Big Al on America Supports You

Subject: Big Al on America Supports You
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 07:46 AM

Hi there

Got an e-mail back from The Pentagon. they have put one of my songs this website

http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/


Under musical tributes. I realise that many of you out there disagree with the actual prosecution of the war - but this is a song for the soldiers who appear to be going through a pretty tough time.

I hope some of them and you get to hear it and if possible like it - though I realise it's hardly in style young men's music.

Subject: RE: Big Al on America Supports You
From: JedMarum
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 09:43 AM

Nice article on the link - but I didn;t see the song lyrics?

Subject: RE: Big Al on America Supports You
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 11:18 AM

Congratulations, it seems to mean a lot to you to have your song recognized by this group of people, and I mean that sincerely.

I do, however, have a big problem with equating best wishes for loved ones in harms way, with support for imperialist Anglo American military adventurism, which is what I believe the US and British troops are being forced to engage in. To their and their loved ones' own detriment, and for no good cause, I might add.

But that said, I can also wish you the best of luck with your song, which is obviously heartfelt, and inspired by your father's suffering as soldier.

Subject: RE: Big Al on America Supports You
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 04:51 PM

Dear Guest,

I suppose we all hope that the idealism and selflessness of these young men is not being abused. When the WMDs didn't turn up as expected - I suppose we all wondered what the war had been for. And many of my friends were wondering along those lines, long before then.

In the end I think it all comes down to trust. The President's Dad was a WW2 veteran - so I guess he must have grown up in a house where these things were discussed and he knew what a war involves and what all its suffering encompasses.

Our own Prime Minister represents a party of strong liberal traditions. we know also, he is a man who has a strongly spiritual side and presumably takes the idea of sin pretty seriously. for that reason, I tend to trust him - and trust that he has committed our country to war only with great reluctance.


Like I said I just found the idealism of the young men being interviewed at election time, very moving. and that's what the song is about.

all the best

Big Al

Subject: RE: Big Al on America Supports You
From: DougR
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 05:00 PM

Big Al: thanks for writing this. I believe the young men and women who are serving our country far and wide will appreciate it too. I think it is especially noteworthy having been composed by someone who does not live in the U. S. We are more use to hearing our country condemned by foreighners, not praised.

DougR

Subject: RE: Big Al on America Supports You
From: freda underhill
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 06:47 AM

This song will mean a lot to anyone fighting for their country. whatever the wrongs of the war they fight in, they are young people who have laid their lives on the line and need support both while they are there, and when they try and cope with it all , if they are lucky enough to return.

Big Al, you have a big heart.

I too would like to see the lyrics, Al.

freda

Subject: SBAdd: There Is A Land Called America (A Whittle)
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 07:07 AM

here goes:-

There Is a Land Called America
(Alan Whittle)

I had travelled much that day, and still had miles to go
So I was weary and I sat me down in a place I did not know
The young man on my right was sayin', I better be moving along
The world sure needs my help today , to stop it turning wrong
I could see he was a soldier of the great United States
And I bade him stay, but he said , No sir! for I must achieve
Some things that will not wait

Oh there is a land called America
Where Freedoms bell rings clear
And no good man needs to walk that land, with the downcast heart of fear
And since in that land of America, the hope of freedom first appeared
The joyous peal of the liberty bell
Is a sound all folks hold dear.

Yes there is a land called America
Though I can't be there today
It's there my friends and family live
With humble hearts and decent ways
And while I live and while I breathe
And hold a rifle, this much is clear
Those who would hurt my people
They will live their lives in fear of me

And I wished that young man well and safe
For I knew he had to go
To face difficulty and danger
On a faroff foreign shore
But I felt such admiration for a heart so young and bold
So resolute for the stars and stripes and these truths that we hold

For we hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness

Oh there is a land called America
Where Freedoms bell rings clear
And no good man needs to walk that land, with the downcast heart of fear
And since in that land of America, the hope of freedom first appeared
The joyous peal of the liberty bell
Is a sound all folks hold dear.




©Alan Whittle 02/11/2004 11:12:46

Subject: RE: Big Al on America Supports You
From: PennyBlack
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 09:07 PM

Nice one Al - downloaded and added to "The Collection"

PB

Subject: RE: Big Al on America Supports You
From: Peace
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 09:10 PM

Good one, Al. Good one.

Subject: RE: Big Al on America Supports You
From: freightdawg
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 09:55 PM

Bravo, weelittledrummer!

Thanks so much for the lyrics, and thanks even more for the sentiment. I was deeply, deeply touched.

For all of those who have volunteered to defend the land their fathers fought and died for,

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Freightdawg.

Subject: RE: Big Al on America Supports You
From: CarolC
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 10:35 PM

I think many of the troops will love it. It's got the same feel and sound as a lot of the country music that is very popular among many people here, even young adults.

Subject: RE: Big Al on America Supports You
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 04 Jan 05 - 12:11 PM

thankyou all for all these kind comments. Got to admit I've been feeling more than a bit down recently.

Your kindness has raised my spirits a lot.

all the best

Big Al

Subject: RE: Big Al on America Supports You
From: GUEST,Roger
Date: 07 Jan 05 - 02:06 AM

A msg from the US. I am a member of the US Military and really appreciate anyone that takes the time to write a song dedicated to anyone that wears a uniform and fights for their country no matter what that country is.