Rock 'N' Roll Is Free
Ben Harper Lyrics

Say goodbye to tomorrow
Leave behind your worries and fears for the future

And hello to today
Focus on the present, and what you can do to enjoy or improve your life right now

Take a look at your world
Observe the environment and people around you, and try to understand it better

In a brand new way
With fresh eyes, without preconceptions or expectations, and with openness to new experiences or perspectives

The masters of convention
People or institutions that impose rigid rules or norms on society, making it difficult for individuals to think or act outside of them

Count on you to never change
Expect people to conform to their expectations, and discourage or punish deviation from the norm

But the laws of reinvention
The universal principle that everything changes and evolves over time, and that individuals have agency and creativity to shape their own destiny

Know nothing stays the same
Recognize that change is inevitable, and that people and societies must adapt to survive and thrive

Rock n' roll is free if you want it
Music and culture can be sources of joy, inspiration, and empowerment that are accessible to anyone who appreciates them, regardless of social status or financial means

Rock n' roll is free so come and get it
Encouragement to embrace the freedom and power of rock and roll, and to seek it out for yourself rather than waiting for someone else to offer it to you

They're crying in the alleys
There are people who are disadvantaged, marginalized, or suffering, and their voices and needs deserve to be heard and addressed

Screaming in the streets
People may resort to desperate actions or protests to express their grievances or demand justice

With a dignity amongst thieves
Even people who are engaged in illegal or immoral acts can still retain a sense of pride or honor in their actions or identity

You don't have to answer
You have the right to remain silent or to refuse to comply with unjust or unreasonable demands from authority figures or social norms

If the question isn't clear
You shouldn't be coerced or punished for not understanding or agreeing with a question or statement that is confusing or ambiguous

May not know where I am
You may not have a clear sense of direction or purpose in life, or you may feel lost or unsure of your place in the world

But I'm glad it's here
Despite the uncertainty or challenges of life, you can still find moments of joy, gratitude, and beauty in the present moment or your immediate surroundings

Pick the price you want to pay
You have the freedom and responsibility to make your own choices, and to take into account the consequences and trade-offs of each option

If you think you should
You should listen to your own instincts, values, and goals, and not let others dictate your decisions or priorities

But I have heard the news
There is a message of hope or inspiration that you have received, that encourages you to pursue your dreams, to resist injustice and inequality, or to celebrate the beauty and diversity of life

And the news is good
Despite the challenges, struggles, and setbacks we all face, there are reasons to remain hopeful, optimistic, and grateful for the gift of life and music.