A song to celebrate | Toast to Freedom

“Toast To Freedom” is dedicated to human rights activism around the world. Nearly 50 artists contributed to celebrate Amnesty International’s 50th Anniversary. Toast To Freedom was written by music veterans Carl Carlton and Larry Campbell. Check it out.

The story behind

Written by veteran guitarist/producers Carl Carlton (Robert Palmer, Eric Burdon, Keb Mo) and Larry Campbell (Levon Helm Band, Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello), “Toast To Freedom” is the brainchild of Carlton, and longtime music industry executive, activist, and entrepreneur Jochen Wilms in collaboration with Art for Amnesty founder Bill Shipsey. “Toast To Freedom” was inspired by Carlton, a longtime supporter of Amnesty International, who suggested teaming up with Wilms on a commemorative project to mark the organization’s 50th anniversary.

“They really fell in love with our song,” Wilms says. “Amnesty said that they’d like us to record it, but that I would have to manage it. I thought, ‘Oh my God, what kind of commitment have I made?’ But I’ve been lucky in my life so I said, ‘Fine. I will make it happen.’

The basic tracks were recorded at the legendary Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, N.Y, affectionately known as “the Barn,” where acclaimed artists like the Black Crowes and My Morning Jacket have made recordings and where Helm, a four-time Grammy winner, stages his intimate, multi-artist concert performances known as the “Midnight Ramble.”

“The Barn is a magical place of peace and calm that recharges your mojo,” Carlton says. “It’s a fantastic sounding room with an extraordinarily generous host who embraces your talent and soul.”

“Toast To Freedom” is available for purchase via the usual online stores worldwide. Proceeds will benefit Amnesty International. Moreover, “Toast To Freedom” will be available in a wide assortment of audio mixes, including “Global Master Mixes” for both the “Extended Version” and “Radio Edit;” as well as later on regional specific remixes South America, Africa, Australia, Asia, Europe and the USA.

Find everybody who made this song possible in the Credits

Lyrics

VERSE 1
How delicious is the winning of her kiss
Bind her love to eternal bliss
She’s the greatest power in the universe
Freedom

Her touch will feed your real hope
In the darkest of days and on the steepest slope
Let your good heart and kindness fill her temple
Freedom

BRIDGE
Nobody’s free until everybody’s free
We walk a long winding road, sail the raging seas
No prison cell, no censorship hell
Can claim our obedience and love

CHORUS
Here’s our toast to freedom
To human rights and dignity
Love, respect and forgiveness
United in the dream for victory
Here’s to the battlefields for justice
Of the tortured, banished and enslaved
To the selfless spirit and commitment
To our brothers and sisters in the grave

 

VERSE 2
She hurts when sovereigns and parliaments meet
To shackle more chains about Liberty’s feet
When the rulers cast the votes they can not spell
Freedom

Her open eyes desire nothing but the truth
The soul of mankind, untainted youth
Yes–for this I will stand up and fight
Freedom

BRIDGE 2
Nobody’s free until everybody’s free
We walk a hard road, sail the raging seas
No prison cell, no censorship hell
Can claim our obedience and love

CHORUS

SOLO

BRIDGE 3
Nobody’s free until everybody’s free
Together we walk a hard road, sail the raging seas
No prison cell, no censorship hell
Can claim our obedience and love

BREAKDOWN

Here’s our toast to freedom
To human rights and dignity
Love, respect and forgiveness
United in the dream for victory

OUTRO (W/BACKGROUND VOCALS)

Here’s our toast to freedom
To human rights and dignity
Love, respect and forgiveness
United in the dream for victory