Dear Old America

Album: Fanatic (2012)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart wrote this song for their highly decorated Marine corps officer father John Bushrod Wilson Jr. "The lyrics to 'Dear Old America' are written through the eyes of a soldier, when they think about what it's like to be shipped out, what it's like to be there and then what it's like to re-enter and come back and not be able to really explain to anybody over here in America what you just saw," Ann Wilson explained to Spinner: "'Dear Old America' is especially written for those men and women who have served," she continued, "those men and women who have put themselves out there on the edge, and who are trying to come home and return to the world as it is here."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary MachineSong Writing

Fiona's highly-anticipated third album almost didn't make it. Here's how it finally came together after two years and a leak.

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The Remasters

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The RemastersSong Writing

Brian has unearthed outtakes by Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello and hundreds of other artists for reissues. Here's how he does it.

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet SprocketSongwriter Interviews

The "All I Want" singer went through a long depression, playing some shows when he didn't want to be alive.

Marvin Gaye

Marvin GayeFact or Fiction

Did Marvin try out with the Detroit Lions? Did he fake crazy to get out of military service? And what about the cross-dressing?

Steve Morse of Deep Purple

Steve Morse of Deep PurpleSongwriter Interviews

Deep Purple's guitarist since 1994, Steve talks about writing songs with the band and how he puts his own spin on "Smoke On The Water."

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?