This country gem takes Americana in a confident, conservative direction that is particularly relevant for the year 2020.
The song’s distinctive vocals are reminiscent of country legend Johnny Cash, with gospel overtones, and has been described as a harmony of country, folk, and choral, with classical orchestration.
It patriotically pays homage to the servicemen and women who sacrificed for America’s values and liberty. “Purple Heart” is timely, traditional, and idealistic, looking upon America with realistic optimism.
Several artists from around the world collaborated on the song, while the music video was created by award-winning filmmaker Mathias Magnason.
The year 2020 was marred by chaos in America: ideological division, social strife, and life-or-death struggles for political power. “Purple Heart” offers a message of healing and unity amidst crisis.
In nations like China, such crises have long since run their full course, after 70 years under CCP rule, and the Chinese people have had their liberties entirely stamped out under communism’s iron fist.
Yet this Chinese communist-style oppression helped White discover what “Liberty” really means.
“As I got sober, I began practicing a Chinese meditation called Falun Gong, also called Falun Dafa,” he recalled.
“Since 1999, the Chinese Communist Party has brutally persecuted Falun Gong practitioners imprisonment, rape, torture, slave labor forced organ harvesting—these are the realities Falun Gong practitioners face today in China.”
White continued: “Learning of these abuses lit a fire inside me. For the first time in my life, I truly appreciated freedom.
“My grandfather, father, and uncle served in the military, but I didn’t truly understand their sacrifices until I began learning about what life was like in an oppressive communist regime.”
Adds White: “It’s a funny thing. By studying a Chinese meditation practice, I felt I became more American, more patriotic, more grateful.”
The military are the protectors of Liberty and “the heartbeat of America,” White says. He hopes “Purple Heart” will inspire people to cherish and protect that Liberty.
“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and the success of Liberty. This much we pledge.”
The song goes on to tell the story of a fallen soldier who sacrificed his life for “a cause greater than himself—for America, for freedom,” says White. “It’s about sacrifice, unity, and Liberty.”
“Purple Heart” contains messages of hope and divinity. The lyrics “God bless them all, please take ‘em home their Eternal call” refers to not just soldiers returning home from war, but to those who died and are returning to their homes in Heaven.
The production drew talent from Canada, Russia, the UK, New Zealand, and America. White co-wrote the song with singer-songwriter Katy Mantyk, who sings alongside him. Canadian country artist Richard Woodman and British artist Victoria May sing backup vocals.
Inspired trumpet soloist Alexander Antonov brings warm, passionate notes and adds richness and color mid-way through the ballad.
The gospel ending finishes with powerhouse vocals from singer Mika Hale.
“Purple Heart” was released under White’s record label ICONS UNITE in partnership with Katy Mantyk and producer David English.
White hopes “Purple Heart” continues to honor America’s military throughout the month of November, which is National Veterans and Military Family Month.
