Since the London band's formation in 1993, they were subject to both critical acclaim, having been nominated for the 'Best New British Band' category at the Kerrang Awards in 1998 and then again under the 'Spirit of Independence' category in 2000, and the approval of a diverse fanbase, leading to them becoming one of the most highly respected bands to emerge from the UK ska punk scene at the time. King Prawn toured regularly with broad range of bands, varying from hardcore to traditional and two tone ska bands, and were widely regarded as one of the most exciting live bands of Britain. King Prawn songs often contained politically based lyrics that formed wry social commentary, which, along with the band's blending of genres, led to comparisons with bands such as Rage Against the Machine.
King Prawn played their final gig on December 21st 2003 at the pitz, Milton Keynes, and members have since moved on to various other projects, such as Babar Luck's solo project and the Household Name Records signed musical collective Suicide Bid.
Al Rumjen - Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Melodica
Babar Luck - Bass, Vocals
Nikolai - Drums
Devil Hands - Guitar
~ Wikipedia
Freedom Day
King Prawn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They want to rule us all
Brutality and murder is their way
We won't live on our knees
We fight for a better day
Brothers and sisters come and rally to the cause - fighting oppression
We're fighting against their laws
There's obstacles in our way
But we shall overcome them triumphantly
And tomorrow holds our hope
Justice and equality
There's somethings worth fighting for
Fighting for a better day
And tomorrow holds our hope
Justice and equality
There's somethings worth fighting for
Can't you see?
It's what we're fighting for...
The song "Freedom Day" by King Prawn addresses the issue of oppression through lyrics describing the fight for justice and equality in a land fraught with brutality and murder. The opening lines set forth the bloody history of the land with the metaphor that 'red is our blood and black is the shadow that falls over this land', highlighting the violence that has permeated the country's history. The song then calls people to rally against the oppressors, to fight with all their might to overcome the obstacles to attain freedom.
The lyrics show that the struggle for freedom is a long one, but nevertheless, it should be achieved through perseverance and the courage of will. In spite of all the obstacles on the road to freedom, the people of the land will not back down. They are determined to fight for a better tomorrow, where justice and equality will be realized. The rallying cries of "Brothers and sisters come and rally to the cause - fighting oppression, we're fighting against their laws," encourage collective action, and a refusal to be subjugated.
The song's message is simple but strikingly powerful. It highlights the common issues of societies where people are oppressed based on their race, color, sexuality, political views, or religion. In summary, "Freedom Day" is a call for people to unite and fight against oppression, to be determined, and to never give up in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Red is our blood and black is the shadow that falls over this land
We are the people of this land and face oppression in the form of darkness that looms over us.
They want to rule us all
Oppressors desire complete control over us.
Brutality and murder is their way
Oppressors employ violence and use aggressive methods to maintain their dominion.
We won't live on our knees
We refuse to live a life of submission and subservience.
We fight for a better day
We struggle to attain a brighter and optimistic future.
Brothers and sisters come and rally to the cause - fighting oppression
We call upon our fellow men and women to unite together and fight against oppression.
We're fighting against their laws
We oppose the laws and regulations established by those in power.
The road to freedom
The path to liberty.
There's obstacles in our way
There are difficulties blocking our journey towards freedom.
But we shall overcome them triumphantly
We will rise above these obstacles and emerge victoriously.
And tomorrow holds our hope
We have faith in a promising and optimistic future.
Justice and equality
A society that is based on fairness and equal opportunities for all its citizens.
There's somethings worth fighting for
We recognize the worthiness of fighting for values such as freedom, fairness, and equality.
Fighting for a better day
Striving for a better future.
Can't you see?
Do you not perceive?
It's what we're fighting for...
The fight we are waging is for achieving justice, liberty, and equality.
Contributed by Hunter V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.