When it comes to classic rock music, there is a lot of time given to the idea of freedom. About breaking off the shackles of this one-horse town or of this backwards era or of this hard day for the sake of feeling free. A car racing down the highway. A motorcycle speeding through the country. A person singing their lungs out over buzzing guitars. These are all different versions of freedom.
Videos by American Songwriter
Themes of freedom are displayed in classic rock songs over the decades. Below, we wanted to dive into three such examples. A trio of 1970s classic rock hits from over the years that push people to feel free in their lives. For time is short, and there is no sense in feeling tied down to something you don’t really care about.
“Born To Run” by Bruce Springsteen from ‘Born To Run’ (1975)
Did someone say breaking off the shackles of a one-horse town? That’s what this song is all about. Indeed, it may be what Bruce Springsteen’s entire vibe and career are about. Busting free! Like a piston shooting through the engine it’s encased in, Springsteen wants to get out. And if you’re smart enough to ride with him at midnight, then all the better for you! Unless, that is, you want to stay in this dusty New Jersey beach purgatory. Or are you like him—born to run?
“Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd from ‘(Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd)’ (1974)
You get the idea of this song from its title. Its essence and its message are about freedom. A bird can get up and fly away whenever she wants, and that was, in large part, the inspiration for this now-iconic classic rock track from Lynyrd Skynyrd. Released on the southern rockers’ debut LP, (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd), the tune has become one of the band’s most famous. It’s often highlighted in films and TV—why? Because we all want to be free and know what it feels like not to be.
“Me And Bobby McGee” by Janis Joplin from ‘Pearl’ (1971)
Written by country star Kris Kristofferson, this song was most famously performed by rocker Janis Joplin. It’s about a pair out there on the road, hopping highways and train cars as they shirk traditional responsibilities. While the song may not formally be a message about freedom, it sure does display the power of it. Don’t let conformity and responsibility be the means to your end. Be free! That’s what the giant-voiced Joplin sings about so eloquently here.
Photo by Crawley/Kobal/Shutterstock
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.