“How Should I Be Living?”
One Song About Freedom.
“Soldiers Died For My Freedom?” is a song that challenges every freedom-loving American to consider a vital question: If I’m grateful that soldiers sacrificed their lives for my freedom, “How should I be living?” Because the chorus repeats the question, the song is also known as “How Should I Be Living?”
250 Years of American Music. In honor of America’s 250th birthday, “Soldiers Died For My Freedom? / How Should I Be Living?” is being recorded with the help of A.I. software in every major American music genre from our country’s birth in 1776 to the present. By tracking one song through a chronological evolution of styles over 250 years, OneSong250.Life celebrates the brilliant history of American musical creativity while inviting listeners to reflect on the timeless question: How should I be living?
Which American music styles will you enjoy?
Versions of The Song on This Page
The first version of the song presented below evokes the spirit of the military music likely to be heard around the time of our nation’s founding in 1776.
The second version of the song presented below is styled after the parlor music of 1820-1865. It features minimal instrumentation, allowing the listener to focus on the message and meaning of the lyrics.
The third version of the song combines multiple genres and styles into one cohesive presentation, reflecting America’s rich musical history.
OneSong250.Life is a work in progress. I welcome your honest feedback on these and other versions of the song.
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”.)
To listen to the song in other genres, select a time period below:
1776-1820: Founding Rhythms & Faith
1820-1865: Parlor Music & The Divided Nation
1865-1900: Syncopation & The Birth of Blues
1900-1940: The Birth of Jazz & Roots Music
1940-1970: The Amplified Revolution
1970-2000: Grooves, Grit & Subversion
2000-2026: The Digital Hybrid Era
CLICK HERE to learn about the pledge to use freedom for good.