From the recording You, Me, and All of the Above
words and music by Kristin Lems
© 2015 Kleine Ding Music (BMI)
I entered a contest for a Chicago song with this song. They decided against having a winner, but I have a very nice autographed letter from Mayor Washington from that time. As a fifth generation Chicagoan on my mom’s side (well, OK, I’m 2 blocks from the border!), I hear my long-suffering ancestors, along with Old Cap Streeter and all the others, singing at the top of their lungs!
Lyrics
1. Set like a jewel on Lake Michigan's shore
We see you and know what a great city's for
I'll sing you this song for the dreams you've fulfilled
If you ask me, Chicago I will
2. From days of DuSable till the railroads were laid
You're a center of progress, a center of trade
Your history, your mystery still make my heart thrill
If you ask me, Chicago I will
3. So many people from so many lands
Have come with a vision and offered their hands
You grew from their courage, they strengthen you still
If you ask me, Chicago, I will
4. Great people, great movements have come through and gone
And through all the changes, you keep rollin on
Your people's ideals, they strengthen you still
If you ask me, Chicago, I will
5. This much is for certain, wherever I roam
Sweet home Chicago, you'll always be home
We'll grow old together, I'll love you until
You ask me Chicago, I will
I'll love you for now and I'll love you until
You ask me, Chicago, I will.