Lee Greenwood

“I felt there was a need for a song that would be timeless and would be the one song that would represent our country.”

“And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.”

“I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today. 'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land. God bless the U.S.A.”

“I'm a farmer's son from California. I'm a composer and a producer. And I've been a musician my whole life.”

“We wanted to make sure that we did have a song that would unify the country.”

“I wanted to write a song that expressed my feelings about being an American.”

“Patriotism is something that should be in your heart every day, not just on the Fourth of July.”

“It's a privilege to be an American, and it's a responsibility.”

“I also have a degree in music, and I'm a classically trained pianist.”

“I think the song ['God Bless the U.S.A.'] resonates with people because it speaks to the heart of what it means to be an American.”

“My father was a farmer, and we were very, very poor.”

“From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee, across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea... Well, there's pride in every American heart.”

“When I was growing up, we didn't have much, but we had a lot of love and a lot of music.”

“I'm just a simple guy who loves his country.”

“The song came out of a pure love for my country.”