Story Behind The Song

This was truly a collaborative effort. My writing partner Dave called to tell me that in response to a book written by a fallen soldier's wife, a military committee had approached him to write a tribute song. We met and Dave had already written a very nice progression. Together we worked out the melody lines and the bridge section and I went off with a two-week deadline to develop an anthem-like lyric that mentioned sacrifice, racial inclusion, sense of duty, patriotism and gratitude - a tall order! The melody played in my head for most of the two weeks when I remembered an idea I had a few years ago that if Jesus was a health nut he'd have turned wine into water (joke). This bit of humor would not have been appropriate for this project but it did allow me to interpret the wine as blood spilled. And what was the ultimate result? Freedom. Suddenly I saw the parallel with the soldiers fighting for our freedoms and their blood being spilled. The grand metaphor is one of my favorite literary devices and with that strong hook line I had my anchor. The next day at work in a single two hour stretch I was able to write all of the verses and the bridge. I was humbled when all involved were delighted with the result. Written as a patriotic tribute to the diverse and brave soldiers who have given and who continue to give their lives for the freedoms that we enjoy as a society.

Song Description

Illuminates the transformative power of self-sacrifice by comparing a soldier's ultimate sacrifice to one that we are all familiar with.

Lyrics

A million fearless men are marching
Through the smoke those men are falling down
Its insanity

A young girl waves the flag of freedom
In her hands the future seems secure
She's why they're dying

That's what they're fighting for
That's what they're dying for

CH:
One man back in time turned water into wine
Turned blood into freedom
One soldier at a time is called up to the line
To shed his blood for freedom

Men and women proudly serving
Black and white and brown together now
Stand in unity

From factory towns and farms
Across this glorious land of ours they all belong
They're our families

It's us they're fighting for
Its us they're dying for

BR: Appreciation from the nation
Stands a hero broken at a crossroads
Did we thank him?
One man takes a stand and the will of all is strong

CH:
One man back in time turned water into wine
Turned blood into freedom
One soldier at a time is called up to the line
To shed his blood for freedom

repeats to end