The Statue of Liberty sings this song; the chorus is based in part on a poem by Emma Lazarus. Vocals Alexandra Lajoux, Eric Townsend, and Sarioh Aifos. Production Jeff Severson.
country
god
jesus
bluegrass
addiction
soldiers
heartbreak
recovery
marriage
adoption
marital romance
codependency
Story behind the song
This song is dedicated to every immigrant who loves America and wants to become a citizen. Welcome home.
Lyrics
LIBERTY
By Alexandra Lajoux*
Verse 1
Jinkote sits in the cold waiting room
His number is D409.
First day off driving since June of 02
The meter says it’s his time
..in America.
Verse 2
Is he a number
Or is he a part
Of my lofty heart beating true?
If he wants to be legal
To fly with the eagle
I’ll welcome him home.
Why don’t you?
Oh America.
Chorus
Oh give me your hungry, your huddled, your poor
Yearning to breathe free!
I lift my lamp at that golden door
I am Liberty.
Verse 3
Hearts full of hope in desperate lands
Dream of a better life.
They’ll risk it all in a boat or a van
To live among us or die..
In America.
Verse 4
They'll clean or drive day and night and pay their taxes
Memorize our bill of rights
Pledge to the flag from Old Maine down to Texas
And send sons and daughters to fight
For America.
Bridge
Is it true – all men are created equal?
And is it true – they are endowed with the right to live free?
And if so, where else can they go for the sequel
To their longing but to me? (I am Liberty.)
Chorus
Oh give me your hungry, your huddled, your poor
Yearning to breathe free!
I lift my lamp at that golden door
I am Liberty.
Juanita sits in the cold waiting room ….
*Chorus paraphrased from the Emma Lazurus poem inscribed at the base of the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island, New York.