Lee grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, USA. He has been quoted as saying that he is fortunate to have seen different sides of life in America. Lee enrolled at the University of South Carolina in 1995. He began to play guitar and write songs seriously while he studied English. After graduating with an English degree, Lee moved back to Philadelphia to teach elementary school. He later made the tough decision to stop teaching in order to pursue a career in music. Shortly thereafter, he released a self-produced EP that featured five of his original songs, which did extremely well in Philadelphia and created a buzz. Norah Jones was the person who finally gave Lee his big breakthrough when she asked him to open for her 2004 tour. Lee then went on to produce his self-titled debut album. In March and April of 2005 Lee opened for the tour that Merle Haggard and Bob Dylan were both embarking on, all 3 performers were extremely well received by critics as the tour went by, with Dylan receiving some of his strongest reviews in years. On October 3, 2006, Lee released his second album, "Supply & Demand" to critical and commercial acclaim.
At the age of only 27, Amos Lee has enjoyed notable success with his debut album and looks to have a promising future in the music business. His favorite artists and sources of inspiration include Stevie Wonder, Neil Young, John Prine, Bill Withers, and James Taylor.
Freedom
Amos Lee Lyrics
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Don't wanna hear the same excuses anymore
That everything's a threat and it's only gonna get wose if we let it
don't wanna blame the rich for what they got
Don't point a finger at the poor for what they have not
Though the politician and the priest live in the belly of the beast because we fed it
Tellin em how everything is gonna be now, yeah,
now if the tables were turned tell me how you would feel
Somebody busted up into your house tellin you to stay still
While the leaders will deny defeat the innocent they testify by dyin in the street
freedom is seldom found by beatin someone to the ground
Tellin em how everything is gonna be
Freedom is seldom found by beatin someone to the ground
Tellin em how everything is gonna be now
In "Freedom," Amos Lee addresses issues of power, control, and oppression. The singer-songwriter expresses his opposition to war, excuses, and the blame game. He confronts the notion that everything is a threat and suggests that things will not get better if we maintain this mindset. He highlights the fact that blaming others, whether rich or poor, does not solve anything. The political class and religious leaders are also included in the critique as they tend to feed the beast that undermines our freedom. The song suggests that true freedom is not obtained by inflicting violence or by telling someone how their life should be. Instead, freedom requires empathy, understanding, and equality.
Lee's "Freedom" speaks to the listeners by reminding them that freedom is not just an idea but a way of life. To achieve true freedom, one needs to acknowledge the need for change and stand up against oppression. "Freedom" promotes unity and equality among all people, regardless of their social status or background. It suggests that true freedom is not just a political ideal but a way of living that requires empathy and respect for others. The song highlights the challenges that we face as a society when trying to achieve freedom and how the struggle for freedom is ongoing.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't wanna be a martyr in this war
I don't want to be a sacrificial lamb in this battle.
Don't wanna hear the same excuses anymore
That everything's a threat and it's only gonna get worse if we let it
I am tired of hearing the same justifications that all things are dangerous and the condition of the world will only worsen if we don't act now.
Don't wanna blame the rich for what they got
Don't point a finger at the poor for what they have not
Though the politician and the priest live in the belly of the beast because we fed it
I refuse to blame the wealthy for their prosperity nor the destitute for their misfortune. However, political and religious figures thrive off society's confusion, which we allow.
freedom is seldom found by beatin someone to the ground
Tellin em how everything is gonna be now, yeah,
True freedom is never attained by using overwhelming force and dictating a person's destiny.
now if the tables were turned tell me how you would feel
Somebody busted up into your house tellin you to stay still
While the leaders will deny defeat the innocent they testify by dying in the street
Consider yourself in the same situation, what emotions would you feel if someone barged into your home and forced you into submission? The powerless bear witness to injustice even when those in authority claim innocence.
freedom is seldom found by beatin someone to the ground
Tellin em how everything is gonna be
Freedom is seldom found by beatin someone to the ground
Tellin em how everything is gonna be now
Reiterating that liberty can never be attained at the expense of infliction of violence and control over other people's lives.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: HONG KI LEE, N CORIN, N TARANTULA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind