Thursday, September 11, 2008

Freedom - Paul McCartney

Artist: Paul McCartney
Song: Freedom
Year: 2001
Album: Driving Rain

It always struck me as funny, the way that Paul McCartney can capitalize on any event he chooses. He puts in enough schmaltz and good feelings to make the cheesiest songs enjoyable. Let's call it a talent.

On September 11, 2001, I got home from work about 4:30 AM. I had recently gotten all the parts that I needed for the computer I was building. I couldn't wait, so I started building it when I got home. I finished about 8:30 AM, after a few hours of making sure everything was connected right and worked. Then I went to bed.

I had to be up in a few hours to go to my college. That day was the day I was supposed to get my picture taken for the school ID card. So, I set my alarm for 10:30 AM and went to sleep. I could take a nap when I got back. My first class wasn't until 6 PM, so I was good.

I got up to my alarm and went downstairs to hop in the shower. My dad was up watching television. This was a bit odd. He only watched TV in the evenings and he never got up before noon. Then, I saw what everyone must have been looking at.

I watched in disbelief, as I realized what was happening. I don't remember sleeping too much after that. The next time I remember sleeping restfully, was around the time that George Harrison passed. I know I slept between those times, but I was watching the news so much and going to school and work, it doesn't seem like it.

I was impressed with how quickly Paul McCartney was able to convey simple words into a powerful directed emotion. I will remember that every time that I hear this song.

Lyrics:
This is my right
A right given by God
To live a free life
To live in freedom

Talkin' about freedom
I'm talkin' 'bout freedom
I will fight
For the right
To live in freedom

Anyone tries to take it away
They'll have to answer
'Cause this is my right

I'm talkin' about freedom
Talkin' 'bout freedom
I will fight
For the right
To live in freedom

I'm talkin' 'bout freedom
I'm talkin' 'bout freedom
I will fight
For the right
To live in freedom

Everybody talkin' 'bout freedom
We're talkin' 'bout freedom
We will fight
For the right
To live in freedom

I'm talkin' 'bout freedom
Talkin' 'bout freedom
I will fight
For the right
To live in freedom

I'm talkin' 'bout freedom
I'm talkin' 'bout freedom
We will fight
For the right
To live in freedom


2 comments:

Dinged Corners said...

Steve, we were in DC on that day and it was a frightening, traumatic experience no one will ever forget. Our older daughter was 6. Being Paul fans, we soon heard Freedom (he explained at a concert that his plane was on the tarmac and he and the band could see the smoke). Our daughter drew a pretty American flag and liked to wave it during that song. We agree that although Freedom is not one of Paul's more impressive musical efforts, somehow the song captures a defiant tone, and it works.

Steve Gierman said...

Patricia,

Thanks for sharing your memories of that time. I've always said that only Paul McCartney could pull a song like that off. It was the perfect song to capture the moment. I found myself playing the song over and over again in the weeks that followed its debut.