In her American flag printed white tee shirt, country singer Trisha Yearwood commemorates the September 11, 2001 attacks in an uplifting cover of “We Shall be Free” by her husband, Garth Brooks, released on August 31, 1992. Initially, Brooks co-wrote the song with fellow Nashville songwriter Stephanie Davis in response to the 1992 Rodney King Riots, where a policeman beat up an African American taxi driver. The original record ranked No. 12 in the Billboard Hot Country Singles, but Yearwood’s performance is formidable enough to gain notable attention.
The song can be associated with many political issues as it breaks the barriers of social class, race, religion, and sexual orientation. Yearwood’s version centered around the 9/11 incident to relay the message of freedom from oppression. With the mic and a harmonic choir behind her, all she had to do was belt evocative lyrics in her perfect pitch.
RELATED: 15 Most Patriotic Country Songs of All Time to Celebrate Our Great Nation
On the night of the 9/11 fundraising memorial show, Yearwood shared a short speech before singing. She said, “It has been running through my head since September 11, and I guess it’s because we are supposed to do it here tonight. We have a choir that represents over 25 churches in that area [as she points on the right side of the stage] that are gonna help us out. And we’re gonna turn this place into a church right now.”
For You
The songstress certainly did not fail the audience because she turned the country song into a sacred gospel hymn. She also knows how to make a vocally challenging song look easy, sending every person in the room that night into a worship service. Yearwood’s incredible vocal control and dominant high notes were palpable, making her performance exceptional. You can’t help but preach along with her.
That’s why cheers from the crowd went on until the end, intensifying the solidarity and harmony the song aims to achieve. As Yearwood reflected on the 9/11 incident, the line “Have a little faith; Walk proud ’cause we shall be free” carries a wonderful message to end any type of discrimination. The song simply implies that when there is compassion, the world would be a peaceful place where hatred and judgment does not persist.
Stand up for the social anthem “We Shall Be Free” as Trisha Yearwood brings you the most powerful show.
