Not your grandpa's hymnal, and definitely not what you'd hear during Sunday School. This playlist is what happens when Mormon musicians decide to break free from the cultural hall and actually rock.

Think less "Love One Another" soft piano, more "I'm totally living my best life" with a killer country guitar riff. These tracks are radio-ready, mainstream country with a subtle Mormon twist - stories of faith, family, and finding yourself, but with enough grit to make you want to drive fast down a Utah highway.

It's the soundtrack for:
 - Faithful rebels
 - Sunday clothes wearing, whiskey-avoiding, but totally cool kids
 - Pioneers who know how to have a good time (without breaking the Word of Wisdom)
 - Anyone who's ever felt caught between tradition and transformation

Warning: May cause spontaneous line dancing, unexpected spiritual experiences, and definitely some raised eyebrows at your next ward potluck.

Playlist Vibe: Authentic. Unexpected. Unapologetically Mormon... but make it cool.

🤠 LDS... Country Music?

A Southern Rock anthem based on Joseph Smith's own words of how he views the false accusations, trials, and false imprisonment and attacks on his character and body, as well as his frustration with trying to teach the Saints how to become a Zion people.

Spirit of Zion (Songs of Hope)

Rough Stone Rolling

Based on actual quotations from Joseph Smith Jr. 

Most people don't know, but Joseph never once denied the events of the restoration -- even when it would have directly benefited him.

#LDS #MormonHistory

I Can't Deny

Jesus brought Judas and the Roman guards to their knees with his fearless statement, "I Am He". He had no armor, no weapons, only divinity. (John 18)

Based on the powerful witness, testimony, and profile of the Christ that is Jesus during fall General Conference 2024 in a talk called, "I Am He" by Jeffrey R. Holland 

I Am He

This track is about the tremendous burden that is the care of such a sacred and important record as what becomes the Book of Mormon as it is translated and put to publish. Joseph, Emma, and Martin Harris are all deeply affected, but truth be told, the full burden ultimately falls on Joseph himself.

Treasure Divine

This Rock/Pop track is based on the powerful testimony and profile of Jesus Christ made by Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland in his most recent address during Fall 2024 General Conference titled, "I Am He".

Stay The Course

Verse 1:
In the shadow of Jerusalem’s fall,
The prophets cried, the temples burned,
Deuteronomists cast us down,
But sacred fires within us churned.

Across the waters deep we sail,
By covenant, through wind and hail.

Chorus:
By the fruit of the tree, we’ll be led,
Through the storms, with faith we tread,
The menorah’s light shines bright,
Her Son will reign in endless might.

Verse 2:
There was war beyond the veil,
Two serpents lay, one dark, one light,
In sacred rooms, their choice was shown,
Between the wrong and what was right.

With Liahona’s guiding flame,
We seek the Holy One’s great face.

Chorus:
By the fruit of the tree, we’ll be led,
Through the storms, with faith we tread,
The menorah’s light shines bright,
Her Son will reign in endless might.

Outro:
Our journey ends in life made true.
In Zion's peace, we find our view.

Lehi's Journey

This track highlights the parallels between the esoteric details of the traditional Jewish marriage traditions and Christ the Bridegroom returning after a long sojourn building a home to be married to the Church.

lyrics
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Chuppah in the evening light
Candles glowing soft and bright
Promises beneath the stars
Together no matter how far

Breaking glass to seal their fate
Love will never come too late
Blowing Shofar loud and clear
Echoes bring the bridegroom near

He builds a home with hands so true
A place where dreams can all come through
Just like the skies or ancient wine
Returning when the moment's fine

Veil is lifted from her eyes
Tears of joy they crystallize
In the mirror of the past
Love's reflection meant to last

Gathered friends and family
Underneath the olive tree
Hopes and dreams in harmony
Signs for those who wait and see

Bridegroom comes with love so grand
Carries church in his command
From the old
The symbols grow
In his promise
Now we flow

Return of The Bridegroom

Inspired by the profound vision of the Tree of Life revealed to the prophets Lehi and Nephi in the Book of Mormon, this Southern Rock anthem captures the spiritual journey of faith, perseverance, and divine love. Through vivid imagery of the iron rod and the shining tree, the song reminds us of the power of holding to truth amidst darkness. Uplifting and reverent, it builds toward a hopeful chorus, encouraging listeners to embrace the light that breaks through even the darkest days.

1 Nephi 8-12

lyrics
------
Verse 1:
We fled from the city of prophets and kings
Into the wild, where the Spirit sings
Through the Hekhal’s veil, a vision so clear
A Tree shining bright, its meaning near
In the shadows of doubt, we fought with our might
Guided by love, we embraced the light

Chorus:
In the light of the Tree of Life
Where the fruit is pure and the love is bright
Hold to the rod, never lose your way
Feel the light break the darkest day

Verse 2:
My father dreamed of the sacred light
I knelt in prayer through the endless night
And there it was—truth revealed to me
A vision so bright, I could hardly see
Though they mocked, we stood, hearts full of hope
With faith as our anchor, we learned to cope

Chorus:
In the light of the Tree of Life
Where the fruit is pure and the love is bright
Hold to the rod, never lose your way
Feel the light break the darkest day

Outro:
Let the light, let it shine, break the chains, break the night.

Light of the Tree of Life

A Southern Rock anthem based on Joseph Smith's own words of how he views the false accusations, trials, and false imprisonment and attacks on his character and body, as well as his frustration with trying to teach the Saints how to become a Zion people.

Verse 1:
In the quiet fields of Palmyra /
A boy searches for the light,
With a heart full of questions, /
And a dream burning bright.

The vision’s clear but the path is hard, /
Just a rough stone in the night,
Rolling down the mountain’s side, /
Guided by faith, not by sight.

I see the heavens open wide, /
A city pure and bright,

Chorus:
I’m a rough stone rolling down, /
Chiseled by the fire,
Through the trials, through the flames, /
I’ll be what God desires.

With every strike, a corner falls, /
Mobs and hatred grow,
But I’m a rough stone rolling, /
A prophet yet unknown.

Verse 2
With words from on high, I try to teach, /
But hearts of stone won’t yield,
Like hemlock knots that split and crack, /
My hands upon the wheel.

I see the city on the hill, /
But I can’t go alone,
The Saints are slow, they fail to see, /
The vision God has shown.

But how to bring it here to earth, /
Is hidden from their sight.

Chorus:
I’m a rough stone rolling down, /
Chiseled by the fire,
Through the trials, through the flames, /
I’ll be what God desires.

With every strike, a corner falls, /
Mobs and hatred grow,
But I’m a rough stone rolling, /
A prophet yet unknown.

Outro:
Now the stone is polished, smooth, /
And set upon the path,
A prophet forged through struggle, /
A shining rod at last.

Based on the words of the the Prophet Joseph Smith, teaching people about how the Nephites from his from his heavenly visions were a people to aspire to understand and emulate. Joseph hopes that the Saints can one day be as they were.  


Verse 1:
I think about the Nephites' days, when faith was pure and strong,
They followed God with willing hearts, He never steered them wrong.
They judged the good from evil by Christ’s own guiding light,
They walked the promised land with truth, their steps were firm and right.

Oh, that I could walk with Nephi’s kin,
Where every heart was pure within.

Chorus:
Oh, let my people rise and see,
Be firm to keep God's purity.
Be quick to hearken, slow to stray,
Stand tall like Nephi in the fray.

Verse 2:
I look upon these Nauvoo streets, the Saints still lost in strife,
Oh, how I wish they’d hold the line, and live that faithful life.
If they could see what Nephi saw, they'd cleave unto the rod,
With Christ to guide and lift them up, they’d walk the path to God.

But I believe the Spirit’s call,
Will lead them on, will break the fall.

Chorus:
Oh, let my people rise and see,
Be firm to keep God's purity.
Be quick to hearken, slow to stray,
Stand tall like Nephi in the fray.

Outro:
So rise, my people, heed the word,
The light of Christ will still be heard.

Rise Like Nephi

Spirit of Zion (Songs of Hope) is a vibrant collection of 32 tracks that celebrates the beauty and diversity of Zion. This album features a rich tapestry of genres, moods, and perspectives, capturing the essence of joy found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Each song invites listeners to experience moments of hope, inspiration, and unity, as it explores themes of faith, community, and the gathering of Israel.

From uplifting anthems to reflective ballads, Songs of Joy encourages a deeper connection to the spirit of Zion, inspiring listeners to embrace the journey of discipleship and the promise of a brighter future. Join us in this musical celebration that transcends boundaries and uplifts the soul, reminding us that joy is an integral part of building Zion together.

Liberty's Call

I Sing For Joy

Verse 1:
He made the stars, the land, and sea,
But the greatest truth that sets us free—
He’s not just power in the skies above,
He’s our Father, and we’re His sons and daughters of love.

He’s waiting on your call, to guide you through the haze,
A little faith is all you need to walk those narrow ways.

Chorus:
When you ask in faith, you’ll see His face,
He’s the Father of us all, full of truth and grace.
His love’s always near, like the light of day,
If you seek Him true, He’ll show you the way.

Verse 2:
He’s the calm in the storm, the fire in the fight,
The one who’s by your side in the darkest night.
If you know who He is, you’ll understand,
We’re His children, carved in His hands.

Line by line, He’ll help you grow,
With every truth, His grace will flow.

Chorus:
When you ask in faith, you’ll see His face,
He’s the Father of us all, full of truth and grace.
His love’s always near, like the light of day,
If you seek Him true, He’ll show you the way.

He’ll show His face, just ask in faith,
He’s the Father of us all, full of truth and grace.

Ask In Faith

A man is saved, no faster than he knows,
The truth will guide him where the Spirit flows,
In the chains of darkness, we must never fall,
Knowledge breaks the bonds and frees us all.

We’ll endure, we’ll stand, with His grace we’ll rise,

Step by step, climb the ladder to the light,
Every trial brings us closer, makes the burden feel light.
The path is clear, the way is bright,
With knowledge and faith, we’ll reach the heights.

The nearer we approach, the clearer our view,
Each step makes us stronger, as the old fades from view,
Climbing ever upward, with no turning back,
The Spirit lifts us onward, on the righteous track.

Our eyes see clearer, and the way is true,

Step by step, climb the ladder to the light,
Every trial brings us closer, makes the burden feel light.
The path is clear, the way is bright,
With knowledge and faith, we’ll reach the heights.

With the journey ahead, let our hearts be bold,
In the warmth of His light, we'll find treasures untold.

Step By Step

This Southern Rock anthem dives into the trials and false accusations Joseph Smith Jr. faced, showcasing his defiance and unwavering faith. With gritty verses and a powerful, soaring chorus, the song takes you on a journey of standing strong in the face of betrayal and lies. It’s raw, emotional, and leaves you feeling uplifted. Crank it up and get inspired by the resilience of a man who stood tall, no matter the odds.

To learn more about this story, visit this link: https://archive.org/details/HistoryOfTheChurchOfJesusChristOfLatter-daySaints1902-Volume6/page/n451/mode/2up

lyrics
------
Verse 1:
Brothers turned their backs on me, shadows in their eyes,
The ones I loved the most now preach against the skies.
Conspiring with darkness, they seek my fall,
But even in betrayal, I will stand tall.
Let the meek rise up in the light of day,
Render good for evil, don’t turn away.

Chorus:
They’ll say I’m guilty, but I stand for the truth,
I’ve rattled the chains, my soul is proof.
Through the fire, I rise above their lies,
Innocent as I was, I will survive.

Verse 2:
Whispers in the shadows, they twist the truth around,
Said I had seven wives, but only one could be found.
The prophets of lies have sharpened their swords,
But I’ll hold to my promise, stay true to my Lord.
No matter the rumors, I’ll fight the storm,
The chains of deceit won’t tear me from my form.

Chorus: 
They’ll say I’m guilty, but I stand for the truth,
I’ve rattled the chains, my soul is proof.
Through the fire, I rise above their lies,
Innocent as I was, I will survive.

Outro:
With strength in my heart, I’ll forge ahead,
In truth, I stand tall, no longer misled.

Innocent As I Am

Chasing Zion is a YouTube channel and music project exploring faith, hope, and the spiritual journey of building Zion. Blending ancient and modern themes from the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the discussion and the music inspires reflection on the coming of Christ, the Holy Ghost, discipleship, building up of Zion, and the literal gathering of Israel. It's more than music—it's a movement toward truth and light in the Latter-days.

Bandcamp: https://chasingzion.bandcamp.com

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@chasing_zion?si=pTbWi-lH23Vmq9TG

Instagram: https://instagram.com/_chasingzion