🎵 Trivia of the Day
Published on November 9, 2025
Which patriotic song contains the line, “O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife”?
The correct answer is America the Beautiful. Written by Katharine Lee Bates in 1893, the song’s lyrics were inspired by her visit to Pikes Peak, Colorado. The line “O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife” appears in the third verse and honors the bravery and sacrifice of Americans who fought for freedom throughout the nation’s history.
America the Beautiful was later set to music composed by Samuel A. Ward, a church organist from Newark, New Jersey. The combination of Bates’ poetic lyrics and Ward’s uplifting melody created one of the most beloved patriotic songs in the United States. Although it has never been adopted as the official national anthem, many consider it a strong contender because of its themes of unity, faith, and gratitude for the nation’s natural beauty and moral ideals.
The verse containing the line reads:
“O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved,
And mercy more than life!
America! America! May God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness,
And every gain divine.”
Over the years, America the Beautiful has been performed by legendary artists such as Ray Charles, Whitney Houston, and Beyoncé, becoming a staple at major national events and celebrations. Its enduring message of patriotism and hope continues to resonate with Americans of every generation.
Fun fact: Katharine Lee Bates originally titled her poem “Pikes Peak.” It wasn’t until it was published in 1910 with Samuel Ward’s melody that it became known as America the Beautiful.