Born in McComb, Mississippi, Norwood was raised in Carson, California, beginning her career as a backing vocalist for teen groups. After signing with Atlantic Records in 1993, she released her self-titled debut album, Brandy, the following year, which sold six million copies worldwide. Norwood ventured into acting with the UPN sitcom Moesha (1996–2001), which won her an NAACP Image Award, and resulted in numerous other roles, such as the titular character in the television film Cinderella (1997) and Karla Wilson in the slasher film I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998). Her musical breakthrough came with the wildly successful single "The Boy Is Mine" (1998), a duet with fellow R&B contemporary Monica, which went on to become one of the best selling female duets of all time. Her second album, Never Say Never, won Norwood her first Grammy Award. In 2002, Norwood starred in the reality series Brandy: Special Delivery, documenting the birth of her daughter. Her third and fourth albums, Full Moon (2002) and Afrodisiac (2004), were released to critical success.
Norwood served as a judge on the first season of America's Got Talent before being involved in a heavily publicized car accident in 2006. Norwood's fifth album, Human (2008), was released to positive reviews, although it was a commercial failure. In 2010, she returned to television as a contestant on the eleventh season of Dancing with the Stars and starred in the reality series Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business. She was a series regular in the BET series The Game (2012–2015) and released her sixth album Two Eleven (2012) thereafter, both earning her critical praise. In April 2015, Norwood made her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago. She starred in and executive produced a sitcom titled Zoe Ever After on BET which premiered in January 2016. In July 2020, Norwood released her seventh studio album, B7, also her first project as an independent artist, to critical acclaim. In 2021, Norwood starred alongside Naturi Naughton, Eve and Nadine Velazquez in American Broadcasting Company's music drama series Queens to critical acclaim.
In June 2022, Norwood announced her major label return after signing with Motown Records under which she is expected to preprare her eighth studio album.
Freedom
Brandy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I felt the eyes of so many, the whispers and shouts about my belief in us
I see the cloaks on the judges, flaws in the judgement, beast in the dungeon that dont scare me
And I'll say it on a mountain, say it all in public, hold a press conference to speak about my freedom
Just us - lookin' upon a city of towers soaring
Just us - standing our ground in a crowd of lions roaring
Just us - I won't be held, I won't back down no more
Just us - Freedom
I flew away this morning, what if I ran away and never came back
And all of the fame means nothing, it's all a game and the gladiator just won't win
And I see cloaks on the judges, flaws in the judgement, beasts in the dungeon, don't look scared to me
And I'll say it on a mountain, say it all in public, hold my head high, I'ma speak about my freedom
Just us - lookin' upon a city of towers soaring
Just us - standing our ground in a crowd of lions roaring
Just us - I won't be held, I won't back down no more
Just us - Freedom
Just us - Freedom
Free to run on the water
Free to believe, free to love
Free to speak their mountain off the ground(?)
I believe in us
Just us - lookin' upon a city of towers soaring
Just us - standing our ground in a crowd of lions roaring
Just us - I won't be held, I won't back down no more
Just us - Freedom
Just us - Freedom
My Freedom
My Freedom
My Freedom
Freedom, Freedom
The song "Freedom" by Brandy is a powerful anthem about standing up for one's beliefs and fighting for one's freedom. The lyrics describe the struggle of going against the norm and facing judgment and scrutiny for being true to oneself. The first verse talks about feeling the force of societal pressure and judgment, and how it doesn't scare the singer. The second verse takes on a more defiant tone, with the singer contemplating running away but ultimately deciding to stand up and speak out for their freedom. The repeated refrain of "just us" emphasizes that the fight for freedom and individuality is a personal one, but it's also a universal struggle that many face.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of fame and the futility of trying to win a rigged game. The line "it's all a game and the gladiator just won't win" suggests that the singer recognizes that success in conventional terms is not the same as true freedom.
Overall, "Freedom" is a song that speaks to anyone who has ever felt different or oppressed, and encourages them to stand up and fight for their beliefs and their rights.
Line by Line Meaning
I saw the train comin' for me with the force of a million marching
I was faced with an immense challenge coming towards me like a speeding train, powerful and unstoppable.
I felt the eyes of so many, the whispers and shouts about my belief in us
I could sense the judgment and criticism of others due to my beliefs, which were centered around the idea of unity and togetherness.
I see the cloaks on the judges, flaws in the judgement, beast in the dungeon that dont scare me
Despite the corruption and unfairness I witnessed, I remained unfazed and stood strong in my convictions.
And I'll say it on a mountain, say it all in public, hold a press conference to speak about my freedom
I am willing to publicly and boldly declare my beliefs and speak out against injustice, regardless of any backlash or consequences.
Just us - lookin' upon a city of towers soaring
We stand together in the face of great and towering challenges.
Just us - standing our ground in a crowd of lions roaring
We remain steadfast and strong despite adversity and opposition.
Just us - I won't be held, I won't back down no more
We refuse to be silenced or intimidated, and will continue to fight for our beliefs and freedom.
Just us - Freedom
We are united in our quest for freedom and justice.
I flew away this morning, what if I ran away and never came back
I contemplated the idea of running away from my problems and responsibilities, but ultimately chose to face them head on.
And all of the fame means nothing, it's all a game and the gladiator just won't win
I realized that worldly success and fame are fleeting and ultimately insignificant, and that true victory comes from standing up for what you believe in.
Free to run on the water
I have the freedom to be truly myself, to act and live in a way that feels right to me.
Free to believe, free to love
I am free to express my emotions and beliefs, and to love whoever I choose.
Free to speak their mountain off the ground(?),
I am free to use my words and voice to inspire and motivate others, to make a difference and create positive change.
I believe in us
I have faith in humanity and our ability to overcome challenges and come together towards a better future.
My Freedom
I claim my individual freedom, the right to live as I choose.
Freedom, Freedom
Freedom is a fundamental human right that should be available to all.
Contributed by Nora P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Raven-Symoné MusicFan100
Y'all Spread The Word... THE QUEEN HAS RETURNED. Don't forget what she did for us all with her music in the past. She deserves every bit of praise for her artistry.
Stereo
Raven...where is your music. You got pipes too.
Max Ramsey
Thanks Raven...she is the queen and glad she is back bout time yeah
Carl Milton
Vocal beast at her best, my lord. I need to find my edges by tomorrow.
TheVIPDiva
This would have broke Verzuz.... She held back so much and still killed it!
Ju
I can not stop playing this! Freedom is RINGINGGGG!
Goodman Mnisi
That “higher ground “ run🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼❤️❤️❤️
Abigail Vincent
Goodman Mnisi almost smashed my phone from what I felt in my heart 🗣🗣🗣
Queen Alika
Word 😭😭😭😭😭
jleedupond
Yay! A million views, this deserves 100 mil views👌🏾