16 Best Songs about Freedom – Time to Break Out the Bird Cage

Songs about freedom have played an important role throughout history, providing a soundtrack to movements of social and political change. These songs have empowered people to speak out against oppression, demand equality and justice, and fight for their rights.

One such song is “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke. Released in 1964, the song was inspired by Cooke’s experiences of racism and segregation in the United States. With powerful lyrics and Cooke’s soulful vocals, “A Change Is Gonna Come” became an anthem for the civil rights movement and a symbol of hope for those fighting for equality.

Another iconic song about freedom is “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley. With lyrics that reference slavery and the struggle for liberation, “Redemption Song” is a poignant reflection on the human desire for freedom. The song’s stripped-down instrumentation and Marley’s soulful delivery make it a timeless classic that continues to inspire generations.

More recently, “Formation” by Beyoncé became an anthem for black empowerment and freedom. The song’s lyrics address issues such as police brutality and institutional racism, while the video features powerful imagery of black culture and history. By empowering black voices and celebrating black identity, “Formation” became a rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement.

In conclusion, songs about freedom have the power to inspire and unite people from all walks of life. Whether reflecting on historical struggles or addressing contemporary issues, these songs remind us of the importance of standing up for what is right and fighting for our rights and freedoms.

1. “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley and the Wailers

“Redemption Song” is a powerful and moving song by Bob Marley and the Wailers. The song was released in 1980, just a year before Marley’s death, and is considered one of his greatest works. The song’s lyrics speak of the desire for freedom and the struggle against oppression, and urge listeners to “emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds.” The simple acoustic guitar accompaniment allows the lyrics to take center stage, and Marley’s soulful and emotive delivery adds to the song’s impact. “Redemption Song” has become an anthem for those fighting for freedom and justice around the world and continues to inspire people today.

2. “I Want to Break Free” by Queen

“I Want to Break Free” is a 1984 rock song by the British band Queen, written by bass guitarist John Deacon. The song is characterized by its upbeat and catchy melody, featuring powerful guitar riffs and an infectious chorus. The lyrics express a desire for freedom and liberation from societal norms and expectations. The accompanying music video, featuring the band dressed in drag, caused controversy at the time, but has since become iconic. “I Want to Break Free” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries and cementing Queen’s reputation as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

3. “Human” by The Killers

“Human” is a hit song by American rock band The Killers, released in 2008 as the lead single from their album “Day & Age.” The song’s lyrics are introspective and existential, questioning what it means to be human and pondering the limitations of humanity. The song’s anthemic chorus, with lead singer Brandon Flowers proclaiming “Are we human, or are we dancer?”, has become an iconic part of the band’s discography. “Human” was a commercial and critical success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and receiving praise for its catchy melody and powerful lyrics. The song has been covered by several artists and remains a popular choice for fans of alternative rock and pop music.

4. “Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty

“Free Fallin’” is a classic rock ballad by Tom Petty, released in 1989. The song has a simple acoustic guitar intro that leads into Petty’s vocals, which tell the story of a man feeling lost in his life and searching for meaning. The song has a nostalgic feel, with lyrics that evoke images of the American west and a chorus that builds to an emotional climax. The song has become a staple of classic rock radio and has been covered by many artists, including John Mayer and The Killers, cementing its place as an iconic piece of rock history.

5. “Get Free” by Lana Del Rey

“Get Free” is a song by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, released in 2017 as the closing track on her album “Lust for Life”. The song features a dreamy and ethereal sound, with Del Rey’s vocals delivering lyrics about breaking free from the constraints of societal norms and expectations. The chorus, “Out of the black, into the blue,” is an uplifting message about finding hope and freedom in difficult times. The song has been praised for its empowering and inspirational lyrics, as well as its beautiful instrumentation and production. It has become a fan favorite and a standout track on the album, showcasing Del Rey’s unique blend of pop and indie styles.

6. “Weightless” by Natasha Bedingfield

“Weightless” is an uplifting pop song by British singer Natasha Bedingfield. The track features catchy hooks and a buoyant beat that makes it hard to resist the urge to dance along. Lyrically, the song encourages listeners to let go of their worries and anxieties, and to embrace life’s ups and downs with a positive outlook. Bedingfield’s vocals soar with a sense of freedom and joy, conveying the song’s message of liberation and self-acceptance. Overall, “Weightless” is an infectious and empowering anthem that encourages listeners to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin.

7. “Freedom” by Rage Against the Machine

“Freedom” is a politically charged rap-metal song by Rage Against the Machine, released in 1993 on their debut self-titled album. The song’s lyrics focus on the struggle for political and social freedom, particularly for marginalized groups. The chorus, “Freedom, yeah right,” sarcastically critiques the idea that true freedom exists for everyone in society. The song’s driving guitar riffs and aggressive vocals are signature elements of Rage Against the Machine’s sound. “Freedom” has been praised for its raw energy and uncompromising political message, which has made it a popular anthem for activists and protest movements. The song remains a powerful call to action for those fighting against systemic oppression and advocating for greater freedom and justice.

8. “Freedom” by Pharrell Williams

“Freedom” by Pharrell Williams is an energetic and empowering anthem that celebrates the freedom to be oneself. The song’s upbeat tempo, catchy chorus, and positive lyrics make it an instant feel-good hit. Williams’ vocals are accompanied by a groovy bassline, lively percussion, and soulful harmonies that create an irresistible vibe. The lyrics encourage listeners to break free from societal constraints and embrace their true selves. The song’s message of liberation and self-expression is both timely and timeless, making it a popular choice for those seeking motivation and inspiration. Overall, “Freedom” is a fun and uplifting song that is sure to get you moving.

9. “Chimes of Freedom” by Bob Dylan

“Chimes of Freedom” is a powerful and poignant song by Bob Dylan, released in 1964. The song speaks to the struggle for freedom and justice for all people, with Dylan’s lyrics evoking images of the oppressed and marginalized. The chimes of freedom serve as a symbol of hope, calling out to those who are still fighting for their rights. The song has been covered by many artists over the years and remains an important anthem for those who believe in the power of music to bring about social change.

10. “Shout” by Tears for Fears

“Shout” is a song by the English band Tears for Fears, released in 1984. The song’s lyrics encourage listeners to release their emotions and express themselves honestly. The song’s powerful chorus, “Shout, shout, let it all out, these are the things I can do without, come on, I’m talking to you, come on,” has become a popular anthem for individual empowerment and social change. The song’s strong drum beats and synthesizer sounds have made it a staple of 80s music and continue to resonate with listeners today. The song has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in movies and TV shows, cementing its place as a classic of the era.

11. “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

“Free Bird” is a classic rock song by Lynyrd Skynyrd, released in 1974. The song is known for its iconic guitar solo and emotional lyrics that speak to the idea of freedom and self-discovery. The lyrics were written by Ronnie Van Zant, who sings of a desire to leave behind the restrictions of daily life and seek out new experiences. The song has become a staple of classic rock radio and remains a beloved anthem of rebellion and independence. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years and has been featured in a variety of films, TV shows, and video games.

12. “Freedom” by Wham!

“Freedom” is a catchy and upbeat pop song by the British duo Wham!, released in 1984. The song is driven by a danceable beat and features the powerful vocals of lead singer George Michael. The lyrics express the desire for personal freedom and empowerment, encouraging listeners to break free from oppression and live life on their own terms. The song’s memorable chorus and energetic instrumentation make it a timeless anthem of independence and self-determination. The song has been covered and sampled by various artists over the years, cementing its status as a classic of 80s pop music.

13. “I’m Set Free” by The Velvet Underground

“I’m Set Free” is a song by The Velvet Underground, released in 1969 as part of their self-titled album. The song features an upbeat and optimistic melody, with lyrics that express a sense of freedom and release from past troubles. Lead singer Lou Reed sings, “I’m set free to find a new illusion,” suggesting a desire to move forward and find new experiences. The song has been praised for its introspective lyrics and its ability to capture a sense of emotional liberation. With its catchy melody and poetic lyrics, “I’m Set Free” has become a classic example of The Velvet Underground’s unique and influential sound.

14. “Wind of Change” by Scorpions

“Wind of Change” is a power ballad by German rock band Scorpions. Released in 1990, the song quickly became an anthem for the fall of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War. The lyrics reflect on the changing world and the hope for a new era of peace and unity. The melody is full of soaring guitar solos and the distinctive whistling at the beginning of the song adds to its catchy and memorable nature. “Wind of Change” has become one of the best-selling singles of all time, with its message of hope and optimism continuing to resonate with listeners.

15. “Rockin’ in the Free World” by Neil Young

“Rockin’ in the Free World” is a protest song by Neil Young that addresses social and political issues of the time, including poverty, homelessness, and the environment. The song became a rallying cry for change during the late 1980s and early 1990s, with its powerful lyrics and driving rock beat. The chorus, “Keep on rockin’ in the free world,” captures the spirit of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The song has since become a classic anthem for activism and social justice, inspiring generations of listeners to stand up for their beliefs and fight for a better world.

16. “Loaded” by Primal Scream

“Loaded” is a song by British rock band Primal Scream, released in 1990 as the lead single from their album “Screamadelica.” The song features a prominent sample from the Peter Fonda film “The Wild Angels” and combines elements of rock, dance and psychedelia. Its upbeat rhythm and anthemic chorus make it a classic of the Madchester scene, and it became an instant club hit. The song’s lyrics speak about the freedom and joy that music can bring, with the refrain “Just what is it that you want to do? / We wanna be free, we wanna be free to do what we wanna do.” “Loaded” has since been covered by many artists and is considered one of the greatest dance tracks of all time.