A Voice for Freedom
About the Album – Lyrics, Videos & Commentary
Album Description
Description: With 13 Tracks of Pure Inspiration, Drive & Power, “A Voice for Freedom,” is focused on 2 kinds of Freedom: Of Soul via our relationship with God & Liberty of Life due to the sacrifices of those who serve in harm’s way. Genres include Blues, AC, Alternative, Heartland & Rock Anthems. Scroll to read the lyrics & song notes for each track on this album.
Lyrics, Links & Artist Notes
Click on song titles to find lyrics, artist’s remarks & other links
1. Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier
Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier
Verse One:
There she sits on Buttermilk Hill
Who could blame her cryin’ her fill
And every tear could turn a mill
Johnny has gone for a soldier
Verse Two:
Me-oh-my she loved him so
It broke her heart to see him go
They told her time will heal her woe
Johnny has gone for a soldier
Verse Three:
She sold her flax and sold her reel
She sold her only spinning wheel
To buy her love a sword of steel
Johnny has gone for a soldier
Verse Four:
She’ll dye her dress a burning red
And through the streets she’ll beg for bread
Till she finds her love alive or dead
Johnny has gone for a soldier
Instrumental break…
Verse Five:
Oh my baby, oh my love
Gone the rainbow, gone the dove
Your father was my only love
Johnny has gone for a soldier
Johnny has gone for a soldier
Johnny has gone for a soldier…
About the song: This is a traditional song in the public domain. The track is part of the album, “A Voice for Freedom,” by Ann M. Wolf, released in early 2019.
Image: Provost Guard of the 107th Colored Infantry, Fort Corcoran, Washington, D.C., 1863
2. Who Will Take My Place?
Who Will Take My Place?
Verse One:
If they shoot me down to shut me down
Who will take my place?
If they bring an army into this town
Who will take my place?
If they rule this land and silence me
When I’m laid out with injury
When my words won’t matter anymore
Who will take my place?
Verse Two
Revolution you are not my hope
Who will take my place?
There are flowers painted on these stones
Who will take my place?
When the silence of oppression dies
Overheard beyond the battle cries
Are the words of final compromise
Who will take my place?
Verse Three:
When the dogs of war are on the land
Who will take my place?
When you forfeit life to take a stand
Who will take my place?
When the dreamers fear the simplest thoughts
When the bloodshed takes all that you’ve got
When this world’s an empty creaking floor
Who will take my place?
Repeat
If they rule this land and silence me
When I’m laid out with injury
When my words won’t matter anymore
Who will take my place?
Who will take my place?
About the song: “Who Will Take My Place,” from the album, “A Voice for Freedom,” is often sung at the conclusion of Ann’s KIA/POW/MIA Ceremony.
Composed by Dan Frechette, Agnes Music, All rights reserved.
3. The Ride Home
Ride Home
Verse One:
You’ve been there
As our missing and our fallen
You’ve been there
And the worst of what life offers
Had to bear
While we at home hoped that you
Could feel our constant prayers
Verse Two:
You’ve been there
Imprisoned in the depths of silence
You’ve been there
Often forgotten, with no mercy
Had to bear
And we at home
Hoped that you
Could feel our constant prayer
Chorus:
That you would Ride Home
Soon on wings of angels
Ride Home
To a grateful Nation
You’d ’Ride Home
So we could have you close to us again!
Verse Three:
And now we stand
Working together from all corners
Of our land
We keep a place in our heart
And wear your band
We will not move
Until you all come home again
Chorus:
That you would Ride Home
Soon on wings of angels
Ride Home
To a grateful Nation
You’ll Ride Home
So we can have you close to us again!
Bridge:
Taking the cause to the people
And story to The Hill
No stone unturned we’ll leave
A promise to fulfill….
Chorus:
And you will Ride Home
Soon on wings of angels
Ride Home
To a grateful Nation
You’ll Ride Home
So we can have you close to us again!
Chorus:
That you would Ride Home
Soon on wings of angels
Ride Home
To a grateful Nation
You’ll Ride Home
So we can have you close to us again!
So we can have you close to us again!
So we can have you close to us…
Again!
About the song: “A Ride Home” a selection from the 2019 release, “A Voice for Freedom,” was written by Ann M. Wolf to honor our POW/MIAs & also to let the public know more about “The Ride Home,” a special, annual retreat for POWs & MIA families. This event takes place each year during the week of POW/MIA day, which falls on the third Friday of September. Read more.
Image: American POWs in Japan – Read more.
Words & Music by Ann M. Wolf © Copyright 2019
All rights reserved.
4. Social Media Jailhouse Blues
Social Media Jail House Blues
Verse One:
Someone lit a fire and burned my Flag
& shared it so all could see
And so I posted my Soldier’s Cross, to speak of
The price paid for my Liberty.
Chorus:
For this, they found me and charged me
Gave no trial with no jury
I got my sentence for being “unfit”
I’m singin’ the Social Media Jailhouse Blues
Verse Two:
I posted my portrait
The admins liked it
Cause suddenly all my friends got my news
But then I shared one about my gun rights
They locked it outta my feed
So I’d get no views
Chorus:
For this they hound me and they watch me
While hiding behind the curtain at Oz
Free speech is only free to those whom they choose
I’m singin’ the Social Media Jailhouse Blues
Instrumental Break with the reading of the 1st Amendment
You know…Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Chorus:
So go ahead & charge me
Cause for lovin’ my Bill of Rights, I stand guilty
And there are millions more
Who will never be silenced
And we will gladly sing the Jail House Blues
Standin’ on Freedom, sing the Jail House Blues
Yes, we’ll be singin’ the Social Media Jail House Blues.
About the song: “Social Media Jailhouse Blues” was written by Ann M. Wolf in time for her 2019 album release, “A Voice for Freedom.” The title says it all. Watch “Social Media Jailhouse Blues” Music Video.
Bill of Rights, 1st Amendment is in the public domain.
Words & Music by Ann M. Wolf © Copyright 2018
All rights reserved.
5. Mercy
Mercy
Verse One:
He was sittin’ on a park bench, staring into space
Talkin’ to himself of another time and place
I sat down beside him, I sat real still
Just tried to send him Light, something he could feel
Chorus:
Cause sometimes you just need a little friendship
And sometimes you just need someone to see what you see
And sometimes you just need some hope to hold to
And sometimes you just need a little Mercy
Verse Two:
She was wanderin’ by the roadside lookin’ kinda lost
The pain on her face spoke of the cost
Of the sorrow and the sadness circling her heart
So I pulled my ride over to catch her in my arms
Chorus:
Cause sometimes you just need a little friendship
And sometimes you just need someone to see what you see
And sometimes you just need some hope to hold to
And sometimes you just need a little Mercy
Bridge:
Father in heaven watch over our souls
Help us to love and forgive as we grow
Forgivin’ each other, forgivin’ ourselves
Sharin’ the Mercy You gave when we met
Chorus:
Cause sometimes you just need a little friendship
And sometimes you just need someone to see what you see
And sometimes you just need some hope to hold to
And sometimes you just need a little Mercy
And sometimes you just need a little Mercy
And sometimes you just need…
A little Mercy…
About the Song: “Mercy” appears on the album, “A Voice for Freedom,” by Ann M. Wolf. The title says it all in one word. Walking in Mercy is one of the values that Jesus emphasized during His time on earth and something we are all called to apply, and by Grace, we can.
Words & music by Ann M. Wolf, © Copyright 2018, BMI
All rights reserved.
6. If You Were with Me
If You Were With Me
Verse One:
If you were with me now
I’d run my hand across your brow
I’d touch your lips with my fingertips
Verse Two:
If you were with me here
I’d feel you wipe away my tears
I’d feel the warmth of your hand in mine
Chorus:
If you were here
I could breathe again
If you were here
My soul could sing again
If you were here
What I would say again
With you
Verse Three:
If you were with me dear
Your smile would melt away my fears
Whispering words of hope in my ear
Chorus:
If you were here
I could breathe again
If you were here
My soul could sing again
If you were here
What I would say again
With you
Bridge:
Not a day goes by
When I don’t think of you
In my heart, you are
Part of everything I do
Na, Na, Na….Instrumental break on one verse…
Chorus:
If you were here
I could breathe again
If you were here
My soul could sing again
If you were here
What I would say again
With you
Repeat verse two…
If you were with me here
I’d feel you wipe away my tears
I’d feel the warmth of your hand in mine
If you were with me…
About the song: This song was written as a tribute to all those who are going through separation from their beloved or who are grieving as a result of ultimate separation. As Ann was composing the song, she was especially keeping in heart, the families of those who have perished while serving in harm’s way on our behalf. It appears on the album, “A Voice for Freedom,” by Ann M. Wolf, released in early 2019.
Words & music by Ann M. Wolf, © Copyright 2018, BMI
All rights reserved.
7. Love Letters
Love Letters
Verse One:
So unexpected, was the way it felt the first time
That we connected and shared the dreams on our mind
So unexpected was how soon you lived under my skin
And how my heart felt after you moved in it.
Chorus:
You’ve got me writin’ love letters again
I should be frightened of what I’ve fallen in
Yet I can’t deny what’s natural as rain
And I just can’t wait to see you again.
Verse Two:
I felt so inspired, my head filled with your words
Falling deeper with everything that I heard
So inspired every time I’d look in your eyes
Breath by breath, there was nowhere to hide
Chorus:
And …You’ve got me writin’ love letters again
I should be frightened of what I’ve fallen in
Still I can’t deny what’s natural as rain
And I just can’t wait to see you again.
Bridge:
So sun rise high
Moon sink low
And let the time fly
Till’ I can hold you close
Chorus:
And… you’ve got me writing love letters again
I should be frightened of what I’ve fallen in
Well, I can’t deny what’s natural as rain
And I just can’t wait to see you again.
And I can’t deny what’s natural as rain
And I just can’t wait to see you again.
About the song: This song was written by Ann M. Wolf for all those in love, but with a special nod towards the families of those who serve in harm’s way and are often separated from one another. This track appears on Ann’s 2019 release, “A Voice for Freedom.”
Words & music by Ann M. Wolf, © Copyright 2018, BMI
All rights reserved.
8. What Will You Do with Your Freedom?
What Will You Do With Your Freedom?
Verse One:
Said the mother bird to one, facing the sun
Ready to seek his own
Before you fly ahead, there’s something to be said
A question and answer to find
Chorus:
What will you do with your freedom?
When you take to the sky?
And when your days are done
What songs will you have sung
Of which echoes follow you to heaven?
Verse Two:
Said the father to his son, ready to run
Dying to write his own story
Son before you go, there’s something you must know
A question to carry on your journey
Chorus:
What will do you with your freedom?
When you take to the road?
For when your days are done
What good will you have shown
Of which echoes follow you to heaven?
Verse Three
Said the Father to each one, when He gave His Son
Whose every breath was for our Redemption
And now that you are free, on this we must agree,
A way of life offered with devotion
Bridge:
Grace and Mercy given
Freely you’ve received
Now you must continue
To live life as I lead
Chorus:
What will do you with your freedom?
Now that your soul can fly?
And when your days are done
What peace will you have sown?
And what legacy of love do you leave here?
Optional Chorus:
What will you do with your freedom
When you take to the sky?
And when your days are done
What hope will you have sown
Of which echoes follow you to heaven?
Heaven, heaven, heaven, heaven
What will you do your Freedom?
About the song: This track appears on Ann M. Wolf’s 2019 release, “A Voice for Freedom.” It speaks of the responsibility we each have in using our liberty well, for the good of others.
Words & music by Ann M. Wolf, © Copyright 2018, BMI
All rights reserved.
9. Let My People Go
Let My People Go
Slowly…
Go down Moses
Way down in Egypt’s land
Tell old Pharaoh
To let my people go.
Verse one…
When Israel was in Egypt’s land
Let my people go.
Oppressed so hard they could not stand
Let my people go, so the Lord said
Chorus:
Go down Moses
Way down in Egypt’s land
Tell old Pharaoh
To let my people go.
Verse Two:
So Moses went to Egypt’s land, to say…
Let my people go.
To make old Pharaoh understand
Let my people go… cause the Lord said…
Chorus:
Go down Moses
Way down in Egypt land
Tell old Pharaoh
To let my people go.
Verse Three:
The time has come again to speak
Let my people go!
To teach the Truth & free His sheep
Let my people go!
Chorus:
And the Lord said, go down, go down
Pull down the walls that formed
Teach them Freedom
And let my people go
Slow down….
And the Lord said, go down, go down
Break all bondage formed
Teach them Freedom
And let my people go
Up tempo…
Go down Moses
Way down in Egypt’s land
Tell all Pharaohs
To let my people go.
Let my people go.
Let my people go.
About the song: This cut appears on Ann M. Wolf’s, “A Voice for Freedom,” album. She added additional words to the traditional version to speak of “freedom in Christ,” which is often forgotten when legalism and man-made doctrines (found in some religious circles) begins to overshadow the development of our personal connection to the Spirit of God within.
Words & music by Ann M. Wolf, © Copyright 2018, BMI
All rights reserved.
10. One Family
One Family
By Ann M. Wolf
Chorus:
We are one in the Lord
We are two in His hands
We are three together
In His Word we stand
We hold to His Grace
So the world can see
In His Name we are One Family.
Verse 1:
One in His Hope, One in His Peace
One in His Spirit that sets us free
One in His Love, Love for Him
Our Creator and all of His people
Chorus:
We are one in the Lord
We are two in His hands
We are three together
In His Word we stand
We hold to His Grace
So the world can see
In His Name we are One Family.
Verse Two:
Across our land, around the world
We pray for healing with harmony restored
Beyond all walls and boundaries
A revival of unity.
Bridge:
We will pray for each other without ceasing
We will stand upon the Rock our joy increasing
We will care for each other as He showed us
Taking His love, everywhere we go.
Chorus:
We are one in the Lord
We are two in His hands
We are three together
In His Word we stand
We hold to His Grace
So the world can see
In His Name we are One Family.
We are one in the Lord
We are two in His hands
We are three together
In His Word we stand
We hold to His Grace
So the world can see
In His Name we are One Family.
In His Name we are One Family.
In His Name we are
One Family…..
About the song: “One Family,” was written by Ann M. Wolf to celebrate our Unity via the Spirit of Christ. It appears on her 2019 release, “A Voice for Freedom.”
Words & music by Ann M. Wolf, © Copyright 2018, BMI
All rights reserved.
11. Bridges of Love
Bridges of Love
Verse One:
If we can build great bridges
Across the mighty waves between distant ridges
Is it a task too great
To build a bridge across the depths of hate?
For now more than ever
What the world needs more of
Is to reach, reach for each other
With bridges of love
Verse Two:
If we can reach so far
To send men up to the moon
And rockets to the stars
Why have we been so far apart?
Why can’t we find the way
From soul to soul, from heart to heart?
For now more than ever
What the world needs more of
Is to reach, to reach for each other
With bridges of love
Bridge:
Bridges of Steel they reach from shore to shore
But Bridges of Love reach so much more
They link our common hopes, our common ground
Joining one and all, the whole world round
Verse 3:
We all can build bridges of love each day
With our eyes, our smile, our touch
With our will to find a way
There is no distance we cannot span
For the Vision is our hearts, the power is our hands
And Now more than ever
What the world needs more of
Is to reach, to reach other
With bridges of love
And now more than ever
What the world needs more of
Is to reach, to reach other
With bridges of love
About the song: “Bridges of Love,” by Ann’s friend, Stephen Longfellow Fiske (& Jai Michael Josephs), was originally part of her “7th Generation” album which was released in the late 80s. Believing that the message in this song is always relevant and on time, Ann re-recorded it again with current producer Tracy Collins for her “A Voice for Freedom,” album, released in 2019, now, thirty years later.
Words & music by Ann M. Wolf, © Copyright 2018, BMI
All rights reserved.
12. Preamble & 1st Six Amendments
Preamble:
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
The First Six Amendments to the United States Constitution
AMENDMENT I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
AMENDMENT II
A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
AMENDMENT III
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
AMENDMENT IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
AMENDMENT V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
AMENDMENT VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.
About this track: Ann added a portion of our Bill of Rights to her 2019 release, “A Voice for Freedom,” to support a revival of American Vision and understanding of the Value & Price of Freedom. The music tracks are courtesy of Ann’s producer, Tracy Collins.
The Preamble & Amendments are in the public domain.
13. Patriot Quotes
Patriot Quotes
“In questions of power, then, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the constitution.” Thomas Jefferson
“The sum of all is, if we would most truly enjoy the gift of Heaven, let us become a virtuous people; then shall we both deserve and enjoy it. While, on the other hand, if we are universally vicious and debauched in our manners, though the form of our Constitution carries the face of the most exalted freedom, we shall, in reality, be the most abject slaves.” Samuel Adams
“Say…whether peace is best preserved by giving energy to the government, or information to the people. This last is the most certain and the most legitimate engine of government. Educate and inform the whole mass of the people. Enable them to see that it is their interest to preserve peace and order, and they will preserve them. And it requires no very high degree of education to convince them of this. They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.” Thomas Jefferson
“A primary object …should be the education of our youth in the science of government. In a republic, what species of knowledge can be equally important? And what duty more pressing…than communicating it to those who are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country?” George Washington
“A well-instructed people alone can be permanently a free people.” James Madison
“The good sense of the people will always be found to be the best army. They may be led astray for a moment, but will soon correct themselves.” Thomas Jefferson
About this track: Ann added these quotes made by some of our Founders to her 2019 release, “A Voice for Freedom,” to support a revival of American Vision as well as an increased understanding of the Value & Price of Freedom. The music tracks are courtesy of Ann’s producer, Tracy Collins.
The Preamble & Amendments are in the public domain.
Album Videos
From “A Voice for Freedom,”
