kansas
song for america
Virgin land of forest green, dark and stormy plains, here all life abounds Sunlit valley, mountain fields, unseen in the rain, here all life abounds No man rules this land, no human hand has soiled this paradise Waiting patiently, so much to see, so rich in Earth's delights Painted desert, sequined sky, stars that fill the night, here all life abounds Rivers flowing to the sea, sunshine pure and bright, here all life abounds No man rules this land, no human hand has soiled this paradise Waiting patiently, so much to see, so rich in Earth's delights So the maiden lies in waiting, for the sails to reach the shore Land of beauty and abundance, innocent, you opened wide your door Wanderers found the waiting treasure, full of gifts beyond their measure Milk and honey for our pleasure..... Across the sea there came a multitude, sailing ships upon the wave Filled with visions of Utopia, and the freedom that they crave Ravage, plunder, see no wonder, rape and kill and tear asunder Chop the forest, plow it under..... Highways scar the mountainsides, buildings to the sky, people all around Houses stand in endless rows, sea to shining sea, people all around So we rule this land, and here we stand upon our paradise, Dreaming of a place, our weary race is ready to arise.