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

Intentionally Atrocious

Intentionally AtrociousSong Writing

A selection of songs made to be terrible - some clearly achieved that goal.

Hardy

HardySongwriter Interviews

The country hitmaker talks about his debut album, A Rock, and how a nursery rhyme inspired his hit single "One Beer."

Kiss

KissFact or Fiction

Kiss is the subject of many outlandish rumors - some of which happen to be true. See if you can spot the fakes.

Cheerleaders In Music Videos

Cheerleaders In Music VideosSong Writing

It started with a bouncy MTV classic. Nirvana and MCR made them scary, then Gwen, Avril and Madonna put on the pom poms.

History Of Rock

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

The End Of The Rock Era

The End Of The Rock EraSong Writing

There are no more rock stars - the last one died in 1994.