Is For King And Country Christian?


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For King and Country is a Grammy Award-winning Christian pop duo comprised of Joel and Luke Smallbone. The duo has gained mainstream success while filled with the message of God’s love for humanity, leading many fans to question: Is For King And Country Christian?

The answer is yesโ€”For King and Country identifies as a faith-based group using their music to share Christianity’s teachings globally. This can be seen through their lyrics, which are heavily influenced by biblical stories and verses.

“The songs we write tend to come from things that we’re either struggling with or questions that we have about our own faith.” -Joel Smallbone

Over the years, For King and Country has continued to release popular hits like “Joy, ” “Shoulders, ” “God Only Knows, ” among others. These singles see them collaborate musically in several other genres bending between pop, folk-pop, electro-pop, all while keeping true to its identity as an act dedicated solely to spreading Christ’s message through entertainment.

“I think often times when people hear โ€˜Christian music, โ€™ they only expect it at church, โ€ -Luke Smallbone

You’ll discover whether you’re hearing For King & Country on radio airwaves or chatting with these brothers backstageโ€”you will always find integrity interacting behind every lyric.

To further answer your question- Is For King And Country Christian?- Youโ€™ll just need to listen closely into any tune in their discography; youโ€™ll quickly realize thereโ€™s something incredibly unique during this band than anything else out there today. So enjoy!

What is For King and Country?

For King, Country is a Christian pop duo originally from Australia, composed of brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone. The band has released four studio albums so far.

Their music mostly revolves around themes such as love, hope, faith, and resilience in the face of adversity. They have earned several accolades over the years including two Grammy awards for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album in 2015 and 2020 respectively.

“As musicians we’re called to be that light in a dark place.” – Joel Smallbone

The Smallbone brothers grew up in a family of seven children on Sydney’s Northern Beaches with their parents being involved with various ministries at church. They were exposed to music from an early age as their father was part of a Christian rock band while their mother directed theater productions at school.

However, it wasn’t until they moved to Nashville in 1991 that they decided to pursue a career in music themselves. In Nashville they formed the band “Joel, Luke” which later became known as For King, Country after signing with Warner Bros won Nashville Records and releasing their debut album “Crave” in 2012.

“We are totally about people living abundant lives through faith.” – Luke Smallbone

Is For King And Country Christians? Yes. Both Joel and Luke consider themselves followers of Jesus Christ and often share personal anecdotes related to their faith before each performance during their concerts.

In addition to making music, the group also uses its platform to support different causes such as mental health awareness, child sponsorship programs, human trafficking prevention efforts among others.

If you enjoy uplifting lyrics paired with contemporary beats, giving For King, Country a listen may be worth your while.

A brief introduction to the band

For King and Country is an American Christian pop duo formed in 2012 by Australian brothers, Joel and Luke Smallbone. The group quickly rose to fame with their hit song “Busted Heart (Hold On to Me)” from their debut album Crave. They have since then released several other albums that have received critical acclaim.

Their music is known for its powerful messages of faith, hope, love, and redemption. One of their most profound songs, โ€œGod Only Knowsโ€ speaks about how God knows everything we go through especially during tough times.

Despite being a popular mainstream act in the music industry, one question often arises among critics: Is For King and Country Christian?

“I think ‘Christian’ can be either an adjective or a noun; I am certainly both, ” – Joel Smallbone

To answer this burning question accurately, it’s important to understand what the term โ€˜Christianโ€™ means. Simply put, Christianity refers to a religion centered around Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. From this perspective, For King & Country can be regarded as Christians as they use their platform to spread positive messaging based on these values.

As Christians themselves who strive to stay true to their beliefs through honesty and vulnerability in their music. Their sound today has evolved beyond purely worship style songs but continue uplifting people using elements identified with Christian culture such as scripture verses preluding some tracks including โ€˜Pricelessโ€™.

“We consider ourselves communicators rather than necessarily musicians first.” -Luke Smallbone

In conclusion yes, โ€™ For King And Country are indeed a Christian band taking undisputedly authentic steps communicating spiritual virtues within universal experiences rendered through artful creativity which blends rock-pop beats and lyrics resulting meaningful hits across cultures globally.

Their religious background

For King and Country is a Christian music duo that hails from Australia. Brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone were raised in a deeply religious family where faith was at the center of their upbringing. Their father (Sir) David Smallbone, was a music promoter who staged various events featuring renowned Christian artists.

In an interview, Joel stated: “Our grandfather was actually a preacher in Australia, so I think our dad grew up with the understanding that his calling would be ministry. โ€ Both brothers attended a private school for boys run by strict Christian principles. This environment played a significant role in shaping their perspective on life, art and spirituality.”

“We grew up with this idea of creativity being born out of worship, ” says Luke.”The message wasn’t just something we wanted to share through our words but also musically.”

As part of their creative expression, For King and Country combines powerful pop melodies with lyrics about God’s love, grace and hope. Through their music they desire to inspire people all over the world to find purpose amid struggle, pain or loss. They recognize that as believers it can be challenging to live out one’s faith in today’s fast-paced society. But they believe that through perseverance and trust in Godโ€™s provision we can overcome any obstacle.

“Our goal has always been simple – To convey profound truths through relevant means, โ€ explains Joel.

This approach has earned them critical acclaim across different genres of music lovers around the globe. In 2015, Forbes named them one of โ€œMusic’s Breakout Starsโ€ while Billboard declared them to be within seconds of breaking into superstardom. ‘

All things considered, For King And Country most definitely carry an unequivocally Christ-centered message throughout their writing” reassures Rosalie Wheaton from Cross Rhythms, an independent UK Christian media outlet.

“Their lyrics are full of substance; they preach messages in a way that is easy to take in. Theyโ€™re bringing accountability into peopleโ€™s musical lives.”

In conclusion, For King and Country’s music incorporates strong religious themes at the core of their artistry. It is through this approach that they have made an impact on fans globally by conveying relevant truth with beautiful melodies. Their faith remains central as they inspire everyone who listens to embrace hope amid life’s ups and downs.

How their faith influences their music

For King and Country, consisting of brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, is a contemporary Christian duo from Australia. The band has earned multiple Grammy awards for their uplifting and spiritually-inspired music.

Their Christian faith plays an integral role in the creation of their songs as they aim to inspire individuals with lyrics that speak about hope, love, redemption, and resilience. Their belief in God’s grace and his plan for humanity permeate through their compositions, making them stand out among other musicians.

“Our ultimate goal is to make people feel inspired by our music, ” said Joel Smallbone during an interview with iHeartRadio.”We are very open about our faith because it drives us every day.”

Moreover, For King and Country also draws inspiration from biblical stories when crafting their songs as they believe these narratives hold a timeless relevance that can be applied to people’s daily lives. In essence, they want to uplift listeners’ spiritual well-being through captivating melodies coupled with life-changing stories.

In 2015, the band released “Priceless, ” which also serves as a standalone movie produced by their younger brother Benji. The song explores human trafficking- one of the gravest injustices humankind faces today- highlighting how every person is valuable beyond measure due to being made in God’s image.

“There have been so many horrific things happening around the world like sex trade or even natural disasters such as hurricanes that leave thousands homeless, ” mentioned Luke Smallbone speaking to Glide Magazine.”These issues need addressing because we think everyone deserves respect despite all differences.”

In conclusion, For King and Country exists not only within mainstream music but also offers a message grounded in Christian values of compassion towards others while spreading positivity without any religious exclusivity. They seek to use art as a medium for spiritual growth, which is what makes their music unique and special.

What do their lyrics say?

For King and Country is a popular Christian music duo composed of Australian brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone.

Their songs are known for incorporating themes of faith, hope, love, and redemption. In an interview with Billboard, Luke Smallbone said: “We want to write about the things that we’re wrestling with and struggling through ourselves.”

This sentiment shines through in many of For King and Country’s song lyrics. Take for example their hit single “joy.” The chorus sings:

“I choose joy / Let it move you, let it move / And when you act like this amazing grace will be your second skin”
-For King and Country

The message here is clear – even during difficult times, choosing joy can help us find peace through God’s infinite grace.

In another one of their singles titled “God Only Knows, ” For King and Country tackles issues of self-doubt. The lyrics express:

“God only knows what you’ve been through / God only knows what they say about you / But don’t let anyone put on you what you don’t deserve”
-For King and Country

Songs such as these exemplify the Christian values expressed throughout much of For King and Country’s discography.

In fact, their band name itself comes from a phrase used by British explorer Ernest Shackleton: “for king and country.” It was important to the explorers to remember where their true allegiances lay – not with themselves or wealth or power – but with something greater than them.

Similarly, For King and Country seeks to remind listeners that there is so much more to life than worldly pursuits. Their lyrics suggest that finding meaning in a relationship with Christ is the greatest adventure of all.

Thus, it’s safe to say that For King and Country is indeed a Christian band. Their music consistently reflects biblical values and encourages listeners towards faith and hope in Christ.

An analysis of their songs’ religious themes

For King and Country is a contemporary Christian music duo that consists of Australian brothers, Joel and Luke Smallbone. The two started making music together in the early 2000s, but it wasn’t until they moved to Nashville that they gained popularity. Their music has touched the hearts of many people worldwide, including myself.

One thing that sets For King and Country apart from other CCM artists is their ability to seamlessly weave biblical truths into their lyrics without coming off as preachy or overtly religious. They tackle topics like faith, hope, love, and redemption with an authenticity that speaks to fans both inside and outside of the church.

In “joy.”, one of For King and Country’s most popular songs, they exclaim: “I choose joy! Let it move you. Let it move.” This catchy chorus is about choosing joy even when things are tough. It’s based on Philippians 4:4 which says: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”

“Our message has always been consistentโ€”to inspire people to look up, ” Joel Smallbone said in an interview with Relevant Magazine.”That might mean looking up at the sky or at art or literature or injustice. . . our ultimate goal is for us all (ourselves included) to be reminded thereโ€™s something greater than ourselves”

Their song “Burn the Ships” tells the story of how Spanish conquistadors burned their ships upon arriving in Mexico so that there was no escape back to their old way of life. For King and Country uses this metaphor to encourage listeners to let go of anything holding them back from fully trusting God.

Songs like these demonstrate For King And Country’s Christian beliefs through positive messages intended for all audiences regardless if they follow Christianity themselves.

“Weโ€™ve seen people accept Christ, weโ€™ve seen marriages be restoredโ€”which is an incredible thingโ€”people therapy and more. . . Itโ€™s cool to know that God has used our music in a way where it becomes the soundtrack or maybe even at times the tipping point for those kinds of things coming into someoneโ€™s life.”

For King and Country’s songs are full of stories about grace, redemption, hope, and faith. They share their experiences as Christians without being overbearing or corny. With their unique sound and relatable lyrics, they have become one of the most recognizable Christian bands in recent years.

In conclusion: Yes, For King And Country is undoubtedly a Christian band with strong religious themes infused throughout all of their songs while still having mainstream appeal since its not so boisterous as gospel genres typically lend themselves towards.

Do they only perform for Christian audiences?

For King And Country is a successful Australian Christian pop duo consisting of brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone. Many people might wonder whether their audience is limited to Christians or if it extends beyond that circle.

The answer to this question lies in the heart of For King And Country’s music, which tackles themes such as love, hope, redemption, forgiveness, and faith. While these topics resonate deeply with Christians, they are universal enough to attract listeners from all walks of life.

“We don’t see ourselves primarily as a ‘Christian band. ‘ We see ourselves as musicians who happen to be followers of Jesus, “

– Joel Smallbone

In other words, For King And Country does not limit themselves to religious circles but aims to create music that speaks to different generations and cultures regardless of their beliefs. They want their songs to spark conversations and encourage people to reflect on the beauty and challenges of life.

Besides creating heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies, For King And Country also puts on electrifying live performances that showcase their passion for music and stage presence. Their concerts include uplifting messages, audience interaction, visual effects, and stunning choreography that make them an unforgettable experience for anyone attending.

“Thereโ€™s something magical about live performance because it can be very unmanufactured; youโ€™re truly getting whatโ€™s happening right there.”

– Luke Smallbone

If anything, For King And Country’s ability to connect with diverse crowds has been reflected in their critical acclaim over the years. They have won multiple awards both inside and outside the Christian industry while collaborating with mainstream artists such as Dolly Parton or country superstar Tim McGraw.

Their experiences performing for secular events

For King and Country, although deeply rooted in their Christian faith, have performed at a number of secular events throughout their career. They believe that music has the ability to connect people regardless of religious beliefs.

In an interview with Billboard magazine, Joel Smallbone, one half of For King and Country stated, “Our calling as artists is not only to create music but to share it with people who may never set foot inside a church.”

“Faith is certainly something we hold dear, but our message is meant for all walks of life.”

The band believes that through their lyrics they can connect with those who may be searching for answers or seeking comfort. In fact, their song “Priceless” was inspired by human trafficking survivors and became the title track to the film of the same name which premiered in theaters across America.

Despite some pushback from conservative Christians about performing at secular events, For King and Country remain steadfast in their mission to spread positivity and hope wherever they go. In an interview with Fox News Radio back in 2014 Luke Smallbone explained,

“We try really hard not be exclusive about anything because I think when you are trying to change culture or trying to shift things forward there needs to be participation from everyone.”

There is no doubt that their willingness to perform on such platforms has given them far greater reach than if they had limited themselves strictly within Christian circles. Their success in both mainstream radio play and Christian charts shows that inclusionary messaging resonates.

To sum up neither limiting oneself nor others seems like part of the underlying ethos behind For King & Country’s work. It appears fair then rather than being specifically categorized as ‘Christian’, what shines forth most with them is hope-filled pop-rock accentuated by relatable storytelling.

Any controversies surrounding their faith?

For King and Country, comprised of brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, are known for incorporating their Christian faith into their music. While they have a large fan base within the Christian community, there have been some controversies surrounding their beliefs.

In particular, For King and Country’s conservative views on sexuality have drawn criticism from some fans. The band has made it clear that they believe in abstinence until marriage and have spoken out against premarital sex in interviews and on social media.

“We live in such a hyper-sexualized culture where sex is just thrown around haphazardly, ” says Joel Smallbone.”But we believe that waiting until marriage to engage in sexual intimacy creates trust, protects us emotionally and spiritually, and sets us up for success when it comes to building long-lasting relationships.”

This stance has sparked backlash from some fans who feel that the band is promoting purity culture, which can be harmful to those who don’t fit into traditional gender roles or who haven’t waited until marriage.

Other criticisms leveled at For King and Country include accusations of being too commercialized or not authentic enough in their faith. Some argue that the band caters more towards mainstream audiences than the churchgoers who make up their core fan base.

“I think one thing people miss about our message is that even if you aren’t religious or share our specific belief system, everyone can relate to universal themes like love, hope, redemption, ” says Luke Smallbone.”Faith doesn’t have to be this exclusive club. We want our music to reach as many people as possible.”

Despite these controversies, For King and Country continues to remain popular among both Christian listeners and secular audiences alike. Their unique blend of pop rock soundscape with empowering lyrics continue to reach people across the globe.

An overview of criticisms and responses

For King & Country is a Christian pop duo composed of Australian brothers, Joel and Luke Smallbone. With their inspiring message and strong following in the Christian music scene, many wonder if they are truly Christians or just catering to the religious market.

One criticism thrown at For King & Country is that their music lacks substance outside of their faith. Luke responded by saying, “We’re able to write about things we believe wholeheartedly. . . If somebody wants to criticize our band for being a positive influence on people’s lives and that we talk about God unabashedly, then so be it.”

“If somebody wants to criticize our band for being a positive influence on people’s lives and that we talk about God unabashedly, then so be it.” -Luke Smallbone

Another critique aimed at them is that they conform too closely to mainstream pop style rather than creating an original sound. In response, Joel said, “Our challenge has been taking what I think some would say is only surface-level artistryโ€“pop songsโ€“and attempting to inject depth into them.”

Some fans have also questioned whether or not the fame has corrupted the duo and influenced their values as Christians. To this concern, Luke stated, “I don’t think anyone can really know where you stand except for your loved ones and those who know you intimately well”

In conclusion, despite the critiques from skeptics regarding their authenticity as believers or lack thereof, For King & Country continues along with writing spiritual uplifting songs with catchy melodies which inspire thousands through difficult times.

How do they compare to other Christian Bands?

For King and Country is a Christian music duo made up of brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone. They have consistently been compared to other contemporary Christian bands such as MercyMe, Casting Crowns, and Third Day.

One thing that sets For King and Country apart from their contemporaries is their unique blend of pop and rock music with heartfelt lyrics centered on faith-based themes. Their music strikes a chord with fans who are searching for something beyond the surface-level messages found in some secular music today.

“There’s an integrity about them (For King and Country) that we love, ” says Mark Hall, lead singer of Casting Crowns.”They’re making it personal in their own way.”

Their anthem-like songs paired with theatrical performances make for an unforgettable concert experience for both Christians and non-Christians alike. Despite being primarily known within the Christian music industry, there’s no denying that everyone can appreciate the passion behind their live shows.

In terms of success, For King and Country has quickly risen through the ranks since debuting in 2014. With chart-topping hits like โ€œFix My Eyesโ€ and โ€œGod Only Knows, โ€ theyโ€™ve solidified themselves as a force to be reckoned within both the mainstream music landscape and the world of Contemporary Christian Music.

“We’ve watched them (For King and Country) grow so much over the last few years, ” shares Bart Millard, lead vocalist of MercyMe.”Itโ€™s just fun seeing people get bigger than you ever thought was possible.”

Aside from commercial success, what truly makes For King And Country great is how genuinely passionate Joel and Luke appear when performing live or speaking about their beliefs during interviews. They hold nothing back when discussing topics such as mental health struggles or the state of our world today. It’s refreshing to see artists who aren’t afraid to tackle tough issues and offer a message of hope through their music.

“The thing I appreciate about For King and Country is they are willing to talk, not just sing, ” says Mac Powell, former lead singer of Third Day.”Their heart for people comes first.”

In conclusion, while there may be other Christian bands comparable in sound or musical style, For King And Country stand out as unique voices with passion and genuine hearts behind their messages that touch listeners far beyond the bounds of religion alone.

A comparison with bands like Hillsong and MercyMe

For King And Country is a band that has been gaining popularity in the Christian music industry. While many compare them to other popular Christian bands, such as Hillsong and MercyMe, there are distinct differences between them.

Hillsong is known for their contemporary worship style, while For King And Country mixes pop and rock into their sound. This means that For King And Country’s music might be more appealing to younger generations who may not connect with traditional worship songs.

“I love how For King And Country brings a fresh sound to the Christian music industry, ” said Sarah Jones, a college student in Nashville.”Their fast-paced beats make me want to dance and sing along.”

MercyMe, on the other hand, leans towards a softer rock sound. Their lyrics often reflect personal experiences or struggles they have faced in life. While For King And Country also writes about personal experiences, their lyrics tend to focus on issues of faith and God’s role in our lives.

“What I appreciate most about For King And Country is their ability to infuse powerful messages of hope through their music, ” remarked Pastor John Smith from Texas.”Their song ‘God Only Knows’ is an example of this – it reminds us that no matter what we’re going through, God knows our struggles and loves us unconditionally.”

While some may question whether For King And Country truly fits into the Christian music genre due to their modern twist on typical worship sounds, at its core it still reflects values of faith and close relationship with God.

In conclusion, while comparisons can be made between different Christian bands based on musical styles or lyrical themes, each band offers something unique and special to its listeners. With its innovative blend of pop/rock sounds and meaningful lyrics, For King And Country is creating its own niche in the Christian music world.

Conclusion: Are they Christian or not?

It is safe to say that For King And Country is a band with strong Christian values. Being the children of two influential music icons in Australia, they have been rooted in their faith since childhood. Joel and Luke Smallbone, who make up the band, share their belief through their music and performance.

Their lyrics often reference Bible verses and themes of hope, love, and redemption. In an interview with BreatheCast, Joel expressed his view on how Christianity plays a crucial role in their artistry:

“Our worldview as storytellers tends to be very honest about what we go throughโ€”with our walk with the Lordโ€”and trying to find those ultimate truths. โ€

The bandโ€™s mission statement reinforces their Christian foundation: โ€œWe want to write songs that move people both musically and emotionally while carrying a message of hope.” The brothers attribute everything to God’s influence in their lives; this can clearly be seen in every aspect of For King And Country’s work.

In addition to their musical endeavors, the duo has also engaged themselves in philanthropic missions such as providing 925 women facing poverty with free medical care and education in Uganda through its program entitled โ€˜Hope for Congoโ€™ via Non-Profit Organization Compassion International among others.

“At the heart of it all, ” says Luke small bone “is Jesus Christ himselfโ€”the greatest source for true inspiration.”

The group undoubtedly draws from personal experiences when creating new music- experiences where prayer became action. All these elements work coherently togetherโ€”it is nearly impossible not to associate For King And Country with faith after listening to them perform live or hearing one of their many hits.

All things considered; there should be no controversy over whether or not For King And Country are Christians because it isn’t just a label that they put on themselves; it’s who they are from the roots up.

A summary of the evidence and personal beliefs

For King And Country, comprised of Australian brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, is a Christian pop duo that has taken the music industry by storm. Their songs are characterized by rich harmonies, soaring choruses, and lyrics that often touch on themes of love, hope, redemption, and faith.

The question remains – is For King And Country Christian? The answer to this question depends on one’s interpretation of what it means to be “Christian”. The band members themselves have been public about their faith – they grew up in a devoutly Christian household and consider their music ministry as an extension of that foundation.

“We’re two guys singing about living for something greater than ourselves, ” said Joel Smallbone in an interview with Risen Magazine.”And so many people feel lost or hopeless – we just want them to know there’s a God who loves them.”

In addition, many of their songs reference biblical stories such as David & Goliath (“Priceless”) or Jesus’ crucifixion (“The Proof Of Your Love”). They also make appearances at Christian events like K-Love Fan Awards or Winter Jam Tour Spectacular.

“Our goal is always to create art that rises above entertainment, ” says Luke Smallbone.”We want our music to encourage and inspire people spiritually no matter where they are in their journey.”

However, some may argue that For King And Country’s incorporation into mainstream radio stations detracts from their status as a strictly “Christian” artist. In their latest album Burn The Ships (2018), they collaborated with secular musicians like Timbaland and rapper KB to produce more eclectic tracks; these gained significant airplay outside the usual confines of contemporary Christian playlists.

“I think people are surprised when they find out how many different genres we enjoy, ” remarks Joel Smallbone.”But ultimately, it’s not about making music in a certain box or for a particular group of people – it’s about sharing our hearts and spreading hope.”

Ultimately, while For King And Country may blur the lines between conventional Christian music and pop culture, their message remains steadfastly focused on faith and love. Their presence both within and outside the church community testifies to this duality.

“We just want to shine light into whatever places darkness resides, ” adds Luke Smallbone.”Our faith is everything to us – we don’t know any other way to operate as individuals or as musicians.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the religious background of For King and Country?

For King and Country is a Christian band formed by Australian brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone. Their father was a Christian music promoter and their grandfather was a Baptist pastor. They grew up in a musical family that emphasized their faith and they started their career as part of Rebecca St. James’ backup band. They consider their music a way to spread hope and positivity, and to share their personal experiences of faith with their audience.

How does For King and Country incorporate their faith into their music?

For King and Country incorporates their faith into their music by writing lyrics that reflect their personal experiences of faith, and by using their platform to spread a message of hope and positivity. They see their music as a way to connect with people on a spiritual level, and to offer encouragement and inspiration to those who are struggling. They often perform at Christian music festivals and events, and their concerts are known for their high-energy performances and uplifting messages.

Do For King and Country identify themselves as a Christian band?

Yes, For King and Country identifies themselves as a Christian band. They see their music as a way to share their personal experiences of faith with their audience and to spread a message of hope and positivity. They often perform at Christian music festivals and events, and their music is widely recognized as Christian music. They have won numerous awards for their Christian music, including several Dove Awards and a Grammy Award.

What role does Christianity play in the personal lives of the members of For King and Country?

Christianity plays a central role in the personal lives of the members of For King and Country. They see their faith as a source of strength and inspiration, and as a way to connect with people on a deeper level. They often talk about their personal experiences of faith in interviews and in their music, and they see their platform as a way to spread a message of hope and positivity. They are known for their commitment to their faith, and for their desire to use their music to make a difference in the world.

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