The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is made up of some 360 men and women, all of whom are volunteers. There are many husband-wife combinations and many families have participated in the choir for generations. Choir members are currently limited to twenty years of participation, allowing new members to join the choir on a regular basis.
The choir was founded in August 1847, one month after the Mormon Pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. The choir is completely self-funded, traveling and producing albums to support their organization. Choir members are not paid for their participation or performances.
Although the choir has traditionally been recognized for its sound quality, the most recent director, Craig Jessop, a student of Robert Shaw, has made changes designed to improve the overall quality of the choir. Jessop's efforts to add vitality to the choir's sound include the formation of The Orchestra at Temple Square, the 2005 addition of The Bells on Temple Square (a hand bell choir), and continual refinement of the choir's tone, enunciation, and repetoire. The minimum age for participation has been reduced from 30 to 25. In addition, new choir members participate in The Temple Square Chorale training choir, a combination music theory/performance school led by associate director and composer/arranger Mack Wilberg.
Born Free
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Lyrics
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As free as the grass grows
Born free to follow your heart
Live free and beauty surrounds you
The world still astounds you
Each time you look at a star
You're free as the roaring tide
So there's no need to hide
Born free and life is worth living
But only worth living
'Cause you're born free
Stay free, where no walls divide you
You're free as the roaring tide
So there's no need to hide
Born free and life is worth living
But only worth living
'Cause you're born free
The lyrics to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's song Born Free celebrate the freedom that comes with being alive. The opening lines suggest that we are born with an inherent freedom that is as natural and constant as the wind and the grass. This freedom allows us to follow our hearts, to pursue our dreams and desires, and to live without constraint or oppression. As the song progresses, we are reminded of the beauty and wonder of the world around us, which serves as a constant reminder of the incredible freedom that we possess.
The song encourages us to live our lives fully and without reservation, reveling in the experience of being alive. Even in the face of obstacles and adversity, the song suggests that we can remain free, unencumbered by walls or barriers, and always moving forward like the roaring tide. Ultimately, we are reminded that life is worth living precisely because of the freedom that is our birthright. Those who embrace their freedom and live in harmony with the world around them are the ones who truly live life to the fullest.
Line by Line Meaning
Born free, as free as the wind blows
You are born without any restrictions or limitations, just like the wind that blows without any boundaries or control.
As free as the grass grows
You have the freedom to grow and flourish, just like the grass that grows without any limitations.
Born free to follow your heart
You have the liberty to follow your heart's calling and make your own choices in life, without any external constraints.
Live free and beauty surrounds you
When you live without limitations, you will notice the beauty that surrounds you and appreciate it more.
The world still astounds you
The world has a lot to offer, and it still has the power to surprise and capture your imagination.
Each time you look at a star
When you gaze at the stars, you are reminded of the vastness of the universe and the infinite possibilities that exist.
Stay free where no walls divide you
Choose to live where there are no walls or divisions to limit your freedom, and where you can remain open-minded and accepting of others.
You're free as the roaring tide
You have the freedom to be as fierce and powerful as the tides of the ocean, without any restrictions.
So there's no need to hide
You don't need to hide your true self or alter who you are to fit into societal norms, as you are free to be yourself.
Born free and life is worth living
Being born free means that life has meaning and purpose, and is worth living to the fullest.
But only worth living
Life is only worth living when you are free to make your own decisions and live according to your own values.
'Cause you're born free
Being born free is your inherent right, and gives you the power to shape your own destiny and live a fulfilling life.
Writer(s): John Barry
Contributed by Victoria S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.