MOURNING FOR AMERICA

(By Mike Fortunato & Michael Lehr)

 Listen to the MIDI file whilst browsing the music?
 (MIDI player for Internet Explorer and Netscape,
 try select for other browsers)

Mike Fortunato posted these lyrics to the CSO list following the tragedy of 9/11, and I felt they were very powerful and well-written. Whilst I wrote this music quite quickly, it’s taken us some time to get to the stage of presenting it reasonably. I’d originally thought that the song might date quite quickly, but I now suspect that continuing world developments may just give it a continuing relevance.

I’d also originally thought that the song would require a very arranged treatment, but was gratified to find that it also sounds to me quite effective even with simple acoustic guitar and bass. You can hear a MIDI of that approach here.

There still needs to be more work on the arrangement, but an MP3 (2.9Mb) of the current state of play can be downloaded by clicking here.

Download the sheet music and related midi file in “zipped” format (50Kb)?

(Page 1 of

(Page 2 of

Lyrics (Mike Fortunato)

I’m mourning for America
© 2002Michael Fortunato

I sit stunned in my pew,
Watching the flag-draped chest,
There in full public view
Before she’s laid to rest.
Millions hold candle lights,
Sing anthems from our past.
Through the long and somber nights
Flags fly at half-mast.

Chorus
I’m mourning for America,
The godly land I knew.
I’m mourning for America,
Wake up red, white and blue,

Thousands soon line the road,
See her processions pass by.
Emotions stir in my soul;
Kings honor her life worldwide.
Guns fire across her grave,
Taps plays as the sun goes down.
She’s carried by her brave,
Then lowered in the ground.

Chorus: I’m mourning for America,
The godly land I knew.
I’m mourning for America,
Wake up red, white and blue.

Bridge:
And I begin to cry
Remembering all her pain.
I feel a part of me die
Though her legacy remains.

I’m mourning for America,
The godly land I knew,
I’m mourning for America
Good-bye red, white and blue,
Good-bye red, white and blue,
Good-bye red, white and blue.

Reflection Home Page

Back to List of Music