When I read Linda’s prompt yesterday, I immediately thought of the song “I Like It Here.” I did search for the lyrics and to find the writer; I did find some similar versions to what I remember but it seems that no one knows who wrote it. I’m going to use the version from my childhood as I remember it in this post.
My sisters and I used to put on little performances in our basement for a very small audience, my parents and perhaps my grandparents or Harriet and Pres, family friends who were like an honorary aunt and uncle. We would sing and act out songs we learned in school.
One I especially remember is “I Like It Here,” a patriotic number that we used to close the show, at least once that I recall.
“I like the United States of America.
I like the way we all live without fear.”
In my childhood, living without fear was pretty much a thing I could do, in my tiny, rural New England town. Today, though, there are many fears that are with us all the time – environmental destruction and climate change, gun violence, the troubling rise of authoritarianism, public displays of hate against any number of different groups of people.
“I like to vote for my choice,
speak my mind, raise my voice.
Yes, I like it here.”
Unfortunately, there are lots of laws in some states that are trying to suppress votes and to silence free speech. It’s discouraging. I appreciate the lawyers and organizations that are challenging these laws.
“I am so lucky to be in America
and I am thankful each day of the year,
for I can do as I please
’cause I’m free as the breeze.
Yes, I like it here.”
While I am happy to be here in the place that is home, the threats to our freedoms are real. We are fighting to keep them but the recent trials of insurrectionists are a stark reminder of how much danger we were in and how much of that animus still remains, even within some in government service.
“I’d like to climb to the top of a mountain so high,
raise my head to the sky,
and say how grateful am I,
for the way that I’m living
and working and giving
and helping the land I hold dear.
Yes, I like it,
I like it,
I like it here!”
I have felt that, in my small way, I’ve added to life in the United States. For most of my life, I never thought that I would leave it to live in another, but the presidency of DT made me wonder if things would be so changed that I could no longer live here.
I feel horrible for even thinking of abandoning my country and the Biden presidency gives me hope but the bizarre spectacle the once-proud Republican party has become and the staggering level of corruption that has been uncovered are a constant source of worry.
I’m trying to do my part as a citizen to get us back toward the freedom and equality to which we are called by our Constitution and laws. Millions of others are as well, including many who have more power and ability to be effective than I do.
Will it be enough?
I don’t know.
*****
Linda’s prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is to think of a song from your childhood and write. Join us! Find out more here: https://lindaghill.com/2023/05/05/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-may-6-2023/
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Joanne Corey 
As a close neighbour watching what is happening in the US my heart goes out to you all. I cannot imagine what everyone is going through, I only see what the media relates. And it is heartbreaking.
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❤ Thank you so much for your support, Neighbor! There are times when I think sanity and good will are gaining and then the next wave of hatefulness or violence starts and I wonder if our nation-hood will prevail.
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I’ve never heard this song! I do have a fond memory of creating and performing a play for parents in my friend’s basement, though I have no idea what the play was about. Thoughts of moving to another country did cross my mind during DT’s reign. Thankfully these thoughts have abated.
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I did spare everyone a recording of a personal rendition. 😉 I think a lot of us did “put on a show” for/with family and friends as children, although I wonder if that happens as often now with so many more organized youth activities these days.
I appreciate your sharing your similar thoughts about moving away. With our daughter and grandchildren permanently settled abroad, I have an additional reason that is still on my mind. The accelerating problems with violence, intolerance, and corruption don’t help matters.
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I can certainly relate to thoughts of moving to where the kids and grandkids are.
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My children were blessed to have regular contact with their grandparents. It feels strange to be so far away.
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Totally there with you. I often wonder, if, instead of the move to Cape Cod, I’d moved to Iceland (the other option) and what life would be like. I’m seriouosly considering dual citizenship with Germany, just to keep my options open. While I’m here, I’ll fight the good fight. But we’ve been warning everyone about this since Reagan, and too many turn a blind eye.
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I’ve always wanted to go to Iceland! I’m surprised that you had an opportunity to move there, as I thought they were very restrictive in allowing new residents.
I’m guessing that you have an ancestral claim on German citizenship? Do you speak German? I think that I would qualify for Italian citizenship but my high school Italian would not be sufficient for me to feel comfortable moving there.
Yes, our current political state in the US has been a long time coming and many of us have been trying to alert people to the problems and suggest practical, common-sense, democratic solutions, but the corporate dollars and hunger for power have been against us. Yes, still trying.
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I remember that song very well. I went to grade school in Chicago, and music was very important. We often had music programs where family was invited to attend. We sang many patriotic songs and this was one, I have fond memories how simple and Free it was. God Bless America. Susan
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Glad to hear that you remember this song, too, Susan!
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