Traditional:
- “Amazing Grace” – a version released only a couple of days ago by Andrea Bocelli and Alison Krauss. Part of his new album “Believe.” I could not believe how many version of this three hundred year old hymn there actually are. A true classic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60euxXvw5aA
- “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!” – speaking of the joy and freedom of embracing Christ. Songs of Praise version with lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bon0S8_oq0w
- “Love Divine, all love’s excelling” – continuing the theme of the joy of the relationship we have in Christ. This version with Lyrics from the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey reminds us of a freedom to belong to something (the Commonwealth) rather than simply seeking freedom from things. A ‘family of friendly nations’ as the Queen calls it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gvCODgV1fc
- “You laid aside you majesty” – speaks of the cost of the gift of our freedom, with Lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFICAbIxv_M
- “There is a Redeemer” – the thankfulness that comes out of recognising the freedom Jesus has won for us and for the world. Songs of Praise version with Lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0LA3GvAUGU
Intercessions:
- “Go down Moses” – American African spiritual. Sung and played by the great Louis Armstrong: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JNCS27rtQ8
Children’s songs:
- “When the Spirit of the Lord is in my heart” – reminds us of the gift of freedom to sing and to dance. Lovely version by three Catholic sisters with actions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYrNXZtWw4Y
- “The Spirit lives to set us free” – great schools version by a clearly multitalented musical Catholic priest – great to sing along to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzU9Dv7ZXVY
- “This little light of mine” – great children’s song (see also Bruce Springsteen’s version later in the list): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKkbIZtqhyQ
Modern:
Freedom is a really important theme within much modern Church music and song writing, perhaps reflecting our times:
- “Freedom is coming”” South African Spiritual by Bee Geesus (song made popular by John Bell and the Iona Community): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zt9Y7q3zv30
11. “Rescuer” (The Good News) – by Rend Collective. Speaks of the freedom on offer to the world: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAg7rn7fH3Q
- “This is Amazing Grace” – by Phil Wickham: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAg7rn7fH3Q
- With Lyrics so you can sing along to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgsbaBIaoVc
- “This little light of mine” – unusual choice of Bruce Springsteen to close his concert in Dublin in 2006. Here with the Sessions Band. Full of energy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0qAYq1GVec
- Love this version by the Soweto Gospel Choir: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yUK0S_cEXY
- See also much loved version by LZ7: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C4XwH7UitU
Videos/DVD:
- DVD “Cry Freedom” – Great account of the story of Steve Biko (a Soweto freedom activist and speaker) and Donald Woods (a South African journalist) who discover a great friendship and affinity in the face of a dark time in South African and world history. Very moving story. Starring Denzel Washington. Available from Amazon or to rent on Amazon Prime.