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"Spirit of a Nation," 2012

Verse 1:
From those that walked before us
Many tears were shed
In spite of all their trials
They forged our nation’s thread

The Spirit of our People
Has stood the test of time
and bonds us all together
While continuing our climb

Chorus 1:
Cause They’re the Spirit of a Nation
Strong, Proud, and Free
From where we came to where we are
It’s passed to you and me

Verse 2:
Stand up and be counted
Lift you head, look to the sky
Let the spirit guide your actions
United we will thrive

Our path is laid before us
Uncertainty it may bring
With faith, love, and courage
We will let this spirit ring

Chorus 2:
We’re the Spirit of a Nation
Strong, Proud, and Free
From where we came to where we are
It’s passed to you and me

The Spirit of a Nation
A Collective Generation
From where we came to where are
It’s the Spirit of a Nation

Chorus 3:
We’re the Spirit of a Nation
Strong, Proud, and Free
From where we came to where we are
It’s passed to you and me

The Spirit of a Nation
The Spirit of a Nation
From where we came to where are
It’s the Spirit of a Nation

The Spirit of a Nation
A Unified Generation
From where we came to where are
It’s the Spirit of a Nation

The Spirit of a Nation
The Spirit of a Nation
From where we came to where are
It’s the Spirit of a Nation

Name: "Spirit of a Nation"

Music By: Jeff Carpenter

Lyrics By: Jae L. Stilwell and Jody Teeter

Performance Credits:

Masheli Billy - Native American Flute
Shaun DeGraff - Piano / Male Vocal
Jeremy Wallace - Hand Drum
Me-Way-Seh Greenwood - Shakers
Amy Assiter - Female Vocal
Jeff Carpenter - Acoustic Guitar
Cameron Canada - Drum Set
Robbie Blair - Bass Guitar
Derrick Barrett, Timothy Colungo, Steve Nail, Payte Summers, Jeremy Wallace - Drum Circle
Katie Barrick - Violin
Wayne Willis - Electric Guitar
Ben Barrick - Trumpet
Joann Ellis, Rose Jefferson, Jerry McCarty, Phyllis McCarty, Geneva Holman, Donna Smith, Mary Jane Smith, Stan Smith, Vera Tims, Darla Wolf - Choir

Production Credits:

Jeff Carpenter - Producer / Director / Sound Mixer
Angela Goolsby - Editor
Robbie Blair - Camera A
Jerrell Newby - Lighting / Camera B
Jason Alexander - Camera C / Grip
Philip Sullivan - Dolly Grip
Wyatt Keel - Crane Grip / Color Correction

Special Thanks: East Central University, Turner Falls Park, Chickasaw Cultural Center, Will Rogers Rose Garden, Chickasaw White House, Lake Murray State Park, Myriad Botanical Gardens, Yellow Springs Church, McSwain Theater.