The story

On November 5, 2024, Americans elected Donald Trump to a second term as President of the United States. For many voters, the election represented a victory for common sense, a rejection of "wokeness," and a vindication of their belief that the 2020 election had been stolen. For me—and for many others—it brought a profound sense of anxiety, grief, and urgency.

I believed the election marked more than another shift in political power. I feared it signaled a deeper threat to American democracy and the beginning of a period that would test our constitutional system in ways the nation's founders could never have anticipated.

In the weeks that followed, I had many conversations with friends. Some told me, "It will be a difficult four years, but the guardrails will hold," or "Don't worry so much. America will be fine."

I hoped they were right.

But I couldn't shake the feeling that the guardrails were already beginning to fail.

Like many songwriters, I process life's joys and sorrows by writing about them. Songwriting allows me to put ideas and emotions into the world while also making sense of my own inner life.

Most of my songs explore love, loss, and the human experience. I've been deeply influenced by country, rock, and Americana songwriters, and I'm fortunate to be part of a remarkable community of musicians and songwriters here in Durham, North Carolina, who continually encourage one another's creativity.

But another part of my musical heritage reaches back to Woody Guthrie.

Woody believed that songs could bear witness to their times. He once said:

"I can't invent the news every day. Nobody can. But I can do my little job, which is to fix the day's news up to where you can sing it."

That philosophy has always resonated with me.

Not long after the election, I found myself listening once again to America the Beautiful. As always, Katharine Lee Bates's words moved me. They reminded me not only of America's beauty, but also of the ideals toward which our nation has always aspired.

As I listened, I began wondering what the song might sound like if it spoke directly to America as it is today.

That question became the seed of America the Beautiful Now.

I didn't want to replace the original hymn. I wanted to enter into a conversation with it—to honor its enduring ideals while reflecting on the challenges our country faces today, and to encourage listeners to channel their feelings into thoughtful, constructive action.

Several friends and mentors helped shape the song, especially Jon Shain (who, along with Susan Head, made significant contributions to the lyrics). I performed early versions before audiences and received invaluable feedback. Many listeners told me the song captured emotions they had been struggling to express themselves.

That encouragement led me to record the song and create this video. Jon produced it and I worked with videographer Eddie Huffman to create the video.

My hope is that, whatever your political perspective, the song encourages reflection on the kind of country we hope to build together. Democracy depends on citizens who stay informed, participate, speak up, support one another, and remain engaged in the ongoing work of self-government.

The ideals that inspired America the Beautiful are also reflected in the opening words of our Constitution:

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

Those words continue to challenge and inspire me. I hope this song encourages others to reflect on them as well.