Album: Own It (2018)
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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.
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