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Mandela's Free

from Seventh Heaven by Up in the Air

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about

Wrote this song, a number of years after Mandela was released. Not sure exactly what precipitated it, but after personally being involved in the anti-apartheid movement, one could not have helped being inspired by this amazing and courageous man. There was a joy to writing it, and is still a joy to sing.

lyrics

Mandela’s Free
(by John Beccia)

CHORUS-
Mandela’s free, Mandela’s free
With him he freed his people......Mandela’s free
Mandela’s free, Mandela’s free
With him he freed his people......Mandela’s free

So many years that he spent in jail
They tried to change him, to no avail
He always believed that he would not fail
Now Mandela’s free
REPEAT CHORUS

They couldn’t stop him with prison walls
All of his people heard freedom’s call
He never stopped till apartheid falls
Now Mandela’s free
REPEAT CHORUS

Paving the way toward their liberty
A living symbol for all to see
Showing what South Africa could be
Now Mandela’s free
REPEAT CHORUS

Sooner or later, injustice ends
Freedom was coming, he knew not when
Slowly his country is on the mend
Now Mandela’s free
REPEAT CHORUS

REPEAT CHORUS

credits

from Seventh Heaven, track released July 1, 2002
written by John Beccia
vocals by John Beccia and Bobbie Smith
background vocals by Karen Wilkens, Joyce Raballino, Diane Smalley, Donna Keller. Gwyn Allie, Katelyn Smith, Carol Dawn, Mark Tomes, Mark Pierce
acoustic guitar-John Beccia
bass-Brian Stark
drums-Rich Daulton
latin percussion-Victor Rocha
recorder- Larry Hoffman
trumpet- Willie Brandt
talking drum- Timm Stein

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Up in the Air Santa Margarita, California

Up in the Air blends elements of structure and improvisation into musical styles as varied as folk, pop, dixieland, bluegrass, latin, and worldbeat. The result is a fresh and ultimately dancable musical experience with a conspicuously multi-cultural sound. Their original songs center on themes of social equity and justice, environmental consciousness, love, and respect for others. ... more

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