“America” is a song written and performed by Neil Diamond, featured on the soundtrack of his 1977 film The Jazz Singer. The song was born out of Diamond’s own experiences and his journey through the film industry, a career path that was both triumphant and challenging for the musician. The film, which was a remake of the classic A Star is Born, starred Diamond alongside acting legend Laurence Olivier. Despite the pressures of acting and a production riddled with script rewrites and directorial changes, the film itself was a box office failure, and Diamond was awarded a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor.
However, the soundtrack was a different story. “America,” a stirring anthem about the immigrant experience and the pursuit of freedom, became a hit and remained a staple in Diamond’s live performances. The song resonated deeply with audiences and is remembered as one of the most iconic tracks from The Jazz Singer album. Despite the film’s struggles, the song’s emotional impact and Diamond’s heartfelt delivery helped solidify “America” as a timeless classic.
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)AdvertisementAdvertisement
