In 1985, Kristofferson joined fellow country artists Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash in forming the country music supergroup The Highwaymen, and formed a key creative force in the outlaw country music movement that eschewed the Nashville music machine in favor of independent songwriting and producing. In 2004, Kristofferson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. As an actor, he is known for his roles in Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973), Blume in Love (1973), Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974), A Star Is Born (1976) (which earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor), Convoy (1978), Heaven's Gate (1980) and Blade (1998).
Kristofferson has said that he would like the first three lines of Leonard Cohen's "Bird on the Wire" on his tombstone:
Like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free
Burden Of Freedom
Kris Kristofferson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The doorway to freedom so close to my hand
Voices behind me still bitterly damn me
For seeking salvation they don't understand
[Chorus]
Lord, help me to shoulder the burden of freedom
And give me the courage to be what I can
Lord, help me forgive them; they don't understand
Their lonely frustration, descending to laughter
Erases the footprints I leave in the sand
And I'm free to travel where no one can follow
In search of the kingdom they don't understand
[Chorus]
Lord, help me to shoulder the burden of freedom
And give me the courage to be what I can
And when I have wounded the last one who loved me
God, help her forgive me; I don't understand
In "Burden of Freedom", Kris Kristofferson describes the difficult cost of achieving freedom. Through the use of vivid imagery and metaphors, he illustrates the struggle of walking away from a dark period of oppression and facing the judgment of others who do not understand or support the journey towards liberation.
The song is narrated by a protagonist who stands at the threshold of freedom, with his back to the dungeon he has just escaped. He is aware of the imminent and rewarding experience that awaits him behind the door, but he is also conscious of the resentment and bitterness that will follow him wherever he goes as a result of his pursuit of salvation, and the loneliness he will have to bear. The chorus appears to be a prayer, asking for guidance to carry on the weight of the newfound independence, the courage to pursue his destiny wherever it leads him, and the ability to forgive those who have condemned him. The last verse expresses remorse and a plea for forgiveness for inadvertently wounding those closest to him during the struggle.
Overall, "Burden of Freedom" is a poignant reminder that freedom is never free and that sometimes, the most difficult part of the journey is not the physical escape from oppression but the emotional and psychological aftermath that follows.
Line by Line Meaning
I stand on the stairway, my back to the dungeon
I'm in a halfway position where the path to freedom is within reach but my past mistakes drag me down.
The doorway to freedom so close to my hand
I have the opportunity for freedom, I just need to take it.
Voices behind me still bitterly damn me
People are still angry and unforgiving towards me for wanting to be redeemed.
For seeking salvation they don't understand
Others don't understand why I'm trying to seek salvation or how meaningful it is to me.
Lord, help me to shoulder the burden of freedom
I pray that I'll be able to handle the challenges that come with my newfound freedom.
And give me the courage to be what I can
I hope that I'm brave enough to become who I'm meant to be in this new life of mine.
And when I am wounded by those who condemn me
Even though others might hurt me with their harsh words, I pray that I'll be able to forgive them.
Lord, help me forgive them; they don't understand
It's hard to forgive those who don't understand my struggle, but I'll try to with help from a higher power.
Their lonely frustration, descending to laughter
Others mock me out of frustration because they don't know how else to express their feelings towards me.
Erases the footprints I leave in the sand
Their laughter makes me feel like my progress doesn't matter.
And I'm free to travel where no one can follow
Despite the negative voices around me, I'm able to move on and leave them behind.
In search of the kingdom they don't understand
I'm going after a dream that others think is foolish or impossible.
And when I have wounded the last one who loved me
Even if I hurt the person who's been closest to me, I'll still try to make things right.
God, help her forgive me; I don't understand
I don't know how to make up for my mistakes, but I pray for forgiveness and guidance.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: KRIS KRISTOFFERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
laura Johnson
this man is beyond words and beyond honest with all he feels and believes...and it shows in all he does...
Fay H
I've shared the hell out of this song and played it 20 times more than that. Kris K. is truly gifted. Thank you.
Alastair Clunie
The greatest songwriter ever to put words to tunes.
Narelle Dearden
This is the first time I have heard this song by Kris with so much feeling. Have been listening to his life story & have found out we are both the same age, 85. Love you Kris.
Bill Fraser
When it comes to writing songs this guy is without equal
Jeanette Hammons
Kristofferson is all about FREEDOM, JUSTICE, PEACE & MERCY! This is the reason I love this Man. Plus he is a very educated person. Which one can see thru the songs he writes.Very very talented.
MidnightModder
Jesus was about all of those things. And Kris put his faith in Jesus. The real and only Savior.
James Powell
He brings the teachings of Jesus without forcing it on us . He lets us choose church or not ,,, Thank you Kris .
Aubrey Cary
Thank you kk God bless you always my dear friend. Jesus is lord.
laura Johnson
@Matthew Silver i know what he is sayingI had to do a double take on his comment too,,,you know like people always preaching...to you..door to door what not...but the way Kris does it is from his OWN point of view and heart...just letting people know who and how he was saved in his own way...