Song for America (song)

"Song for America" is the title track from the second album of American progressive rock band, Kansas. It was written by guitarist/keyboardist Kerry Livgren during the period of heavy touring for their first album. The song was released on their 1975 album Song for America, and later released as the band's third single, although it did not chart. It is known for its symphonic structure, and its lyrics showing America's state before and after colonization. It appears on most of their live albums and DVDs. The song is one of Kansas' biggest hits from their period of obscurity, appearing on most of their greatest hits and live albums.

Structure

The song begins with a 3-minute instrumental overture. It is dominated by keyboards, violin, and bass. It has a symphonic structure. About halfway through the song, there is an extended instrumental section in 9/16 time. The final section of the instrumental overture closes the song, over 10 minutes long. The single version of the song had most of the instrumental parts edited out, and is cut down to three minutes.

Live versions

Several live versions of the song have been recorded. One is featured on the live Two for the Show, that has a piano solo near the end edited out. Kansas also plays it on their new live CD/DVD There's Know Place Like Home with the Washburn symphony orchestra.

Personnel

Kerry Livgren – piano, Moog synthesizer, ARP strings
Steve Walsh – organ, ARP synthesizer, lead vocals
Robby Steinhardt – violin, vocals
Dave Hope – bass
Phil Ehart – drums, glockenspiel
Rich Williams – acoustic and electric guitars

References

Kansas

Phil Ehart Rich Williams Billy Greer David Ragsdale David Manion Ronnie Platt Zak Rizvi Kerry Livgren Dave Hope Robby Steinhardt Steve Walsh John Elefante Steve Morse Greg Robert

Studio albums	Kansas Song for America Masque Leftoverture Point of Know Return Monolith Audio-Visions Vinyl Confessions Drastic Measures Power In the Spirit of Things Freaks of Nature Always Never the Same Somewhere to Elsewhere The Prelude Implicit

Live albums	Two for the Show Live at the Whisky King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents Kansas Dust In The Wind Device – Voice – Drum There's Know Place Like Home

Compilations	The Best of Kansas Carry On The Kansas Boxed Set The Ultimate Kansas Sail On: The 30th Anniversary Collection On the Other Side Works in Progress Playlist: The Very Best of Kansas

Singles	"Song for America" "Carry On Wayward Son" "Point of Know Return" "Dust in the Wind" "Portrait (He Knew)" "People of the South Wind" "Hold On" "Play the Game Tonight" "Fight Fire With Fire" "All I Wanted"

Tours	2011 Collegiate Symphony Tour Fall 2012 Tour

Related topics	Discography Native Window

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