's easy for people to sing 6 along with. 6 I love America 6 I love God & America 6 I love God...love my country...it's a better song than the Star Spangled Banner 6 I love it. Especially during the 7th inning stretch at MLB Games 6 I love my country and am thankful for the freedom it affords it citizens 6 I love my Country and want my God's favor. 6 i love the song. It reminds me of all our servicemen that are fighting for our freedom. 6 I love this country. I feel that freedom to sing this song at games should be included for ever. I really like it and think it is used well in baseball games. I actually do not believe in god but I think the song is a part of a 6 greater showing of remembrance and a show of strength of our country. I remember the song from school. But what impacted me was 9/11 and when the Yankees had Ronan Tynan sing the song 6 only a week or so after the event. It took me away from what happened just for a few hours. I resent the way it has been co-opted by the right wing and hate its cheap usage at baseball games, particularly at Yankee Stadium. I sang it with a bunch of school kids three days ago at the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the incorporation 6 of Truro, MA and felt honored to do so. I think God Bless America is a very patriotic song. I think it is just as appropriate as playing the national anthem before the 6 start of each game. 6 I think it is a great and complex song through its' many verses. I think it is a great song and it helps us understand why we should be blessed - even for people who would think that the 6 country is not great. I think it portrays the beliefs on which this country was founded. America was founded with a basis of freedom of religion, not 6 freedom from religion. Anyone who complains as such is far too sensitive. 6 I think it should be our national anthem 6 I think it's much more singable (if that's a word) than the Star Spangled Banner. And I like the "big finish" of the song. 6 I think that it is a song that celebrates the great things about our county and is something we can all feel united about I think the song celebrates America and the national pride most people feel for their own country. Even if you don't agree with everything your country does, I still think most people have a deep love for where they were born. I do, and I think this 6 simple song perfectly displays that affection and kind of protection you feel for it. I was brought up to appreciate the freedoms we enjoy in this country and appreciate those who have made the ultimate 6 sacrifice for those freedoms and eventually I came to believe in God also!! I wish we could sing this instead of the current anthem that no one can sing. Philly Flyers played it on the way to the 6 Stanley Cup 6 I'm a patriotic person. 6 I'm an American I'm not religious at all, but I like the melody and the words. It has a rather majestic way about it and far better than our current national anthem. Without the emphasis on God, I'd probably prefer it to the current anthem. Although prefer America the 6 Beautiful over both for the anthem. I've sung the song and played it on the piano, alone and in groups. I no longer see it either for its history or the attempt to use it politically. It is a well known song that lets people permit themselves to express patriotism or just sing a good shared song, with harmony if possible. The intro recalls WW II as a background but while the intro is an important part of the song, 6 the recall is not as important as the currency of self- and shared expression. I've sung, played, conducted, and arranged this song with groups from elementary school singers and band to college band 6 to marching band to barbershop chorus. It's a great song and a crowd-pleaser. 6 In a word 'Patriotism'! Also, togetherness and that wonderful feeling the camaraderie of loving one’s homeland. 6 It always makes me think of my friends and family that protect and serve, if its police officers or marines. 6 It brought my favorite hockey team good luck 6 It celebrates our country 6 It chokes me up, because I'm an important part of the song. 6 It demonstrates a belief in God and a strong feeling for the land of your birth. 6 It drives the socialist liberals crazy and that brings me great joy. 6 It expresses a love of country that I feel strongly. 6 It expresses both my religious and patriotic feelings about the greatest country in the world 6 It has Beautiful lyrics and melody 6 it has beautiful lyrics and stirs in me a feeling of patriotism 6 It is a classic song, and as a musicial, I find it appealing to listen to. 6 It is a good song that I love to hear, while I may not know all the words it is such a traditional song 6 It is a great Patriotic song. 6 It is a nice homage to our country. 6 It is a song that gives me a sense of pride in my country. 6 It is a song that I associate with coming together as a country and being proud of what we are. It is a very beautiful patriotic song specific to America, and it is much nicer to either sing or hear sung than the Star Spangled 6 Banner 6 It is a very nice, patriotic song. 6 It is a way to remember the soldiers in Iraq when the news has forgotten them. 6 It is an apolitical song that seeks a blessing upon our country. 6 It is an upbeat song, and describes our beautiful country 6 It is easy to sing and tells what a great country we live in. 6 It is great tune. And has great lyrics. And evokes strong patriotic emotions. 6 It is part of my Amerifcan fabric.... It is reverently patriotic, calling upon the traditions found in the Declaration of Independence and thoughts of Founding 6 Fathers, plus sustaining the home front's patriotism during World War II 6 It just very expressive adn makes me feel proud. 6 It links the strength, beauty and solidarity of our nation to the grace of God 6 It makes me feel a sense of pride to be an American 6 It makes me feel good about being an American 6 It makes me feel great about my country and the citizens of my country 6 It makes me feel proud to be an American. 6 It makes me proud of our fore fathers and the people who defend our way of life. 6 it makes me proud to be American. The beauty of America and that it is the greatest country on earth. 6 It makes us realize that we are all one. 6 It points to the beginnings of this Country, and the foundations that HAD made it great through the years. 6 It recognizes God's help in our nation's history, and asks him to continue to help us. It recognizes that God is in control and we need His guidance and His blessings upon us and our land to prosper and even to 6 survive 6 It reminds me how proud i should be to be an american it reminds me of the 2001 yankees playoff run. that is when they started having it sung before the bottom of the 7th as a 9/11 tribute. since that time they always bring out ronan tynan to sing it at big games, while playing kate smith's rendition for 6 normal games. i am a die hard yankees fan. 6 It reminds me of the birth of thecountry 6 it represents the spirit of this nation 6 It serves to honor those who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of our country. 6 It should be played over and over again whenever and whereever. 6 It shows our love for our country. 6 It stands for the resources and freedom of this country. 6 It was a needed way of bringing the country together after 9-11 and would make an awesome national anthem. 6 It!s our song about our country. It's a beautiful song that's easy to sing. It lifts my spirits. I look forward to singing it at every game I attend at Yankee 6 Stadium. It's a beautiful song written about my country which I love and it makes me proud to be an american. The lyrics describe the 6 landscape and beauty of America. 6 It's a beautifully composed song It's a great song by one of the great American song writers, and it's near and dear to my heart because I played it with the 6 UK Wildcat Marching Band at every pregame show for four years. 6 It's a great song. 6 It's a more logical choice for the American National Anthem. 6 It's a really pognant, emotional song. 6 it's a rousing, positive song about america. i do wish the word "god" wasn't part of it It's about America, and the love one holds for their country. Honestly, it really doesn't matter if you are religious, or have differing religious views other than Christianity. I mean, it really is saying what ever God you believe in, that being blessed 6 our wonderful country. 6 It's about freedom. 6 It's about our great country and everything the United States stands for. Freedom, opportunity, honor. 6 It's about our home and the great country we live in. Its a beautiful song. 6 it's all about "values" 6 It's an elegant, pithy paean to a country that I happen to love so much, I moved here. 6 It's patriotic and I love the USA 6 It's patriotic and makes everyone who sings/hears it feel uplifted 6 It's simple yet powerful, has strong images of love for our country and wanting it protected. It's the one patriotic song that expresses the real, eternal reason one should be patriotic--not because our country is The 6 Best (which it may not always be), but because our country is Our Home (which it will always be). 6 It's well written, has good lyrics, and inspires a patriotic feeling. it's written by an American and it's a great song.....its smoother than our official anthem yet appropriate enough for thousands 6 to accept it, especially at sporting events 6 It'seasier to sing than theAthem. Covers the gamut of all partspof the country. Places God in a Protecting position 6 its a good song, pleasant melody 6 Its a great song !. Its nice to have patriotic song to remind us that we live in the greatest country in the world 6 Its almost like a prayer. 6 Its apart of the American way 6 Its just a great overall song. Short, to the point. 6 its powerfull and patriotic 6 Lot's of emotion and All American Spirit in the song 6 love it because it's a perfect song for our country. 6 Love it, it just sounds great and makes me feel proud 6 Love my country 6 love of God and country-----we need more than we, as humans, can supply 6 Love USA 6 Lyrically its a beautiful song but more than that it literally gives me chills with every good performance of it. 6 Makes me feel good about my country - and easy to sing!! 6 Makes me feel good when I hear it. makes me proud of my country and brings back memories of a time in our history that was simpler. Also it makes me think 6 about all those who sacrificed for our freedom. Makes us think about the beautiful land that we live (America) and makes us THANK GOD, a more superior being, for all our 6 blessings. This song should still be sung and taught to our children, grandchildren and go on forever. My wife has an extended family in North Carolina, where there is a July 4 picnic every year attended by about 150 people. It's at an enclave of summer houses in the woods of a small town. Most attendees are from that area, but some from as far away as New Haven (us). I may be the only non -WASP on the premises . They are not hillbillies, but academics, lawyers and other white collar people. Before the picnic, the host, a wealthy man who lives on the premises and has a winery nearby, makes some announcements (such as his son is going to Iraq), and then, before we eat, we sing God Bless America. I find it very moving. I can't tell, however, if the fact that it was written by Irving Berlin, the only Jew there except 6 me, is a factor. This picnic would make a great documentary. 6 Nice, patriotic song 6 Patriotic 6 Patriotic - love of America - American values - God 6 Patriotic song that reminds me to appreciate the country we live in. 6 Patriotism feels good People always say to pray for our country's leaders, whether one agrees with them or not. All this song is is a melodical 6 prayer, asking God to bless us, stand beside us, and guide us. Nothing wrong with that. 6 personal feeling 6 Proud to be an American. 6 Pure patriotism with engaging tune & lyrics. 6 Reminds me of the resiliency of America after the 9/11 attacks....great addition to the 7th inning stretch 6 Should be the National Anthem 6 Song makes me feel proud to be an American The description of the United States and the pride I fill with for this great country should mske everyone feel the passion and 6 love for their country. The inclusiveness and sense of love for an entity larger than oneself, without a sense of blind loyalty. I espsecially like (after 'God bless America' the line 'land that I love'. I do not associate a blind allegiance to a political entity with this song or an 6 overriding sense of religgious affiliation. 6 The music flows well, the sentiments bring to mind a feeling of national pride. The song allows us to reflect on the greatness of our nation and our freedom. These things should never be taken for 6 granted. 6 The song explains the depth and breadth of our magnificent country, and our passion/patriotism. The song has always seemed like a very personal prayer to me, with the second line of "Land that I love" being very key... 6 we pray for our nation the way that a man would pray for his wife or child. The song invokes thoughts of the men and women serving our country, reminds me of what a great country we live in, and 6 overall just makes me feel positive about the USA. The song makes you remember 9/11 and how this country truly came together. It's a song/prayer for God to keep us together 6 and guide us to a great future, not divided but united. 6 There is no good greater than God's blessing that could come on a person or land. 6 This is a great song to sing at America's pastime..baseball. This song embodies the pure unbridled love of our country that stems from amazement at the New World's abundant resources from the point of view of the Puritan work ethic. I do not know of another song that celebrates the American 6 wealth of resources and pride in such a short, poignant, heartfelt way. 6 This song is the essence of America This song reminds us all that we live in a great country, that we should be proud of. In today's society, in the shadow of 6 overly critical media coverage, that is often forgotten. 6 To me the song is about love of country. When I hear it, it makes me grateful for those who have served our country. Too often people take for granted the opportunities and freedoms, the beauty and grandeur this country offers. The song 6 serves as a reminder to be thankful and as an inspiration to keep the faith. 6 Touches my heart and renews my spirit. 6 Traditional patritic song that makes you remember all of the brave soldiers who loost their lives for the liberty of our country. 6 Uplifting and evokes emotion 6 Very Patriotic 6 Very patriotic song! Love that it is played at every Yankee home game 6 We should love God and our country. A way to feel connected! Written by the Russian-born son of a Rabbi, the song evokes the majesty of our country, and conveys its huge width "from 6 sea to shining sea", and extols its endless possibilities unique in all the world. good song. nice melody. words of patriotic pride. I have mixed feelings about God Bless America because while I like the song from a musical standpoint (nice melody, strong chorus, etc), I have some trouble with the lyrics. I'm not a big fan of invoking any god or spiritual being in connection with the country. It's more a matter of my own personal religious and political beliefs than the song God Bless America itself. The song is pleasant enough. The tune is decent as are the lyrics