Memorial Day
I hope your Memorial Day weekend went well.
In honor of those who have given their lives in service to our country, I have chosen to review Michael W. Smith’s instrumental song “Freedom Battle.”
“Freedom Battle” was released in 2000 on Smith’s instrumental album Freedom. According to Billboard magazine, a few of the songs on the album were written with the Civil War in mind. I believe that this is one of those songs.
About the Song
“Freedom Battle” is beautifully written and excellently performed – Smith’s talent for music composition is quite evident. While listening to the song, it is very easy to picture a battle.
The song begins with a quiet and contemplative mood. Perhaps this depicts a time of peace before a war begins, or perhaps it depicts a time of prayerful preparation before battle.
The tone soon changes, however. Stringed instruments begin to warn us that a threat is creeping in.
Suddenly, the battle begins, and the intensity builds. You can picture people running, charging, chasing – and it is easy to imagine soldiers in combat.
The intensity continues to build, then ends somewhat abruptly. The tone returns to contemplative and solemn.
At this point in the song, you can picture the end of the battle – victory for some, defeat for others, and human losses on both sides.
The song closes out reverently, with a trace of both sorrow and hope, as if better times are yet to come.
Thank You
I am truly grateful for the sacrifices made by those who have given their lives in the service of our nation throughout its history. As Jesus said in John 15:13, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (New Living Translation)
You are not forgotten – and we will strive to hold fast to the freedoms you fought for and won for us so that your sacrifices will not be in vain.
And to the families of those who have made these sacrifices, I am grateful to you as well. May the wonderful memories of your loved ones bring you comfort when sorrow threatens, and may you find hope and joy in spite of loss. I pray that God gives you strength and encouragement as you navigate life’s ups and downs.
You are not forgotten either.
Contact
Do you know someone who has given the ultimate sacrifice for our nation? I would like to hear about them. God bless you and your family.
Links
(US Purchases)
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“Freedom Battle” Download: ChristianBook.com
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Freedom Full Album Download: ChristianBook.com
Downloads and/or physical copies may also be available worldwide from your favorite online music store, at your local bookstore or thrift shop, or through your favorite online marketplace.
Closing Note
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Signing off until next week –
Rocking for Jesus with you!
Amanda Renée
References
- Price, D. E. (2000, November 18). Reunion’s smith finds instrumental “freedom.” Billboard, 18. Retrieved May 30, 2023, from https://books.google.com/books?id=0BAEAAAAMBAJ&q=the+acoustic+set+michael+w.+smith&pg=PA18#v=snippet&q=the%20acoustic%20set%20michael%20w.%20smith&f=false.