My Country ’Tis of Thee

song by Smith

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Last updated

July 22, 2026

Quick Summary

"My Country, 'Tis of Thee" is a patriotic song written by Samuel F. Smith in 1832. It is sung to the same melody as the British royal anthem "God Save the King". While not an official national anthem, it became a widely recognized and beloved song in the United States, second in popularity only to "The Star-Spangled Banner". The song expresses themes of national pride and gratitude.12

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God Save the King
Smith (1808–95) wrote “My Country ’Tis of Thee” (1832), to be sung to the British tune; it became a semiofficial anthem for the nation, second in popularity only to “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
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Smith (1808–95) wrote “My Country ’Tis of Thee” (1832), to be sung to the British tune; it became a semiofficial anthem for the nation, second in popularity only to “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Read More

List of Songs About America
My Country ’Tis of Thee
Like “Yankee Doodle,” “My Country ’Tis of Thee” is considered an alternative national anthem of the United States. Ironically, its melody is that of the United Kingdom’s national anthem, “God Save the King.” The lyrics of the American version were written by Samuel Francis Smith, a Baptist minister,…
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Like “Yankee Doodle,” “My Country ’Tis of Thee” is considered an alternative national anthem of the United States. Ironically, its melody is that of the United Kingdom’s national anthem, “God Save the King.” The lyrics of the American version were written by Samuel Francis Smith, a Baptist minister,…
Read More