1820-1865: Parlor Music & The Divided Nation

Soldiers Died For My Freedom? (A poem/song by Wain)

[Intro]

Dear God,

Please tell me the truth about Freedom …

[Verse 1]
If I’m thankful for the soldiers
Who died to keep America free
Am I obliged to serve my neighbors
Or am I free to serve only me?

Didn’t soldiers die for my freedom
To care about only how I live?
Am I obliged to help the poor
Or am I free to never give?

[Pre Chorus]
When soldiers died for my freedom
They sacrificed for no selfish gain
If my freedom serves only me
Will those soldiers have died in vain?

[Chorus]
How should I be living, Lord
Since soldiers died for me?
Can I live just any way?
Are there rules to being free?

If freedom means obligations
To sacrifice and to give
Help me fulfill my duties, Lord
Please teach me how to live

[Verse 2]
If I’m thankful for the soldiers
Who died to keep our country free
Am I obliged to heal divisions
Or am I free to live separately?

Didn’t soldiers die for my freedom
To refuse any civil debate?
Am I obliged to love my neighbor
Or am I free to live by hate?

[Pre Chorus]
When soldiers died for my freedom
They sacrificed for no selfish gain
If my freedom destroys the union
Will those soldiers have died in vain?

[Chorus]
How should I be living, Lord
Since soldiers died for me?
Can I live just any way?
Are there rules to being free?

If freedom means obligations
To sacrifice and to give
Help me fulfill my duties, Lord
Please teach me how to live

[Verse 3]
If I’m thankful for the soldiers
Who died to keep my homeland free
Am I obliged to do what is right
Or am I free to do right for me?

Didn’t soldiers die for my freedom
To do anything that makes me glad?
Am I obliged to be righteous
Or am I free to do what’s bad?

[Pre Chorus]
When soldiers died for my freedom
They sacrificed for no selfish gain
If my freedom isn’t used for good
Will those soldiers have died in vain?

[Chorus]
How should I be living, Lord
Since soldiers died for me?
Can I live just any way?
Are there rules to being free?

If freedom means obligations
To sacrifice and to give
Help me fulfill my duties, Lord
Please teach me how to live

[Bridge]
America gives freedom
But my freedom has a cost
Grant me grace to be thankful
For the lives of soldiers lost

[Final Chorus]
How should I be living, Lord
Since soldiers died for me?
Can I live just any way?
Are there rules to being free?

If freedom means obligations
To sacrifice and to give
Help me fulfill my duties, Lord
Please teach me how to live

[Outro]
Thank you Lord for America’s Freedom

How should I be living?

Please tell me the truth …

Your servant,

Wain

(When you sing the song, please replace “Wain” with your own name, or stop at “Your servant”.)