Neil Young – Rockin’ In The Free World
"Rockin' in the Free World" is a song by Neil Young, released in 1989 as the lead single from his album "Freedom." The track is notable for its raw energy and socially conscious lyrics, reflecting the political climate of the time, particularly the challenges and issues faced by American society, such as poverty, homelessness, and the struggles of individuals in a capitalist system. The song was written during the late 1980s, a period marked by economic changes and political shifts in the United States. Young's lyrics critique the American dream and highlight the disconnect between the idealized version of freedom and the harsh realities many people face. Its chorus, with the repeated lines about "rockin' in the free world," serves as a powerful contrast to the sobering themes explored throughout the verses. "Rockin' in the Free World" has become one of Young's signature songs and is often performed at his concerts. It is celebrated for its anthemic quality and has been covered by various artists, further cementing its place in rock history. The song also resonates with audiences for its timeless messages, making it relevant in various social and political contexts over the years.
Neil Young - Rockin In The Free World Lyrics
There's colors on the street
Red, white and blue
People shuffling their feet
People sleeping in their shoes
But there's a warning sign
On the road ahead
There's a lot of people saying
We'd be better off dead
Don't feel like Satan
But I am to them
So I try to forget it
Any way I can
Keep on rocking in the free world
Keep on rocking in the free world
Keep on rocking in the free world
Keep on rocking in the free world
I see a woman in the night
With a baby in her hand
Under an old street light
Near a garbage can
Now she puts the kid away
And she's gone to get a hit
She hates her life
And what she's done to it
There's one more kid
That will never go to school
Never get to fall in love
Never get to be cool
Keep on rocking in the free world
Keep on rocking in the free world
Keep on rocking in the free world
Keep on rocking in the free world
We got a thousand points of light
For the homeless man
We got a kinder, gentler
Machine-gun hand
We got department stores
And toilet paper
Got Styrofoam boxes
For the ozone layer
Got a man of the people
Says keep hope alive
Got fuel to burn
Got roads to drive
Keep on rocking in the free world
Keep on rocking in the free world
Keep on rocking in the free world
Keep on rocking in the free world