Peterson’s artistic successes may be surpassed by his skill in connecting people, embodied in the Rabbit Room online community (RabbitRoom.com), which gathers contributions from authors, songwriters, and pastors, encouraging creativity and referencing its ultimate source. The thread of community, also a theme of Counting Stars, imbues his beloved annual Christmas show, Behold The Lamb Of God, a long-running multi-artist tour based on Peterson’s original Christmas album of the same name. In all of these works, Peterson’s listeners can hear reminders that community, beauty, and hope all point back to the God “who gave music the power to carry his light into the darkness.” Andrew, his wife Jamie, and their three children make their home in Nashville.
Land of the Free
Andrew Peterson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Does it shine upon the faces of the poor?
Do they see in it the brilliance of the place that's been prepared
And dwell upon the hope of what's in store
Or are they just like me do they only see
An opportunity to complain about the heat
And little Elba how's the rain in South America
Do they thank the Lord for coming up with such a great idea
And dream about a place beyond all this
Or are they just like us do they gripe and fuss
About the rain and mud when they've had too much?
Cause I'm just a little jealous
Of the nothing that you have
You're unfettered by the wealth of
Of a world that we pretend that's going to last
Well I'm weary of the spoils of my ambition
And I'm shackled by the comfort of my couch
Well I wish I had the courage to deny these of my self
And start to store my treasure in the clouds
Cause this is not my home
I do not belong where the antelope and the buffalo roam
And I'm just a little jealous
Of the nothing that you have
You're unfettered by the wealth of
Of a world that we pretend that's going to last
They say God's blessed us with plenty
I say you're blessed with poverty
Cause you never stop to wonder
Whether earth is just a little better than the land of the free
So I hope you're safe and dry in South America
Cause I'm feeling pretty good in Tennessee
But may you never be so happy that you forget about your home
Your home in the land of the free
The lyrics of Andrew Peterson's song "Land of the Free" explore the complex emotions of jealousy and gratitude that arise when one considers the lives of those living in poverty in other parts of the world. The song addresses an imagined person, "little Elba," who represents the poor and marginalized in South America. The first verse asks about the weather and whether the people there can find hope in the natural beauty of their surroundings or if they are consumed by complaining. In the second verse, Peterson wonders if the people in South America are able to find gratitude for the rain that provides life for their crops and families, or if they too get bogged down in negativity.
However, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that the singer is not just curious about life in other parts of the world, but is grappling with his own privilege and sense of entitlement. He admits to being envious of the simple life lived by the people in South America, free from the abundance and distractions of the Western world. He goes on to question the value of his own wealth and success, recognizing that true treasure lies elsewhere. He concludes with a poignant acknowledgement that, despite his current comfort, he is not truly "at home" in the land of the free.
Overall, "Land of the Free" is a poignant reflection on the complexities of wealth, poverty, and gratitude. Peterson's lyrics convey a sense of longing for a simpler way of life, while also acknowledging the privilege and blessings that come from living in the "land of the free."
Line by Line Meaning
Little Elba how's the sun in South America
How does the sunlight treat you in South America?
Does it shine upon the faces of the poor?
Do the impoverished people benefit from it?
Do they see in it the brilliance of the place that's been prepared
Can they comprehend the glory of the land beyond life?
And dwell upon the hope of what's in store
Do they ponder what lies ahead?
Or are they just like me do they only see
Or are they similar to me, who just complain?
An opportunity to complain about the heat
Complaining about the heat presents a chance for them.
And little Elba how's the rain in South America
What about rainfall in South America, Little Elba?
Does it fall upon the roof tops of the sick
Does the sick get a roof over their head amidst this rainfall?
Do they thank the Lord for coming up with such a great idea
Do the population in South America grateful for the wonderful creation of God?
And dream about a place beyond all this
Do the people envision a better place than South America?
Or are they just like us do they gripe and fuss
Or are they relatable to us and complain?
About the rain and mud when they've had too much?
Do they moan and groan about the rain woes?
Cause I'm just a little jealous
Because I'm envious of you.
Of the nothing that you have
I am envious of your lack of possessions.
You're unfettered by the wealth of
You're not tied down by the riches of this world.
Of a world that we pretend that's going to last
A planet we pretend will last forever.
Well I'm weary of the spoils of my ambition
I'm tired of my impulsiveness rewards.
And I'm shackled by the comfort of my couch
The comfort of my sofa holds me back.
Well I wish I had the courage to deny these of my self
I wish I could deny myself this pleasure with courage.
And start to store my treasure in the clouds
And begin accumulating rewards in heaven.
Cause this is not my home
This world is not my abode.
I do not belong where the antelope and the buffalo roam
This is not where I belong, where the animals wander.
They say God's blessed us with plenty
People claim that God has bestowed us with wealth.
I say you're blessed with poverty
But I say that you are lucky to have a lack of fortune.
Cause you never stop to wonder
Because you never get a chance to ponder.
Whether earth is just a little better than the land of the free
It might be possible that heaven is better than America.
So I hope you're safe and dry in South America
I hope you're healthy and safe in South America.
Cause I'm feeling pretty good in Tennessee
Because I'm doing well in Tennessee.
But may you never be so happy that you forget about your home
But, may you never be so content that you forget where you belong.
Your home in the land of the free
Your true location is in the land of the free.
Contributed by Alexis N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.