About the song

Background

  • Inspiration: Neil Diamond’s own family history deeply informed “America.” His grandparents were Jewish immigrants who fled persecution in Russia to seek a better life in the United States. The song serves as a tribute to their journey and the journeys of countless others.
  • The Jazz Singer: The song was written for the 1980 film “The Jazz Singer,” where Diamond starred as a cantor’s son who dreams of becoming a pop musician. “America” became a central theme within the film.
  • Beloved Anthem: The song has become a beloved anthem for immigrants and a celebration of the diverse nation the United States represents.

Lyrics

Here’s a look at some key lyrics and their meanings:

  • “Far, we’ve been traveling far / Without a home, but not without a star…”

    • Highlights the long, difficult journeys many immigrants face and the hope and determination that guide them.
  • “Got a dream to take them there / They’re coming to America…”

    • Emphasizes the allure of America as a land of opportunity and the dreams immigrants bring with them.
  • “Every time that flag’s unfurled / They’re coming to America…”

    • Connects the visual symbol of the flag to the continuous wave of people seeking a new life in the United States.

Themes

  • Immigration: The central theme of the song is the immigrant experience, capturing both the hardships and the hopeful aspirations of those coming to America.
  • American Dream: The song embodies the belief in America as a land of opportunity, where dreams can be realized through hard work and determination.
  • Resilience and Hope: It celebrates the strength and unwavering spirit of those seeking a better future.
  • Unity: Despite its focus on immigration, “America” is also a song about the collective American experience, fostering a sense of shared identity and national pride.

Video

Lyrics

Far
We’ve been traveling far
Without a home
But not without a star

Free
Only want to be free
We huddle close
Hang on to a dream

On the boats and on the planes
They’re coming to America
Never looking back again
They’re coming to America

Home, don’t it seem so far away
Oh, we’re traveling light today
In the eye of the storm
In the eye of the storm

Home, to a new and a shiny place
Make our bed, and we’ll say our grace
Freedom’s light burning warm
Freedom’s light burning warm

Everywhere around the world
They’re coming to America
Every time that flag’s unfurled
They’re coming to America

Got a dream to take them there
They’re coming to America
Got a dream they’ve come to share
They’re coming to America

They’re coming to America
They’re coming to America
They’re coming to America
They’re coming to America
Today
Today
Today
Today

Today
My country ’tis of thee
Today
Sweet land of liberty
Today
Of thee I sing
Today
Of thee I sing
Today
Today
Today
Today
Today
Today
Today