O, AMERICA
Words by Brendan Graham
Music by William Joseph
“In 2008, I attended a William Joseph showcase presented by David Foster in LA. A tune, I had earlier heard while walking along the hotel corridor was played on piano by William. It was called “Sweet Remembrance of You”. I instantly fell in love with the melody and William generously gave me permission to try find words to it.
While driving home to the West from Dublin, the idea of an anthem, a love anthem to America, came to mind and I decided to call the piece “O, America!”. I stopped along the way scribbling down ideas, stopping at lay-bys and farm-gates, scribbling a bit here and there, in case I’d forget. Songs come in strange ways…and you just have to go with them – having no earthly idea where they might end up… if anywhere!
So, it is a huge good fortune for William and myself that this particular song, should find its way to be performed before President Obama, President of the United States, the country for whom the song was written – and, too, in the presence of Taoiseach, Enda Kenny.
Songs always travel hopefully and sometimes, thankfully they arrive. I am thankful to Anthony Kearns for choosing to sing 'O, America!' at this prestigious occasion, between Ireland and the United States… and giving this song its moment to arrive.
This version is a new structure made for Anthony in 2012 and I never realised it was exactly 4 years to the date that I had first heard William play the melody in Hollywood.”
Anthony Kearns sings O, America at Capitol
On March 19th 2013, at the Capitol, lawmakers hosted Taoiseach Kenny and President Obama for an annual Friends of Ireland luncheon marking St. Patrick's Day, replete with bagpipes, green-and-white flowers and Guinness beer.
House Speaker John Boehner sat between Obama and Kenny, and wiped away a tear after singer Anthony Kearns sang "O' America!” The song received a standing ovation led by President Obama.
William Joseph
“In 2008, a short time after my album “Beyond” was released I performed in LA… In the audience was the world-renowned lyricist Brendan Graham… Brendan is most famous for writing the smash hit “You Raise Me Up”. He asked if he could write lyrics to the music, and to my utter surprise, the song was titled, “O' America!”. This Irishman had composed a patriotic lyric to my song!
I love my country and I am truly honoured to be a part of this song. It is my greatest desire that "O' America!" will continue to touch the hearts of the people here in America, along with people throughout the world. It is my profound intention that this song becomes a national anthem to unify and rally Americans to reclaim their optimism and patriotism. I feel that the power of the words and the music together will serve to harness an uplifting spirit and healing energy that will empower Americans to take back their country and inspire hope for a brighter future.”
