One Nation

The essence of the revue is summed up in this one song. The lyrics are thought-provoking, and the music alternates between haunting and passionate. The sequence that introduces the song (Sequence 10) is also a summary of the whole idea. Skin color, beliefs, age, address, social status, financial situation, race, etc. - these are all beside the point. We are all Americans.

Musically, the tune flows along at a clip; the 3/4 feels like it's in 1 (similar to a waltz). But it's an easy clip that sways along during the verses until it gets to the chorus, where it becomes more of a folk anthem, complete with hard acoustic guitar strumming over walls of strings and power guitars. It's very singable and very memorable. And as with the other songs in this revue, it can definitely be used outside of the revue as well.

While there is a part 2 that enters on the D.S., it isn't really a separate part. It's just an echo of part 1, making the tune a round for a while. The solo cello on the recording (played masterfully by Marjie Hanna) plays with the part 2 singers for reinforcement or substitution (in case you don't use part 2 with singers). The only other vocal division comes at measure 59 with the optional divisi into octaves. The power and drama of this section of the song would be well served by the octaves if you can pull it off. And be sure students sing with energy, accenting the notes as written.

It almost seems a little strange to refer to a halftime beat in a tune that's in 3/4, but since it feels like it's in 1, when it goes into the "every other bar" pulse, it does sound like halftime. This occurs during the chorus each time and again at the coda and on to the end. When optional claps enter after measure 48, they follow this pulse, basically aligning with the backbeat of the snare drum. At the very end, when the claps stop, performers may make the indicated gesture for final punctuation. (See note at the bottom of the music.)

If ever you're having a day when you're acutely feeling the division of opinions, parties, states, beliefs, whatever - sit down and crank up the volume of the full recording for this song. Especially after the ending, you just may find yourself with a renewed sense of hope.