This one is a political song. But before you pick up any stones - I wanted to write something to address all the division and even hatred in my country (USA). So this is an upbeat song with a positive message. Doesn't matter which way you lean, politically, I pray that we can find a way to walk hand in hand. I hope you enjoy this one...

Hand In Hand (Freedom Song) - YouTube

Hand In Hand (Freedom Song) - Soundcloud

Here are the RealTracks/RealDrums used on the song...

RealTracks in song: 995:Bass, Electric, HardRockLA Ev 120
RealTracks in song: 2764:Organ, Rhythm CountryBluesRockMike Ev 110
RealTracks in song: 845:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm CountryRockPopping Ev 120 (A:sync)
RealTracks in song: 1259:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopShiningRockA-B Ev 120
RealTracks in song: 2763:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm CountryBluesRockMike Ev 110
RealTracks in song: 1169:Guitar, Electric, Soloist RockMediumBrent Ev 120
RealDrums in Song: BluesRockEv^1-a:Snare, HiHat , b:Snare, Open HiHat

Hand In Hand (Freedom Song)
©Stephen W. Young

There's a light on a hill for all to see
A flag waves proud in the land of the free
And even though the storm clouds come along
You can still hear the sounds of the freedom song

Take my hand and walk with me
Walk together in unity
Lay aside the things that tear us apart
We'll take our stand for liberty
Show the world what it means to be free
May the Lord continue to bless this land
Hand in hand

And even in the times we disagree
There's a truth that we all must come to believe
It's time for us to stop and look around
Keep looking 'til we find the common ground

Take my hand and walk with me
Walk together in unity
Lay aside the things that tear us apart
We'll take our stand for liberty
Show the world what it means to be free
May the Lord continue to bless this land
Hand in hand

==

Steve

Steve,

This is excellent! Great groove on this one and strong vocal. Outstanding production as well...

A new favorite from you for me.

Bob

Steve,
No arguments here with the sentiment on your very enjoyable song.
The sing along feel of the chorus is just right and I thought the band sound was great.
Sweet vocals as well.

Robert

Same for me. Hope you share on social media so the message gets out. Good song for all to hear.

Charlie

excellent production and loved the track ,a little bit of springsteen going on in there .I was waiting for a big clem sax solo.great work steve

Very cool guitar and excellent vocal

Bob said it here.
Let us add: your music is always beautiful and you never disappoint!

Rob & Anne-Marie

Hi, Steve !


What a superb song and so
wonderfully performed too !
I dig this, dig your voice
and dig the harmonizing !

Cheers
Dani

Hello, Steve

Very uplifting song with great vocal.
As Robert said, the sing along feel of the chorus is just right and the band sound is great.
The momentary rest at "Take my hand" is very effective.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi

Steve

Great production - strong sound - very melodic and nicely gets your message across.

Peter

Steve,

well, you sure echoed my political point of view! I'm tired of people on both sides of the aisle sowing seeds of animosity toward their fellow citizens. It's long past the time for finding fellowship based on the ways in which we are alike and stop focusing on the ways in which we are different.

Having said that...

I think this mix is cleaner than distilled water! You really know how to put a song together and make it sound awesome! You also have one of the best singing voices I've heard in the forum (my opinion, others surely have their favorites).

Speaking purely from personal preference, I'd have to say that I tend to be MOST blown-away when your vocals are wrapped around lush strings and pianos. You are one of the few forum vocalists who can make a highly orchestrated song sound like it was recorded in a Nashville studio.

This song was more of a rocker than most of what you present, and that sort of jars my expectations. But, you easily make it work, and it does a good job of illustrating just how flexible you are as a song writer!

Professional touches are evident throughout this song,
You always deliver top notch efforts
man, this is so good, great subject, great vocals
and you make the biab instruments fit eloquently
to your arrangement. It sounds like a good tight
band behind you, love the breaks, love the mix.
Enjoyed it

Kenny

We admire your consistently positive writes and this one certainly doesn't disappoint with it's timely message.

As Kenny said "professional touches are evident throughout this song..."

That pretty much covers it for us.

One word always comes to mind when we listen to your productions. Classy.

Whether it's the write, the vocal, the arrangement or the mix there's always just the right amount of everything. Never too much or too little.

Well done!!

J&B

Thanks, Bob! I always appreciate hearing from you.



Thank you, Robert. Glad you like this one!



Charlie, thank you for your very kind words! Feel free to "share" the YouTube, if you are so inclined. I am trying to get this one spread around. (Not just to promote me, but I believe in the message on this one.)



Thanks,Biglad. I "auditioned" the sax RT's, and they are excellent, but I just couldn't come up with one that I felt really fit the vibe and energy I was looking for here. Thanks for taking the time to listen and comment!

====

Steve

A great groove Steve, and top class vocals - and harmonies - and the usual first class production. A super listen.
We've got similar social strife here following the Brexit referendum. Things are still very fraught...

John

Nice one, well sung and played.
Excellent mix.

Interesting lyrics.

Sergio

Hey Scott, thanks for the kind words! Glad you like it.



Rob & Anne-Marie, thanks so much for listening and posting! I always appreciate hearing from you. Really appreciate your generous words.



Thanks so much Dani! Appreciate hearing from you!



Thank you, Shigeki! I enjoy your work. Thanks for your comments!

Sounds great Steve! What a great message and the Vocal superb!! Thanks, Torrey

That's what I was thinking. I am never disappointed when I see your songs pop up. This is no exception. Loved the stops and the superb vocal. Tom

Steve,

J&B covered all the bases... This is up to your usual standards of excellence - the writing, the production and arrangement, the vocals - all top-shelf.

A great message, well presented.

Excellent.

fj

Thank you for taking the time to listen and comment, Peter! Glad you like it.



Pat, it is good to hear from you! You are too kind. I really appreciate your comments, and I'm glad you like this one. I will have to do another lush strings and pianos song next! Thanks again, my friend.



Thanks so much, Kenny! Your comments are always appreciated!



Janice and Bud, I always appreciate hearing from you! As you know, I am a fan of your music, and your kind words really mean a lot to me.

====

Steve

I agree with Robert!! We need a little unity and positivity. Music is great. Drums have great punch, and the vocal is sweet. Great stuff!! Take care. Greg

Sorry it's taken so long to respond! I've been in and out of town the past couple of weeks...




John, thanks so much! It's great to hear from you!



Thank you, Sergio. I really appreciate your comments.



Torrey, I really appreciate you taking the time to listen and comment! Glad you like this one.





Always appreciate hearing from you, Tom. Glad you like this one!



Thanks so much, Floyd. Your comments are always appreciated and welcome!

===

Thanks again to all of you for your kind words!

Steve

You definitely know how to get the best out of Biab. This is another fantastic song and mix. WTG !!!

TRax

Hi Steve,

This morning I went back to re-listen to this song and discovered that I haven't yet commented on it! I'm sincerely sorry that it's taken me so long.

This is spectacular! The 4:25 disappeared in a flash. I don't know how you manage to think of such incredible and inventive arrangements but I'm awfully glad you do Every time I need some aural inspiration, a visit to a few of your songs always helps.

Everything about this song from writing to singing to final mix is radio ready! The lyrics really appealed to me. They flow fluidly and musically from beginning to end and are very engaging. By my third listen, I couldn't stop myself from singing along. A standout for me was the way you used a rest in "Take my .... hand and walk, etc."; this is excellent. It totally grabbed my attention and even got my head nodding a little more vigorously.

Whichever speaker I turn and face while the song is on its journey, there is nothing but great music!

If I had only a single word to comment on this song with, I'd enthusiastically go with...

...BRILLIANT!

All the best,
Noel

Hey Greg, sorry it has taken me so long to respond! I almost didn't notice your comments. Thanks so much for your very kind words! Yes, we sure can use some more unity and positivity in this country! Again, thanks for listening and commenting.



TRax, thanks so much for your generous comments on this one!



Thanks so much, Noel! It is always so good to hear from you! I really appreciate your comments on this song. Glad you enjoyed it!

===

Steve

Well done, Stephan.
Assuming the responsibility of leadership, on one hand;
taking it gladly, on the other.
Agree with the board, very well produced & great voice.

Steve, I'm very late coming to this party but I'm glad that I did get to hear this one. As I am very late everything that I wanted to say already has been said. All I can add is if I heard this at a record store I would have bought the CD on the spot. It is that good!

This is a keeper.

We totally agree with Kenny, and the other folks. Great message wrapped inside a fine production. And your vocal shines light an afternoon sun in the desert. Great song & production. Standing "O" from both of us.

Alan & Di

Thanks so much, Ed. Glad you like it.



Thanks Mario! It's always good to hear from you, my friend! Very much appreciated.



Thank you, Alan & Di! I appreciate you taking the time to listen and comment! Thanks for the kind words.

===

Steve

Hey Steve,

I think this is a good message.

I believe I remember a phrase: "A government of the people, by the people and for the people."

It did NOT say, a people "of the government, for the government and by the government." I thought that was the motto in the old Soviet Union.

When things start to get blurry, we need all the songs we can get.

Keep writing.

Thanks, David! I appreciate your thoughtful comments! Thanks for giving this one a listen!

==

Steve