[Ruth A.]

Guthrie's first public recording of the song, released in 1951, dropped these verses. The sarcastic hook of "God blessed America for me" was changed to "This land was made for you and me."

Interesting, either artistically Guthrie knew the sarcastic version would not last or financially he knew it would not sell. Without those verses and the sarcastic hook, it is a song I enjoy--not having ever known the background. My children learned to sing the song with me in the car and as it is now I still consider it a patriotic song.

[Khurkris]

"My children learned to sing the song with me in the car and as it is now I still consider it a patriotic song."

Having grwon up in the 50's & 60's my Pop was aware of the 'Fellow Traveler' mentality associated with this song back at that time.

It is not and never has been a 'patritotic song' in the USA.

[nopardons]

Sorry,even with the original words changed,it's still a COMMIE anthem,sung by stinking Commies and fellow travelers "artists" and I use that word loosely.