America

Album: The Thoughts of Emerlist Davjack (Re-issue) (1967)
Charted: 21
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This hard-driving, Hammond pumping version of Leonard Bernstein's classic West Side Story show tune was described by keyboardist Keith Emerson as an instrumental protest song against the Vietnam War.
  • Bernstein was so incensed when Emerson burnt the Stars and Stripes at one of The Nice's concerts that he prevented the band putting "America" out as a single in the US.
  • Classical fans will probably recognize that Nice's arrangement includes fragments of Dvorák's "New World Symphony."
  • According to Emerson's biography, the child who can be heard speaking the "America is pregnant with promises and anticipation" lines at the end of the single version, was P. P. Arnold's three-year old son.

Comments: 1

  • Adam from West Palm Beach, FlWhat a great group this was...this has to have been Keith Emerson at his most dynamic in terms of live showmanship...
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.

Grunge Bands Quiz

Grunge Bands QuizMusic Quiz

If the name Citizen Dick means anything to you, there's a chance you'll get some of these right.

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat WorldSongwriter Interviews

Jim talks about the impact of "The Middle" and uses a tree metaphor to describe his songwriting philosophy.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

Dave Mason

Dave MasonSongwriter Interviews

Dave reveals the inspiration for "Feelin' Alright" and explains how the first song he ever wrote became the biggest hit for his band Traffic.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.