Album: Own It (2018)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Defender" was originally written by Bethel Music vocalist Steffany Gretzinger with Rita Springer and John-Paul Gentile. Springer recorded it for her 2017 album Battles.

    Francesca Battistelli was taken by the lyrics and started using the song during worship at her church. When she decided to record the tune for her Own It album, Battistelli's husband suggested she reach out to Gretzinger to see if she'd like to sing the song with her. Gretzinger readily agreed.
  • The song's concept comes from Exodus 14:14: "The Lord will fight for you. All you have to do is keep still." Battistelli explained to NewReleaseToday:

    "There's so much in our culture that says we need to be on the go all of the time. Even in the church, we think we need to always be doing something. God values hard work and we should serve others. But, there's also something to the idea of being still and surrendering to God. I trust Him to fight this battle in my life. There have been many times where I've needed to do that in my life."

Comments: 1

  • Sandra Jimenez from Hinesville, GaThis song, the words touch even the unbelievers. I am so glad I heard this beautiful song. I listen to it daily and it makes my day. Thank you Francesca and all those who made it happen.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Ramones

RamonesFact or Fiction

A band so baffling, even their names were contrived. Check your score in the Ramones version of Fact or Fiction.

Producer Ron Nevison

Producer Ron NevisonSong Writing

Ron Nevison explains in very clear terms the Quadrophenia concept and how Heart staged their resurgence after being dropped by their record company.

Spot The Real Red Hot Chili Peppers Song Titles

Spot The Real Red Hot Chili Peppers Song TitlesMusic Quiz

The Red Hot Chili Peppers have some rather unusual song titles - see if you can spot the real ones.

Wedding Bell Blues

Wedding Bell BluesSong Writing

When a song describes a wedding, it's rarely something to celebrate - with one big exception.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

Michael Sweet of Stryper

Michael Sweet of StryperSongwriter Interviews

Find out how God and glam metal go together from the Stryper frontman.