we chose New York City and Los Angeles, and he suggested Detroit and Houston because they both were economically part of the basis of our economy—Motortown and the oil industry, so I just poetically wrote that in the bridge." During and post his presidency, Donald Trump used the song as his entrance tune at the beginning of all of his rallies. Additionally Greenwood, a fervent Trump supporter, himself performed the song at such rallies on multiple occasions. Content In the song, the singer sings about how, if he were to lose everything he had and had to start again from scratch, he would do it in the United States because he believes his freedom is guaranteed in America. He remembers how other Americans in history had died to secure this freedom, and declares that if he is ever called upon to defend the US today, he will gladly stand up and fight because he loves the country. Music video A music video was released for this song in 1984, depicting Greenwood as a farmer who loses the family farm. The video was produced and edited by L. A. Johnson and directed by Gary Burden. A second video was released in 1991, also on VHS, and was directed by Edd Griles. A third music video was also released after the September 11, 2001, attacks. A fourth music video in collaboration with U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants and a cappella group Home Free was released on June 30, 2020. Chart history "God Bless the U.S.A." debuted on the Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart for the week of May 26, 1984. Certifications Other notable versions Canadian version In 1989, Greenwood released a Canadian version of this song called "God Bless You Canada". Jump5 version Pop group Jump5 covered the song for the September 11 attacks in October 2001, altering some of the lyrics: "And I had to start again with just my children and my wife" became "And I had to start again with just my family by my side", and "I thank my lucky stars" became "I thank my God above" to reflect the group's Christian values. Dolly Parton version Dolly Parton recorded the song for her 2003 patriotic album, For God and Country. American Idol finalists' version In 2003, the song was performed by the American Idol season two finalists and released as a single, with part of the proceeds