In July 2024, before the presidential election, I was deeply moved by a song written by New York/Nashville recording artist and songwriter Candace Asher. It’s called “This Country ’Tis of Thee.” Asher is internationally and critically acclaimed for several top‑five hits and airplay in 12 countries in the early 2000s.
I teamed up with Candace, and together we wrote new, contemporary lyrics for “This Country ’Tis of Thee,” and together we produced the video that went live on YouTube.
At the time, Asher said: “Working on this tune with David meant the world to me. We both wanted to capture the importance of this profound American moment — one that we all must responsibly seize. It’s arguably the presidential election that will define this nation’s future.”
And now, two years later, as we approach another important election less than 20 days away, the same uncivil, dysfunctional behaviors continue to divide our nation.
As I said then, when “This Country ’Tis of Thee” first appeared, the rancor and division between Americans had reached a breaking point. We must stop obsessing over our differences and instead rediscover the common bonds of our shared humanity — bonds that can, do, and must hold us together.
Today, two years later, our political rhetoric and national divisiveness are worse than ever. The success of democracy rests on our power to harness the tensions of the day, approaching our differences as opportunities to learn, grow, and find out how to work together. Only then can Americans fulfill our Constitution’s promise — the inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. For all.
Listen to “This Country ’Tis of Thee” as it calls on every American to express their patriotism through positive, meaningful action. Don’t sit on the sidelines. Don’t wait to get started. Define what being a better American means to you and help make it real.
America has always been an exceptional country, for many reasons. From the outset, its citizens saw themselves as participants in an experiment bearing implications for all humankind. The journey that is the United States of America began 248 years ago with the motto e pluribus unum, meaning out of many, we are one. This unity has always depended on respecting and valuing our nation's diverse backgrounds and perspectives, each of which enriches our shared experience. For this motto to remain America’s foundational premise, "We the People" must once again become actively involved.
The lyrics to “This Country ’Tis of Thee” are Asher’s and my way of an appeal to action—today, as they were two years ago, and as they will be for generations to come. Since the song's release, we have heard from Americans across the country who shared how the message inspired them, from teachers using it in civics classrooms to neighbors organizing community discussions. We have received notes from listeners who said the song moved them to vote for the first time or to reach out to those with different viewpoints. These stories remind us that music can unite and motivate us, and we hope even more people will share in this spirit by taking positive steps forward.
We are a nation trying to heal herself
We’re a nation who is we.
We’re a nation who has to make tough choices now
To remain the land of the free.
We all hear the call from sea to shining sea
But leave it up to someone else to lead the way
When in fact it is up to each and every one of us.
That’s the real American way.
So what will you do — what will you say?
What stand will you take — get started today.
In each one of our dreams there is something we are trying to reach.
We must save this democracy because this country ’tis of thee.
Please listen to “This Country ’Tis of Thee” and take one step, however small, to help heal and unite America.
David Nevins is the publisher of The Fulcrum and co-founder and board chairman of the Bridge Alliance Education Fund.
