July 4th is a day in the United States where many come together with family to celebrate the nation’s day of freedom. Many celebrate the joys of being in a country full of great opportunities, remembering those who sacrificed much for its citizens to be here today. July 4th gives everyone a chance to reflect on those who worked to right wrongs and oversights that should have happened when the U.S. became an independent nation. 

Another beautiful thing about this nation is the diversity of cultures, languages, music, and more. Those who are followers of Christ celebrate a more important type of freedom: the freedom that comes with Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice for our salvation. With that comes a walk with Him that helps us through life's challenges and victories.

There are a variety of artists who have made songs about being free in Christ, the freedom that comes from being broken free from detrimental life choices, and more. So enjoy this true “goulash” of songs of freedom. 

“Set Me Free" Lecrae (feat. YK Osiris)

Lecrae’s Restoration is a full album and book that followed the hip-hop artist's deliverance and freedom from some dark times and his renewed relationship with Christ. The lead single, “Set Me Free (feat. YK Osiris)," with its sample from artist Mary Mary’s aforementioned classic belongs on this list. Lecrae speaks of being free of people’s opinions and other areas that hold us back. Rap artist YK does his thing with his auto-tuned singing of God removing his shackles and refusing to go back to the streets that were so destructive to him.
 

“Freedom” Justin Bieber & Beam

“The story’s already written/Children you are forgiven, yeah/Ain’t nothing you can do for you to change that/Everything you did He erased that/Yeah He took it all and threw it in the wasteland/Freedom don’t it feel good.” 

Although Canadian artist Justin Bieber has been a huge mainstay in the mainstream pop world, it's pretty evident how God is working in His life and how he's wrestling with some vices. His life is being played out in the open while many of us have the luxury of battling alone. He has also overcome much and he knows who to run to. So to hear him sing these words is pretty dope. Hip-hop artist Beam adds his dancehall/reggae flavor to punctuate this heater. “Freedom, don’t it feel good!” 

“I Am Free” Newsboys

"I am free to run/I am free to dance/I am free to live for You/I am free.”

"I Am Free" will put you in a great mood and remind you of the joy that comes with having a relationship with God. It starts talking about His power and how miracles can happen. Many artists have covered this song including gospel artist Israel Hougton’s New Breed and more. Contemporary band The Newsboys’ interpretation is wonderful topped with former lead vocalist Peter Furler’s cool Australian accent and guitars. This is a fun song about being free in Christ. 
 

"Free Indeed (You Said I Am)" Israel Houghton

Israel Houghton knows how to write and co-write anthems that resonate. “Free Indeed (You Said I Am)" is another great anthem. It has an infectious bassline with solid syncopation accentuated by the guitars. The vocals remind me that my freedom was won and declared by Christ. “Whom the Son sets free is free indeed/Whom the Son sets free is free indeed, yeah!/You already won the victory/You already won it all for me.” Check out the version on Israel and New Breed’s Feels Like Home, Vol.1. Can it get any better?
 

“My Chains Hit the Ground” Leeland

“I remember the nails that You took for me/When you died for my shame and iniquity/Jesus You have set me free.”

Contemporary band Leeland’s “My Chains Hit the Ground” is a wonderful example of a song of freedom and the substantial weight of burdens that Christ took on so that we wouldn't have to hold on to them. Broken chains have long symbolized a leaving of things that have had individuals and groups bound. It indicates newfound freedom and beginning. A bonafide tenor, lead vocalist Leeland Mooring nails it with “My Chains Hit the Ground."

“Shackles (Praise You)” Mary Mary

A contemporary, gospel, urban, or dance song list about freedom is incomplete without the classic, “Shackles (Praise You).” I had to mention several genres because this song was a colossal hit that resonated with fans everywhere. Just when gospel fans felt like the song was played too much, contemporary Christian radio picked it up and had it on constant rotation for another year, and who can blame them? 

“Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance/I just want to praise You/I just want to praise You/You broke the chains now I can lift my hands/And I’m going to praise.”

Throw this on. Think about the freedom that Jesus brings, and dance like no one is watching. However, watch out because someone may try to put you on social media! LOL! 

“Shackles (Praise You)" Coby James (feat. Evvie McKinney)

At first listen, I thought, "What is this?" and not in a good way. I didn't want to give this version a chance because the orginal made such a major impact on my life. However, pop artists Coby James and Evvie McKinney's version has more of a pop sound (think pop stars Bruno Mars or Justin Timberlake) than Mary Mary's version. That in itself makes the song very enjoyable and one to vibe to. Kudos to Coby and Evvie. 

There may be a new generation of kids who will prefer this new version over the original. Gasp. You be the judge, but do not forget to praise Him for taking away that things that once had you bound. 

 

“Set Me Free” Myron Butler and Levi

This song has to be on the list. Gospel artists Myron Butler and Levi were made of alumni of The God’s Property. “Set Me Free” hit me at first listen back in 2005 (the song is still on my normal rotation of gospel greats). The song is great from start to finish as Myron Butler and gospel artist Candy West trade lead vocals. The whole group goes off!. The culmination is the tag at the end, “Gave me liberty/Now I...I have been set free.”