All we've been given    By those who came before    The dream of a nation    Where freedom would endure    The work and prayers    Of centuries    Have brought us to this day       What shall be our legacy?    What will our children say?    Let them say of me    I was one who believed    In sharing the blessings    I received    Let me know in my heart    When my days are through    America    America    I gave my best to you       Each generation from the plains    To distant shore with the gifts    What they were given    Were determined    To leave more    Valiant battles fought together    acts of conscience fought alone    these are the seeds    From which America has grown       Let them say of me    I was one who believed    In sharing the blessings    I received    Let me know in my heart    When my days are through    America    America    I gave my best to you       For those who think    They have nothing to share    Who fear in their hearts    There is no hero there    Know each quiet act    Of dignity is    That which fortifies    The soul of a nation    That never dies       Let them say of me    I was one who believed    In sharing the blessings    I received    Let me know in my heart    When my days are through    America    America    I gave my best to you