god bless america

yes, that's supposed to be fireworks in the corner. remember that imaginaaaaation we talked about? USE IT.

i'm a patriot. i'm not going to lie. most people who know me know how much i love my home country. i'll admit we made mistakes, and we'll make more in the future. but i'd never choose another to be home, and if you have a problem with that, then i suggest you figure out why you don't feel the same for your own home country.

but i have to say there is definitely something about hearing the national anthem that can give me chills like no other. it never fails. as a cheerleader, athlete, and a member of the dance team, i've heard my fair share of versions of the anthem, and each one affects me differently in some aspects, but one effect remains constant--the chills. it's unexplainable the emotion that overcomes me when i hear a song like 'the star spangled banner' or a song such as 'america, my country tis of thee.' i get teary-eyed thinking of all the people who have sacrificed their lives to allow us to lead such a blessed life. am i getting corny & emtional? yes. but allow me this one post to do so.

as a child, i grew tired of the boring patriotic songs that we always heard...and then i heard the chorus sing "grand ol' flag" and my melody-adoring ears perked up. i wish i could find a better version, but this portrays the beat, so you'll understand why i love that at least. the lyrics were simple enough for me to grasp the full meaning of back then, as well. i think i just enjoyed singing it, really. and it's odd, too, because my little brother was around 6 or so when he and my mom were having a conversation about patriotic songs, and he said his favorite was "grand ol' flag." SEE WHY I LOVE HIM? coolest little kid ever, i tell ya.

but anyway, essentially, this post is just to celebrate the birth of America, the beautiful, and I hope you all have a lovely weekend. I'll be gone tomorrow to celebrate with my family, but I'll likely be able to post a non-patriotic song on Sunday. (:

grand ol' flag download

NOTE: amazon has free downloads available of some patriotic songs. take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.

also, am i the only one who enjoys the songs sung by average everyday citizens rather than a choir of perfect voices? i love the realistic quality of it being sung by people who cannot sing in perfect pitch. who get emotional. it's far superior.

have a lovely fourth & may we all consume lots of pig brains & feet (hotdogs) tomorrow! and some watermelon. love me some watermelon! (: