Let Freedom Ring

The melody for “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” is one of the most recognizable tunes out there and delivers a powerful message of freedom. For this reason, it is the theme for the new Sound of Freedom trailer. Watch this remarkable video and read on for why the words “let freedom ring” feature so heavily in the trailer.

Sound of Freedom–a harrowing movie about a man’s journey to rescue children from trafficking–exposes viewers to the realities of modern-day slavery. This rallying cry for freedom for children all over the world holds reminiscence of other emancipations. And since the power of music has a unique ability to unite and inspire people, the melody of “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” has been adapted over and over again. 

America’s Independence

In the 18th century, British musician Thomas Arnes composed the national anthem “God Save the King.” When this tune crossed the Atlantic and found its way into the hearts of Americans, Samuel Francis Smith wrote fresh lyrics to represent this new country’s independence. 

The first verse is what you hear in the Sound of Freedom trailer. 

My country, ‘tis of thee,

Sweet land of liberty,

Of thee I sing:

Land where my fathers died!

Land of the Pilgrims’ pride! 

From every mountainside

Let freedom ring!

The Abolitionist Movement

Media–books, music, and news articles–served a crucial role in the abolitionist movement in the 19th century. Just as Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin sparked a movement that led to the Civil War, new lyrics for “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” called for freedom and equality. 

Penned by A.G. Duncan in 1843, the new lyrics of “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” shined a light on the harrowing realities of American slavery. These lyrics speak to the horrors of today’s human trafficking as well. 

My country! ’tis of thee,

Stronghold of slavery,

Of thee I sing:

Land where my fathers died,

Where men man’s rights deride,

From every mountainside,

Thy deeds shall ring.

The Fight for Freedom

Slavery, in the form of human trafficking, is still around today. Sound of Freedom aims to shine a light on this dark reality and spread awareness about this persistent evil. Just as our forefathers have fought for freedom in the past, we hope Sound of Freedom sparks a conversation that leads to change today. 

Grab your tickets to see Sound of Freedom in theaters starting July 4th. Pay it Forward so that others who may not have had the opportunity can see this film as well.