"The War" and "American Anthem"

As I watched Ken Burns' The War last Sunday, I was struck by the music and lyrics used at the end of part one. After some digging, I found the following transcript of an online chat hosted by the Washington Post on Monday, September 25, 2007 (see 'The War' - Washingtonpost.com)

Norah Jones' song: Mr. Burns: Your use of the song "American Anthem" at the end of last night's episode made for a powerful conclusion. Can you discuss your thought process in using such a relatively unknown song for that moment (and apparently elsewhere in the series) and about choosing Norah Jones to sing it. By the way, I purchased the song from iTunes right after the show. Thanks.

Ken Burns: Thank you so much. My father passed away in 2001; he was a veteran of the Second World War. When I was carrying his ashes from Michigan to New Hampshire where I live I heard an operatic version of this song on the radio and broke down and cried, as much for the cargo I was carrying as for the beauty of the tune. I contacted the composer who had intended that be recorded by a popular singer, not an opera star. We worked the haunting melody into every episode of the series but I still wanted people to hear the remarkable lyrics. I think, one of the greatest anthems ever written. I asked Norah Jones to record it and she did magnificently. And I hope that the song goes out into the bloodstream of the country in the days to come.

The composer, Gene Scheer, discusses the song in an interview on National Public Radio at Gene Scheer which features the operatic version. Here are the lyrics.

All we’ve been given by those who came before, the dream of a nation where freedom would endure. The work and prayers of centuries have brought us to this day. What shall be our legacy? What will our children say?//// Let them say of me I was one who believed in sharing the blessings I received. Let me know in my heart when my days are through, America, America I gave my best to you.//// Each generation from the plains to distant shore, with the gifts that they were given were determined to leave more. Valiant battles fought together, acts of conscience fought alone, these are the seeds from which America has grown.//// Let them say of me I was one who believed in sharing the blessings I received. Let me know in my heart when my days are through, America, America I gave my best to you.//// For those who think they have nothing to share, who fear in their hearts there is no hero there, know each quiet act of dignity is that which fortifies the soul of a nation that never dies.//// Let them say of me I was one who believed in sharing the blessings I received. Let me know in my heart when my days are through, America, America I gave my best to you. © 1998 by Gene Scheer

Norah Jones' version is available at Norah Jones - American Anthem - Free Music Download, MP3, ARTISTdirect Network (you can listen to it in its entirety online).

I prefer by far Jones' version (it fits the theme of ultimate sacrifice) to the operatic one (unrealistic stuffy feeling). However, I think I would like better the version Scheer hints at in his interview on NPR (more direct and accessible).