Freedom Street
Ken Boothe Lyrics


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Let's not quarrel, let's not fight
Let's get together, we all can unite
Then take off these chains from off our feet
'Cause we gonna walk, we gonna walk, walk down freedom street
Everybody knows we gonna walk, we gonna walk
Walk, walk, walk, down freedom street

Let me tell you people
United we stand, divided we fall
Respect your brothers, sisters and all
Let's not deal with illiteracy, work it out intelligently

Lord, Lord, 'cause we gonna walk, we gonna walk
Walk, walk, walk, down freedom street
Everybody knows we gonna walk, we gonna walk
Walk, walk, walk, down freedom street, dear, God

Can't see clearly 'cause I worked hard last night
It must be a vision 'cause there's no change in sight
I see a big, big street, where all hands meet
It must be freedom street, oh Lord, freedom street

Everybody knows we gonna walk, we gonna walk
Walk, walk, walk, down freedom street




Everybody knows we gonna talk in the whole wide world
As we go walkin' slowly

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Ken Boothe's song "Freedom Street" encourage unity, respect, intelligence, and ultimately, freedom. The opening lines of "Let's not quarrel, let's not fight, Let's get together, we all can unite" emphasize the need for harmony and cooperation in achieving a common goal. Boothe goes on to exhort listeners to "take off these chains from off our feet", symbolizing the need to throw off societal, racial, and economic constraints that keep individuals from realizing their potential. The repeated refrain of "we gonna walk, we gonna walk, walk down freedom street" emphasizes determination and unwavering commitment to the cause of liberation.


The second verse of "Freedom Street" emphasizes the need for solidarity and mutual respect, highlighting the age-old adage of "united we stand, divided we fall". Boothe encourages listeners to treat each other with respect and to work out difficulties intelligently, rather than resorting to violence or impulsive reactions. This verse highlights the need for education and intellectual maturity in overcoming systemic biases and discrimination that divide communities.


Line by Line Meaning

Let's not quarrel, let's not fight
Let's not argue or engage in physical altercations.


Let's get together, we all can unite
Let's come together and cooperate towards a common goal.


Then take off these chains from off our feet
Let's liberate ourselves from oppression and bondage.


'Cause we gonna walk, we gonna walk, walk down freedom street
We shall move towards freedom in a determined and focused manner.


Everybody knows we gonna walk, we gonna walk
Everyone is aware of our mission to achieve freedom.


Walk, walk, walk, down freedom street
Our path towards freedom is clear and we shall keep moving progressively.


United we stand, divided we fall
We shall be strong and indivisible against forces that aim to weaken us.


Respect your brothers, sisters and all
We should honor and value all members of our community, regardless of gender or family relation.


Let's not deal with illiteracy, work it out intelligently
We should solve problems through intellectual discussions, rather than resorting to violence or ignorance.


Lord, Lord, 'cause we gonna walk, we gonna walk
Oh God, we are determined to move forward towards freedom.


Walk, walk, walk, down freedom street
Our progress towards freedom shall be steady and unrelenting.


Can't see clearly 'cause I worked hard last night
The journey towards freedom is challenging and strenuous, as evidenced by my exhaustion.


It must be a vision 'cause there's no change in sight
The progress we have made so far may not be visible yet, but we are moving towards our goal.


I see a big, big street, where all hands meet
I envision a future where everyone comes together in unity and collaboration towards a common goal.


It must be freedom street, oh Lord, freedom street
This future I see is one where we have achieved freedom from oppression and inequality.


Everybody knows we gonna walk, we gonna walk
The entire world is aware of our march towards freedom.


Walk, walk, walk, down freedom street
Our march towards freedom continues, undeterred by any obstacles.


Everybody knows we gonna talk in the whole wide world
Our actions and progress towards freedom shall be recognized and praised globally.


As we go walkin' slowly
Our progress towards freedom is gradual, but steady and unwavering.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Kenneth George Boothe, Harris L Seaton

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Smilie Face Canopy Service Mc Bean

Ah yes, the gift that is music. . .although i was born in JA i didn't have a recollection of these vibes. It was consciousness far from my awareness.

Then it was gifted to me by a queen, a tribal soul (Ryoko) from Japan. She had rerouted me back to my roots through music and forward a deeper awareness through a complete collection rock-steady, ska and reggae music.

Then many years later and after i'd become a father to my family of three boys, this song became instrumental in helping to amically resolve disputes among them.

With the sternest voice and a steeled determination on my face, finger pointed at each of them succinctly. . . i would begin with:

" i want all of you to listen to me carefully. And i'm not going to say this to you again." And with a joot and a bow i would begin to sing.

"Lets not quar rel, lets not fi'ght! Lets stay together, we all can unite. We're gonna take all these chains from off our feet, 'cause we're gonna walk we're gonna walk. Walk, walk, walk down freedom street . . ."

And from the opening line, my sons began smiling and dancing along with me. Peaceful once again in dance and unity.

So i want to give thanks to a very beautiful soul born in Japan but rasta conscious. Blessings Ry. . .you have given me and my sons the gift of music, and an expression of love that is eternal. . . thank you so much! Blessings, love and divine light. Respect.



All comments from YouTube:

madtonesbr

Powerful voice. Reminds me of Sam Cooke or Otis Redding but of course an island originator. We’re blessed to have Ken Boothe’s music.

Jennifer Lee

Perfect footage for this freedom song, long live the freedom of rockers making their freedom heard and seen! Love ken booth and all reggae’s greats walking down their freedom streets in JA ( not easy now when city streets are congested and oppressive)

Keezie27

Great tune. Wonderful voice too.

Jevezy

Ken Boothe, very talented brother, loved all his songs.

peter mutuku

This should be played in every fm radio/ station in Kenya....every morning.

Lillian Smith Whyte

LOVE AND RESPECT TO ALL THE GREAT MUSICIANS

pascalbouchou @ Gmail. com

Le reggae a cette capacité à transmettre la joie ! J'adore cette chanson !

Smilie Face Canopy Service Mc Bean

Ah yes, the gift that is music. . .although i was born in JA i didn't have a recollection of these vibes. It was consciousness far from my awareness.

Then it was gifted to me by a queen, a tribal soul (Ryoko) from Japan. She had rerouted me back to my roots through music and forward a deeper awareness through a complete collection rock-steady, ska and reggae music.

Then many years later and after i'd become a father to my family of three boys, this song became instrumental in helping to amically resolve disputes among them.

With the sternest voice and a steeled determination on my face, finger pointed at each of them succinctly. . . i would begin with:

" i want all of you to listen to me carefully. And i'm not going to say this to you again." And with a joot and a bow i would begin to sing.

"Lets not quar rel, lets not fi'ght! Lets stay together, we all can unite. We're gonna take all these chains from off our feet, 'cause we're gonna walk we're gonna walk. Walk, walk, walk down freedom street . . ."

And from the opening line, my sons began smiling and dancing along with me. Peaceful once again in dance and unity.

So i want to give thanks to a very beautiful soul born in Japan but rasta conscious. Blessings Ry. . .you have given me and my sons the gift of music, and an expression of love that is eternal. . . thank you so much! Blessings, love and divine light. Respect.

mrbillhicks

From an era of pure Reggae top drawer quality, a time when tunes such as this were being released on a monumental scale...

Ibidapo Ilawole

Bless

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