20 Best Songs About Freedom

Richard Ellison

Lyrics can be powerful. They can send a message, teach an idea or cause us to reflect. Almost every country song written about freedom speaks of it in some way and this list looks at 20 of the best songs about freedom that have been recorded over the years.

By the way, if you’re looking for more songs about freedom, you might find some good songs in our other articles, such as songs about breaking free, songs about fire, songs about heroes, songs about peace, and songs about presidents.

God Bless the USA – Lee Greenwood

Lee Greenwood - God Bless The U.S.A.

Written by Lee Greenwood and originally recorded by him in 1984, it has become one of the most poignant songs about freedom. The song is an ode to America, but also takes a swipe at those who don’t love their country as it includes the lines “And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.”

A Horse With No Name – America

America - A Horse With No Name+Lyrics

Written by Dewey Bunnell, This song speaks of the freedom of wide open spaces and it’s a great example that not every popular song about freedom is necessarily positive. Some songs celebrate the beauty of nature and life outside cities, while others lament it.

Me and Bobby McGee – Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin - Me and Bobby McGee (Official Music Video)

This Kris Kristofferson song was a huge hit for Janis Joplin and its references to freedom were also particularly poignant as she died in a car crash on the way back from performing at the Freedom Concert in the summer of 1970.

Down Under – Men at Work

Men At Work - Down Under (Official HD Video)

Written by Colin Hay, this song is an example of how not every song about freedom has to be a serious or patriotic song. This is a fun and humorous song that has become an anthem for Australia and the band, Men at Work.

Hotel California – Eagles

Eagles - Hotel California

Written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey, this was recorded in 1976 by the Eagles who released it on their album of the same name that appeared in late February 1977. It is a song that many feel has something to say about the USA and its political situation at the time.

Rocket Man – Elton John

Elton John - Rocket Man (Official Music Video)

Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, this song was released on the Honky Chateau album in 1972 and it tells of someone who is far from home and in need of their freedom.

Imagine – John Lennon

John Lennon - Imagine (Lyrics)🎶

Written by John Lennon in 1971, this song is thought to have been inspired by his trips to America in the late 1960s when he became associated with radical politics and anti-war demonstrations. It may be a song about peace but it also comes across as an ode to freedom.

Born in the USA – Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen - Born in the U.S.A. (Official Video)

Written by Bruce Springsteen, this song was recorded by him in 1984 after his trip to the town of Belsen, where many of his father’s family were killed during World War II. The lyrics also refer back to the Vietnam war and the way Americans treated servicemen when they returned.

God Save the Queen – Sex Pistols

Sex Pistols - God Save The Queen

This song captures the spirit of punk music and encapsulates its rebellious attitude perfectly. It also provides us with a great example of how not every song about freedom has to be serious; this is an anti-establishment song that pokes fun at authority figures in a way that is perfectly punk.

The Times They Are a-Changin – Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan - The Times They Are A-Changin' (Official Audio)

Written by Bob Dylan, this song was the title track from his 1964 album and became an anthem for the civil rights movement of the early 60s. It captures everything about that time in American history and it becomes obvious why it is such a respected song as the lyrics tell of how freedom has been fought for and won.

Free Bird – Lynyrd Skynyrd

Lynyrd Skynyrd - Free Bird

Written by Ronnie Van Zant, Allen Collins and Gary Rossington, this became an anthem for those who loved Southern rock and it speaks of freedom in many ways including love and loss.

American Pie – Don McLean

Don McLean - American Pie (Lyrics)

Written by Don McLean, this 1971 song is all about the history of popular music in general but it also speaks of love and freedom. It tells us that no matter what happens, there will always be music to keep us free.

Born Free – Kid Rock

Kid Rock - Born Free [Official Music Video]

Written and recorded by Kid Rock, this is a song about freedom and the way people take it for granted. It has been taken as an anti-war song but it also speaks to those who feel trapped by their situation in life.

These Colors Don’t Run – Toby Keith

Written by Ronnie Dunn and Terry McBride, this is another example of how not every song about freedom needs to be serious. It is a fun song written in response to the US-led war in Iraq that was referred to on many occasions by President George W Bush.

Great Day for Freedom – Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd - " Great Day for Freedom " Pulse 1994

Written by Roger Waters, this song was released on the band’s 1973 album Dark Side of the Moon and speaks of freedom from oppression. It is a classic example of how political views can make great songs about freedom.

I Won’t Back Down – Tom Petty

Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers - I Won't Back Down (Official Music Video)

Written by Tom Petty, this song was recorded by him in 1989 and it has become an anthem for those who do not like to give up under any circumstances. It is a true working class song that tells us we can overcome any obstacle if we never give up.

Rock the Casbah – The Clash

Rock the Casbah (Remastered)

Written by Mick Jones and released on the band’s 1982 album Combat Rock, this song is an anthem for those who want to keep rocking no matter what anyone else thinks. It was banned by the BBC at one point due to some of its lyrics but it still remains a powerful song about freedom of expression.

This Land is Your Land – Woody Guthrie

Woody Guthrie- This Land Is Your Land

Written by the great American folk singer Woody Guthrie, this song became an anthem for those who supported workers rights and the American labour movement. It may be a simple song but it has some very complex lyrics that manage to capture what freedom means in America.

Born Free – Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra - Born free

Written by John Barry and Don Black, this is another example of a song that uses freedom as an analogy for love. It speaks to those who are tied down by the restrictions of life but it also tells us that freedom is worth fighting for.

Dream On – Aerosmith

Aerosmith - Dream On (Audio)

Written by Steven Tyler and Tom Hamilton, this is a song that opens up everyone’s imagination to the possibilities that life has to offer. It tells us that we should all dream as much as we can because those dreams are what make us free.

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