TRACK 2 – ONWARD TO FREEDOM – featuring Michael Sweet and Mattie Montgomery – I spoke with Michael Sweet after a Stryper/Vince Neil show at the Wisconsin State Fair a couple years ago. I asked him if he would like to appear on a track for my new album. It was very cool of him to say “Sure – just let me know when!” Of course I wanted him to sing, but I also asked him to do a lead because I know what many others know – Michael is a great guitar player! Anyway, the result is a kind of “anthem” for the whole album. Like other songs on Onward to Freedom, where I wrote the music to compliment the vocalists signature voices, I wrote the majority of this song to compliment Michael and Matties signature vocals. The breakdown part features Mattie Montgomery from the band For Today on vocals. Mattie is an super cool guy and to me, one of the best screamers in the business. Ive always said just because you yell into a mic doesnt mean you sound good doing it. Mattie just has this brutal awesome voice that is full of attitude and conviction. Speaking of “breakdowns” which is a more or less metalcore term for slow rhythmic heavy parts, heres an interesting aside: Ive been writing “breakdowns” on Tourniquet albums since 1990 – but back then they just didnt really have a name... Lyrically – well, I guess I cant say it any better than what I already wrote in the lyrics, but I will add this: When I say “We hold all the cards”, its really true. The simple decisions that we make every day – what we eat, what we wear, what we spend our money on for entertainment – are generally not big decisions for us. But – these decisions often have monumental consequences for animals – whether they live or die, whether they suffer an awful life to amuse us or swim in circles endlessly in a concrete bathtub, whether they are skinned alive for their fur or have their feathers pulled off them. These are such simple decisions for us – and daily opportunities to choose compassion and mercy over supporting animal suffering. Make no mistake: God loves his animal creation – he makes that clear all through his word. Shouldnt we do the same? Showing compassion towards animals is not separate from other aspects of our faith – it is all a part of reflecting Gods love – and frankly, of just being a decent person. Those without a voice - The ones who have no choice We as humans holding all the cards Bearing this in mind - Is it too much to be kind All inclusive in our world of caring Onward to freedom - Compassion is what I give to you And mercy within me - Is what I show to you Held within our hand - An idea that’s so grand Written in his word its plain to see Help to all the weak - And the ones who cannot speak A song for them is waiting to be sung Onward to freedom - Compassion is what I give to you And mercy within me - Is what I show to you And mercy within me - Is what I show to you Write your song to them - Within your own heart Reach your hand out to them - Set yourself apart Set your mind to help them - No it won’t cost a thing Caring is easy - When it comes from the heart Onward to freedom - Compassion is what I give to you And mercy within me - Is what I show to you
Posted on: Thu, 20 Nov 2014 01:08:54 +0000
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