Dear Old America

Album: Fanatic (2012)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart wrote this song for their highly decorated Marine corps officer father John Bushrod Wilson Jr. "The lyrics to 'Dear Old America' are written through the eyes of a soldier, when they think about what it's like to be shipped out, what it's like to be there and then what it's like to re-enter and come back and not be able to really explain to anybody over here in America what you just saw," Ann Wilson explained to Spinner: "'Dear Old America' is especially written for those men and women who have served," she continued, "those men and women who have put themselves out there on the edge, and who are trying to come home and return to the world as it is here."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Terry Jacks ("Seasons in the Sun")

Terry Jacks ("Seasons in the Sun")Songwriter Interviews

Inspired by his dear friend, "Seasons in the Sun" paid for Terry's boat, which led him away from music and into a battle with Canadian paper mills.

Strange Magnetics

Strange MagneticsSong Writing

How Bing Crosby, Les Paul, a US Army Signal Corps Officer, and the Nazis helped shape rock and Roll.

Adele

AdeleFact or Fiction

Despite her reticent personality, Adele's life and music are filled with intrigue. See if you can spot the true tales.

Weezer

WeezerFact or Fiction

Did Rivers Cuomo grow up on a commune? Why did they name their albums after colors? See how well you know your Weezer in this Fact or Fiction.

Taylor Dayne

Taylor DayneSongwriter Interviews

Taylor talks about "The Machine" - the hits, the videos and Clive Davis.

Reverend Horton Heat

Reverend Horton HeatSongwriter Interviews

The Reverend rants on psychobilly and the egghead academics he bashes in one of his more popular songs.