This edition was prepared by Aaron Giles — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
America (1770)
Staff Notation • Sacred
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America (1770) by William Billings — Lyrics
To Thee the tuneful Anthem soars,
To Thee, Our Father's God, and ours;
This wilderness we chose our seat:
To Right secur'd by Equal Laws,
From Persecution's Iron Claws,
We here have sought our calm Retreat.
See how the flocks of Jesus rise,
See how the Face of Paradise
Blooms through the Tickets of the Wild.
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About America (1770)
William Billings' America, written in 1770, is a stirring SATB anthem that reflects the religious and political sentiments of the era. The text expresses gratitude for refuge from persecution and a prayer for the blessings of liberty and religion to spread across the continent and beyond. It speaks of seeking a 'calm Retreat' secured by law and the hope for future prosperity and peace. The music, in English, would be fitting for occasions where themes of freedom, divine providence, and national aspiration are central. Its sacred nature and declarative text make it suitable for concerts or services looking to evoke a sense of historical reflection and spiritual hope.
