Songwriting: Soul of the Nation
Dear Friend,
Watching the carnage and turmoil caused by Putin's power-hungry invasion of the Ukraine stirs deep anger in me. When I was six years old, my family moved to Russia as missionaries, where we lived for five years. Our apartment building in Конько́во neighborhood of Moscow looked exactly like the bombed-out structures we are seeing in Kharkiv. My heart breaks for those people.
That time overseas shaped my appreciation for the freedom today's generation of Americans experience and taught me that a nation’s leaders shape the lives not only of their own citizens, but of people across the world.
Against this backdrop, my new single, Soul of the Nation, releases today. Crafted as a song of hope and civic formation, there perhaps is no better moment for it to arrive in our lives. I hope that you listen to it, share it, and allow it to seep into your soul. Each verse is designed to form us into humble and bold citizens who work together to keep ourselves—and others—free.
I must express my deepest gratitude to the friends and collaborators that brought this song to life. From my co-writer Jenn Bostic to my producer Evan Redwine to the patron who provided the grant that enabled me to record this song - it truly takes a community to bring beauty and art into the world. Together, may we continue to steward, sustain, and serve the soul of the nation.
With Gratitude,
Soul of the Nation
Let it be said
When we finish this race
We kept them free
We led with grace
Let it be seen
From sea to shining sea
Beautiful America
Living our legacy
O, father, mother, sister, brother
O, we gotta learn to love each other
O, for the soul of the nation for
O, the next generation
Let us be known
As people of honor
Humble and bold
Faithful through fire
Let us hold firm
To our convictions
With wide open hearts
Eager to listen
O, father, mother, sister, brother
O, we gotta learn to love each other
O, for the soul of the nation for
O, the next generation
Let us make room
Let us reimagine
Welcoming voices
With true compassion
Let’s craft a world
With hopes and dreams
For challenges known
And those still unseen
O, father, mother, sister, brother
O, we gotta learn to love each other
O, for the soul of the nation for
O, the next generation
Let us be sure
When our time has come
We gave them hope
We made them strong
Let it be said
When we finish this race
We kept them free
We led with grace
O, father, mother, sister, brother
O, we gotta learn to love each other
O, for the soul of the nation for
O, the next generation