Big Head Todd and The Monsters – singer-guitarist Todd Park Mohr, bassist-singer Rob Squires, drummer-singer Brian Nevin and keyboardist-guitarist-singer Jeremy Lawton -- could have begun resting on their laurels back in 1993, when their Top 10 singles “Bittersweet,” “Broken Hearted Savior,” “Circle” and “It’s Alright” pushed the album Sister Sweetly to platinum certification. However, Mohr says, “I’ve fought throughout our career not to be a one-trick pony, to be the kind of band that has depth and diversity in its catalogue. I’m a fan of this band, and I’m constantly looking forward to what comes next.”
The essence of Big Head Todd and The Monsters – a rootsy, emotionally direct variety of rock ’n’ roll that lends itself particularly well to a live setting – has been winning fans since Mohr, Rob Squires and Brian Nevin started playing together in high school (Jeremy Lawton joined in 2004). Needless to say, the three never expected to be in the same band at this late date, but, as Mohr points out, “It was a really fortunate combination of musical personalities, and we’re still partners in every sense of the word.”
The band spent seven years developing their chemistry and amassing a following, boosted significantly by the independent releases Another Mayberry (1989) and Midnight Radio (1990), before being “discovered” by the listening public at large with 1993’s Sister Sweetly. After a major-label stint (Sister Sweetly, 1994’s Stratagem, 1997’s Beautiful World), during which the trio increasingly found itself frustrated artistically, they reclaimed their independent status (2001’s Riviera, 2004’s Crimes of Passion). “If it were not for our ability to do things for ourselves, we would have disappeared a long time ago,” Mohr allows.
Freedom Fighter
Big Head Todd and the Monsters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gunshot by the side of the road, highway scenery
Revolution got no goals, except keepin' the family together
Dang chains isn't sweet on you
Freedom fighter, don't let 'em get you alive
You won't change a damn thing that is true
Freedom fighter, keep your head on tonight
Take me along with you tonight
She came late for the tank parade with her emancipation song
She plugged in a guitar and played, and sang of Spanish bombs
Jackknifed inside and prayed, the world has come undone!
Yeah, whatever
Damn chains look good on you
Freedom fighter, don't let 'em get you alive
You won't change a damn thing that is true
Freedom fighter, keep your head on tonight
Take me on with you
Take me along with you tonight
Sagittarius rising low, may he follow you
Shine on you and take you home, over the eastern sea
The lyrics to "Freedom Fighter" by Big Head Todd and the Monsters are a powerful and evocative commentary on the struggle for freedom and justice in the face of oppression and violence. The opening lines describe a scene of dancing under the glow of a missile, a reminder of the constant threat of war and destruction in the world. The reference to a gunshot by the side of the road adds to the sense of danger and instability in the environment.
The next lines speak to the idea of revolution, but with a twist. Rather than a specific goal or ideology, the revolution is simply about keeping the family together, an expression of the universal human desire for safety, security, and belonging. The final lines of the verse proclaim that "dang chains isn't sweet on you," suggesting that the singer is someone who resists and rebels against oppression.
The chorus celebrates the freedom fighter, someone who stands up for what is right in the face of overwhelming odds. The lyrics acknowledge that this path is difficult and dangerous, but ultimately affirm the importance of the struggle for justice and freedom. The final verse brings in the image of the tank parade, a symbol of military power and repression. The freedom fighter, represented by a woman who plugs in a guitar and sings of Spanish bombs, stands in contrast to this militaristic display, offering a message of hope and resistance. The final lines of the song speak of Sagittarius rising low, perhaps a reference to astrology or mythology, and suggest that the path to freedom and home may be found by following the light of the stars.
Line by Line Meaning
Dance under the missile glow, over the eastern sea
Dance amidst the destruction caused by war and conflict, yet find hope in the future.
Gunshot by the side of the road, highway scenery
The harsh realities of violence are commonplace and often unnoticed in our daily lives.
Revolution got no goals, except keepin' the family together
Change and upheaval can bring people together, even though they may not have a clear vision of what they're fighting for.
Dang chains isn't sweet on you
The metaphorical chains that hold us back and weigh us down don't suit our desire for freedom and liberation.
Freedom fighter, don't let 'em get you alive
Those who fight for freedom and justice must be strong and resilient in the face of opposition and oppression.
You won't change a damn thing that is true
The changes that come about as a result of revolution and struggle may not be immediately evident or obvious.
Freedom fighter, keep your head on tonight
In the midst of chaos and confusion, it's important to remain focused and determined.
Take me on with you
Take me along with you tonight
We can support and encourage those who are fighting for change, even if we can't physically be there beside them.
She came late for the tank parade with her emancipation song
Even when it seems like the odds are against us, we can still make our voices heard and fight for what we believe in.
She plugged in a guitar and played, and sang of Spanish bombs
Music can be a powerful tool for social change and resistance, inspiring people to fight for freedom and justice.
Jackknifed inside and prayed, the world has come undone!
In moments of crisis, we may feel overwhelmed and desperate for a sense of peace and hope.
Yeah, whatever
We may feel helpless or indifferent in the face of daunting challenges and obstacles.
Damn chains look good on you
We can become complacent and accepting of our own oppression, even though it may be detrimental to our well-being.
Sagittarius rising low, may he follow you
We can find hope and inspiration in the stars and the universe, even in the darkest of times.
Shine on you and take you home, over the eastern sea
May we find our way to safety and freedom, guided by the light of the moon and the stars.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: TODD PARK MOHR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Cool tunes
Best live band ever!
Donald Steberger
Don't no we're they were all my 58yrs