Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) wrote the most influential document in American history -- the Declaration of Independence.  As president, he more than doubled the size of the United States and sent explorers Lewis and Clark to the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase.  He was a dreamer with a passion for books and knowledge, concerned above all with ideas.  A farmer, scientist and philosopher, he found the words to express the highest of human aspirations, becoming the leading spokesman in the revolution of ideas that transformed America.  Jefferson changed the world with what he wrote.

  “We hold these truths to be sacred and undeniabe: that all men are created equal and independent, that from that equal creation they derive rights inherent and inalienable, among which are the preservation of life, and liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” -- Thomas Jefferson

 

 WHAT HE WROTE

(By Jonathan Sprout & Dave Kinnoin)

Seventh & Market Street, Philadelphia, PA,

Second floor apartment, hot summer day.

Young Mr. Jefferson, thoughts swirling in his head,

Holds high his hopes and dreams that freedom isn't dead.

History is on the brink. His pen dips into the ink.

 

Refrain: What he wrote

It was a Declaration.

What he wrote

Of an emerging nation.

What he wrote

It was a Declaration

What he wrote

Of an emerging nation.

 

We hold these truths to be self-evident

All men are created equal. And on it went.

Life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness...

He spelled democracy and nothing less.

He made it crystal clear So all the world could hear.

 

Refrain

 

Let justice kick the King out and send his troops away.

Let freedom bells ring out our Independence Day!

 

Refrain

© 2009 Kanukatunes (ASCAP) & Song Wizard Music (ASCAP)


Links:

Jefferson's Monticello