Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary through Art

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, it’s crucial to highlight the role of art, culture, and storytelling. In a unique initiative, we connected with some of Nashville’s talented songwriters and artists, inviting them to create original songs that express their feelings about America. The acoustic performance is a debut for these songs, marking their first live rendition by the respective artists. We’ve collaborated with SiriusXM for a special broadcast that will air ahead of July 4th, featuring these songs in what we’ve dubbed the “American Soundtrack.”

He drinks to forget the hell he’s in.
man of cloth
coming down from the cross
and meet him where he is

With only 250 days remaining until America’s milestone, we can’t overlook the profound impact of the military in safeguarding this remarkable journey. However, it’s important to acknowledge the weight this has on the soldiers who’ve fought for it. Infusing themes of faith and redemption into storytelling seems vital. Perhaps that’s where the true essence of songwriting lies, especially for those with personal connections to these experiences.

Among the emerging country talents is Styles Howley, originally from Ohio. Already recognized as a top screenwriter for major names like Luke Bryan, he has also penned tracks for artists such as Craig Morgan and Jimmie Allen, in addition to performing alongside stars like Darius Rucker and Jake Owen.

Styles collaborates with prolific songwriters Filibilly and Michael Dulaney. Together, they ventured into the writers’ room aiming to develop songs for the “American Soundtrack.” The result? Deep explorations of intense, yet honest, experiences, exemplified in their song, Birth of a Soldier.

Filibilly, known around Nashville for his impressive repertoire, has worked with acclaimed artists from George Strait to Blake Shelton. He shared details about his writing process, revealing that Howley and Dulaney had provided him with an idea beforehand. He mulled it over while engaged in everyday tasks, like trimming the fence. The narrative centers on a young man who opts to enlist after the 9/11 attacks instead of pursuing education at Harvard, ultimately inspiring Birth of a Soldier.

Some lyrics draw from haunting personal stories. Howley, a young father himself, shared that the second verse—a man torn between two paths: imprisonment or combat—was inspired by his own father’s journey to join the Navy after a wild night. He emphasized the role of faith in his father’s life after returning home, stating, “That aspect of faith really helped him get through what he was battling.”

Michael Dulaney, a Grammy-nominated songwriter, has contributed significantly to the country scene, with past collaborations involving stars like Jason Aldean and Faith Hill. He expressed his gratitude for being part of the American Soundtrack project, mentioning that it felt appropriate to write a piece that reflects the sacrifices of soldiers. His work aims to honestly portray the realities faced by men and women who serve, highlighting their vital contributions to the nation, especially as it hits this historic milestone.

It’s clear that we are equally humbled to showcase the extraordinary talents of these songwriters in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.

The Doctor’s Son, Silver Spoon
White-collar workers walk the easy streets in their father’s shoes.
“Until one morning in September, the two towers collapsed.”
Harvard University is postponed and a soldier is born.

Bullets and bombs abroad
The shell of a man who returned home with PTSD
He drinks to forget the hell he’s in.
The Man of the Cloth Descends from the Cross
and meet him where he is
Turn whiskey into holy water to wash away your sins
thank you lord
a soldier reborn

Poor area of town beyond the railroad tracks
A single mother is raising a boy on a hand-to-mouth lifestyle.
Drunk driving on a Friday night, you decide where the road fork in the road.
Serve 6 months in prison or go to war
And a soldier was born

Bullets and bombs abroad
The shell of a man who returned home with PTSD
He drinks to forget the hell he’s in.
The Man of the Cloth Descends from the Cross
and meet him where he is
Turn whiskey into holy water to wash away your sins
thank you lord
a soldier reborn

Turn whiskey into holy water to wash away your sins.
It may become tattered and torn.
oh thank the lord
A soldier is reborn.