Bad Brains are a punk rock band formed in Washington, D.C., USA in 1977. Th… Read Full Bio ↴Bad Brains are a punk rock band formed in Washington, D.C., USA in 1977. They are regarded as one of the pioneers of hardcore punk, though band members have objected to the term to describe their music. They are also an adept reggae band, while later recordings featured elements of other genres like funk, heavy metal, hip-hop and soul. Bad Brains are followers of the Rastafari movement.

Originally formed as a jazz fusion ensemble under the name Mind Power, Bad Brains developed a very fast and intense punk rock sound which came to be labeled "hardcore", and was often played faster and more emphatically than many of their peers. The unique factor of the band's music was the fact that they played more complex rhythms than other hardcore punk bands, also adapting diverse guitar styles into their songs.

Bad Brains have released nine studio albums (one of which is entirely composed of instrumental versions of their early material). The band broke up and reformed several times over the years, sometimes with different singers or drummers. Since 1994, the "classic" lineup of singer H.R. (Human Rights), guitarist Dr. Know, bassist Darryl Jenifer, and drummer Earl Hudson has reunited, albeit performing sporadically.

Discography:
• Bad Brains (1982)
• Rock for Light (1983)
• I Against I (1986)
• Quickness (1989)
• Rise (1993)
• God of Love (1995)
• I & I Survived (2002)
• Build a Nation (2007)
• Into the Future (2012)
• Mind Power (TBA)

Free
Bad Brains Lyrics

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Never to breakdown
never to fall
we won't keep on keep on living
with our backs against the wall
you say we're so ignorant
but I can't agree
what sometimes right for you
it's not always good to me no

Chorus:
All I wanna know
will we ever be free
me loving you
and you loving me

You bring us to the ground
in a system built for fools
then mastered the politricks
that kept us in your schools
you taught us anger by
never showing love
now I hope you never find out
what we've been dreaming of

Chorus

Never to breakdown
never to fall
we won't keep on loving
with our backs against the wall
you say we're so ignorant
but I can't agree
cause I know what's right for you
could never be right for me

Chorus

Overall Meaning

"Free" by Bad Brains is a song that paints a picture of a world where people are not free to make their own decisions. The lyrics suggest that there are systems and structures in place that keep people down, and that life can sometimes feel like a constant battle. The vocalist, H.R., proclaims that they will never break down, never fall, and never settle for life with their backs against the wall. He acknowledges that others may view them as ignorant because they don't agree with what is deemed "right" for them, but he knows that what is right for others may not be right for him. The chorus poses a powerful question that is simple yet complex: "Will we ever be free? Me loving you, and you loving me?"

The verses of this song touch upon themes of oppression, anger, and love. The lines "you bring us to the ground in a system built for fools, then mastered the politricks that kept us in your schools" suggest that there are people in power who benefit from the oppression of others. There is also a reference to the idea that anger is a learned response because "you taught us anger by never showing love." The final verse then highlights the idea that what is right for one person may not be right for another, and the chorus leaves the listener wondering if true freedom is possible.

Overall, "Free" is a song that expresses the desire for freedom from oppressive systems and the hope for a world where people can love one another and live without fear of persecution. The lyrics are powerful and thought-provoking, and the music itself is energizing, with fast-paced drums and guitar riffs that match the intensity of the lyrics.

Line by Line Meaning

Never to breakdown
We will never give up or be defeated

never to fall
We will never let ourselves be brought down

we won't keep on keep on living with our backs against the wall
We refuse to live in a state of constant struggle and oppression

you say we're so ignorant but I can't agree what sometimes right for you it's not always good to me no
We reject the notion that our experiences and perspectives are inferior and refuse to conform to your expectations

All I wanna know will we ever be free me loving you and you loving me
We seek true equality and freedom, where love and respect are not dictated by societal norms or prejudices

You bring us to the ground in a system built for fools then mastered the politricks that kept us in your schools
We recognize the systems of oppression that keep us down and the tactics used to maintain them

you taught us anger by never showing love now I hope you never find out what we've been dreaming of
We reject the anger and hate you've taught us and secretly dream of a world where love and acceptance prevail

never to breakdown never to fall we won't keep on loving with our backs against the wall
We refuse to let ourselves be defeated in our pursuit of love and freedom

cause I know what's right for you could never be right for me
We reject the idea that our lives should be dictated by the beliefs and values of someone else

All I wanna know will we ever be free me loving you and you loving me
We seek true equality and freedom, where love and respect are not dictated by societal norms or prejudices

Contributed by Jack H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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