Larnelle Harris - Statue of Liberty Lyrics
Lyrics
In New York Harbor stands a lady
With a torch raised to the sky
And all who see her know she stands for
Liberty for you and me
And I'm so proud to be called an American
To be named with the brave and the free
I will honor our flag and our trust in God
And the Statue of Liberty
On lonely Golgotha stood a cross
With my Lord raised to the sky
And all who kneel there live forever
As all the saints can testify
And I'm so glad to be called a Christian
To be named with the ransomed and whole
As the statue liberates the citizen
So the cross liberates the soul
Oh, the cross is my Statue of Liberty
For it was there that my soul was set free
Unashamed I'll proclaim that a rugged cross
Is my Statue of Liberty
Unashamed I'll proclaim that the rugged cross
Is my Statue of Liberty!
Video
Larnelle Harris - Statue of Liberty (1977)
Meaning & Inspiration
Larnelle Harris’s profound reflection, "Statue of Liberty," was introduced to the world on June 7, 1977, as a pivotal track on his album, *More*. This song is far more than a simple tune; it’s a powerful theological and patriotic declaration, meticulously crafted to draw a direct, soul-stirring parallel between two monumental symbols of freedom. Harris masterfully takes the familiar, tangible liberty represented by Lady Liberty in New York Harbor and elevates the concept to the ultimate, spiritual freedom found through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. The very essence of the song lies in this brilliant comparison, inviting contemplation on the different dimensions of true liberation.
The initial verses of the song establish a vivid image of the Statue of Liberty, portraying her as a beacon of political and civil freedom, recognized globally for her unwavering stance. The lines evoke a deep sense of national pride, acknowledging the privilege of being an American, a heritage associated with bravery and freedom. This segment speaks to the inherent value of national identity, respecting symbols like the flag, and acknowledging the foundational role of trust in God within the fabric of the nation. It reminds us of the blessings of living in a country where liberty is cherished, a concept often rooted in the belief that "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord" (Psalm 33:12).
As the narrative progresses, the song seamlessly transitions from the national to the divine, introducing the rugged cross on Golgotha. Here, the imagery shifts from a sculpted monument to a scene of ultimate sacrifice, where "my Lord raised to the sky" signifies Jesus' crucifixion. This is the heart of the song’s spiritual message: the cross is not merely a historical artifact but the definitive instrument of eternal life and redemption. Harris asserts that "all who kneel there live forever," echoing the promise of Scripture that "whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). The assertion that "all the saints can testify" further validates this truth, reinforcing the communal and historical witness of believers to the saving power of Christ. The joy of being "named with the ransomed and whole" resonates with the biblical truth of redemption, reminding us that we "were redeemed... with the precious blood of Christ" (1 Peter 1:18-19).
The lyrical bridge between these two powerful symbols is where the song truly shines, proclaiming the central theme: "As the statue liberates the citizen / So the cross liberates the soul." This is not just a poetic flourish; it’s a profound theological statement. Just as the Statue of Liberty symbolizes freedom from oppression and the promise of a better life for those entering America, the cross offers an infinitely deeper freedom – liberation from sin, spiritual death, and the bondage of the flesh. This spiritual freedom is absolute and eternal, granting believers freedom not merely *in* a nation, but freedom *for* eternity. The Apostle Paul famously declared, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free" (Galatians 5:1), and Jesus Himself stated, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36).
The culminating declaration, "Oh, the cross is my Statue of Liberty / For it was there that my soul was set free," is a personal, unyielding confession of faith. It boldly states that for the believer, the cross transcends all other symbols of freedom, becoming the ultimate embodiment of liberation. The emphasis on being "unashamed" to proclaim this truth speaks to a conviction rooted in Romans 1:16, where Paul declares he is "not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes." Larnelle Harris’s "Statue of Liberty" is an inspiring testament to both national gratitude and, more significantly, an unwavering devotion to the liberating power of Christ's sacrifice. It serves as a stirring reminder that while earthly freedoms are precious, the spiritual freedom purchased on a rugged cross is the truest and most enduring liberty of all, offering hope, redemption, and eternal life to all who embrace it.