From the recording Life Stories
This story evolved through observation about the lives of children in our society today. When I was a child, there was a focus on individual freedom, exploration, and life experiences that were part of just growing up. Yes, there was some structure, priorities, competition, and more, but it seemed to be more balanced then.
Today, these priorities have been replaced by an overly intense emphasis on structure, regimen, discipline, competition, and more. Today’s children face ever-demanding schedules between school, sports, and other structured activities. Experiential activities around exploration and spontaneity are often ignored or missed altogether. Setting the children free to be a kid who explores and experiencers life is just part of growing.
Musicians: James Hammel (vocals and guitars), Taylor Pierson (piano), Zack Page (bass), James Kylen (drums)
Lyrics
Set The Children Free
James Hammel
Verse
Time comes, Times shows
Look at our children, see how they grow
We give them hope, we help them cope
So they’ll have a life, a life of their own
They’ll grow, they’ll yearn
Pick up a skill and learn how to earn
They’ll be schooled in time, and they’ll toe the line
We’ve taught them to sing in a world full of song
Mini Bridge
But I want to them to believe
No matter how hard it seems
Cause I still believe in miracles
And the reasons to dream,
Reasons to dream, oooooo
Chorus
Set the children free
Free as the river flows
Free, free as the wind blows
Teach them to love and they’ll grow
Verse
Someday, some way
One way or the other
They will need advice about living right
They will feel the pain when love is lost
They’ll grow, they’ll make their plans
They’ll find a way to understand
They’ll misgive you, they’ll forgive you
Yet they’ll love you, yes, they’ll love you
Mini Bridge
Give them a chance
Give them some hope
Let them just be
Just set them free
Interlude
Mini Bridge 2
Well, I want to them to believe
No matter how hard it seems
Cause I still believe in miracles
And the reasons to dream
Reasons to dream, oooooo
Chorus
Set the children free
Free as the river flows
Free, free as the wind blows
Teach them to love and they’ll grow
Free, free, free
Free, free as the eagle
Vocal jam…
Free, free as the eagle flies
Teach them to love and they’ll grow
Free, free, free, free as the wind blows
Teach them to love and they’ll thrive