Irving Berlin schreef het lied in 1918. Eigenlijk is het lied een gebed.
De tekst is in de loop der tijden wat aangepast. Hieronder de originele tekst:

While the storm clouds gather far across the sea
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer
God bless America
Land that I love
Stand beside her, and guide her
Through the night with a light from above
From the mountains, to the prairies
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, my home sweet home
God bless America, my home sweet home