“With breadth of vision and energetic daring, our publishing house must steer its course right into the torrent of contemporary thought,” wrote Plough’s founding editor, Eberhard Arnold.
Welcome to Torrents, a PloughStack column.
America’s national anthem – “The Star-Spangled Banner” – is beautiful. But what if Americans could choose a second national anthem – one that would complement the first, and maybe even expand its poetic reach? Maybe the second anthem would be easier to sing? Maybe this other anthem would point to aspects of American history or identity that have been neglected or excluded – such as the Black American, Native American, or Hispanic experiences – or which developed after the “Star-Spangled Banner” was written during the War of 1812?
In today’s article, we ask a posse of Americans to weigh in.
Vincent Lloyd argues for James Weldon Johnson’s “Lift Every Voice And Sing.”
Hannah Long points out that John Denver’s “Country Roads” is already recognized as America’s unofficial national anthem around the world.
Leah Libresco Sargeant makes the case for an anthem from a musical: “Till We Meet That Day” from Ragtime.
Church musician Michael Emmerich explains that “God Bless The U.S.A.” is the most singable alternative.
Bhaskar Sunkara is torn between “My Country ’Tis of Thee” and “This Land Is Your Land.”
Nathaniel Peters wants “America the Beautiful” for its hymnic qualities.
Jay Nordlinger asks why we can’t just be happy with “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Emily McGowan believes that Phil Ochs “Power and Glory” calls Americans to the best versions of themselves.
And Chris Arnade wonders whether any song could offer a better depection of the greatest American value than Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird.”
Now it’s your turn! What would you recommend for our second anthem?
Have your say here! (Or comment below.)
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I have always wished for America the Beautiful.
I absolutely love Bruce Springsteen's "American Land," but would also strongly favor "This Land Is Your Land."