Story Behind the Song

When I was a kid our family vacations were seldom a remote beach or a big city. Instead, we’d vacation in Gettysburg! Or Independence Hall. Why? My Dad LOVED history. He wanted us to learn and love it so much that he’d print out homespun quizzes for us to sleuth out while at a historical site with a promised reward of a prize to whoever could get a “passing grade.” I remember running from place to place at each site we’d visit, seeking out the people who were dressed up like they were from history itself. They always knew the answers. I promised to share my candy prize with them in exchange for their services. I admit, at the time, I didn’t fully appreciate what my dad was trying to do for me. But now, I recognize the value in a father striving to instill in his son a love for the salient events of yesterday that allow us to enjoy the freedoms of today.

When the American Museum of American Religion asked if we’d compose a piece of music for their exhibit surrounding Abraham Lincoln and some of his story, my father would never forgive me if I were to say no!

I love Abraham Lincoln. I love his powerful, authentic style, his courage, his humility in giving the glory to God, and his tenacity in striving for what is right.

He loved the song “Battle Hymn of the Republic” — it was written to encourage men and women to volunteer to stand and fight for the union of the nation and the freedom of all humankind. When Lincoln first heard the piece performed with full orchestra and choir, he stood and wept, halting the concert for a personal request to hear it once more.

The most powerful line in the hymn, “As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free,” truly inspires me.

I wanted to write a very different arrangement of this hymn. Typically it is performed in grand fashion, with powerful voices, brass and crashing cymbals. I wanted, instead, to represent the pensive nature of President Lincoln, his deeply spiritual side – the part of him that found a way to draw strength again and again from a wellspring of resilience leading America during the most divisive time of its history. The part of him that ached when he lost his son.

What to listen for in the piece:

How many key changes do you hear? This represents the dramatic changes occurring in the 1860’s.

When the melody of the hymn is presented in a minor key, opposite of its original setting, I hope you can imagine the pain Lincoln felt as he lost his sweet boy Willie, at 11 years old, right in the middle of the civil war. This event nearly destroyed Lincoln, but instead galvanized his faith and determination to see the principles of freedom through. Can you also hear a fragment of another famous hymn that was written around the same time?

SPECIAL THANKS:

We would like to thank THIS IS THE PLACE HERITAGE PARK for generously hosting our music video. They rolled out the red carpet for us and were so kind to open their incredible venue to us. If you are anywhere near Utah, this place MUST go on your bucket list. It is an incomparable place to make memories, feel connected to history, and gain a better appreciation for our heritage.

https://www.thisistheplace.org