Verse 1:
* "My country, 'tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing." This opening line establishes the song's subject – the speaker's love and devotion to their country, "sweet land of liberty."
* "Land where my fathers died, Land of the Pilgrim's pride, From every mountainside Let freedom ring!" These lines celebrate the origins of the nation, referencing the sacrifices of forefathers and the legacy of the Pilgrims. The call for "freedom to ring" emphasizes the importance of liberty as a core value.
Verse 2:
* "My native country, thee, Land of the noble free, Thy name I love." This verse reaffirms the speaker's connection to their homeland and praises its citizens as "noble free."
* "I love thy rocks and rills, Thy woods and templed hills; My heart with rapture thrills Like that above." Here, the speaker expresses their love for the physical beauty of their country, evoking images of nature and inspiring a sense of awe and joy.
Verse 3:
* "Our fathers' God to thee, Author of liberty, To thee we sing." The third verse shifts focus to God, thanking him for the gift of freedom and expressing devotion to him.
* "Long may our land be bright, With freedom's holy light; Protect us by thy might, Great God, our King." This final stanza expresses a desire for the continuation of freedom in America and appeals to God for protection and guidance.
Overall Meaning:
The lyrics of "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" celebrate the ideals of freedom, liberty, and the sacrifices of those who came before. It expresses love and gratitude for the nation and its people while acknowledging the role of God in the founding and ongoing existence of the United States.