The Around My Way (Freedom Ain't Free) Songfacts reports that Fiasco’s first single off his fourth studio album, Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1 debuted on May 21, 2012. On "Around My Way (Freedom Ain't Free)," he spits rhymes about aspects of modern American life he doesn’t like such as "Suicide bombers and prosperity gospels, emaciated models, with cocaine and blood pouring out their nostrils” as well as socio-political problems in Ghana and the invasion of Iraq.
Lupe released his fifth studio album Tetsuo & Youth on January 20, 2015.
Lupe's 8th Studio Album DRILL MUSIC IN ZION was released on June 23rd 2022
Lupe has previously been on label Epic with his group Da Pak and then signed a solo deal with Arista. His years at Arista only led to the 2003 promo single "Pop Pop" as well as guest appearances on singles from Tha' Rayne (2002's "Kiss Me" and 2003's "Didn't You Know") and K Fox (2003's "This Life"), then Arista folded in 2004 and Lupe was signed to Atlantic Records.
Free Chilly
Lupe Fiasco Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We would, 'cause we out here, and we miss you
If we could build a ladder that tall, to come up and see you, we would
'Cause we down here, and we miss you
If we could break down those walls to set you free
We would, 'cause we out here, and we miss you
If we could build a ladder that tall, to come up and see you, we would
'Cause we down here, and we miss you
The lyrics of Lupe Fiasco's "Free Chilly" speak to the experience of being separated from someone who is incarcerated. The use of walls and ladders as metaphors is powerful in and of itself, as they symbolize the physical barriers that are put in place to keep prisoners separated from their loved ones, as well as the obstacles that must be overcome in order to maintain a connection despite being physically apart.
The first two lines imply that the singer wishes they could break down the walls that keep Chilly (presumably a friend or family member) incarcerated, and free him from his confinement. They emphasize the sense of helplessness that comes with being close to someone who is in prison, but unable to do anything to change their situation.
The next two lines express a desire to connect with Chilly in any way possible, even if that means building a ladder tall enough to reach his prison cell. This is another way of showing the lengths to which the singer is willing to go to maintain the relationship, regardless of the difficulties they face.
Overall, the lyrics of "Free Chilly" are a poignant reminder of the emotional toll that incarceration takes on individuals and their families, and the desperate need for reform in the criminal justice system.
Line by Line Meaning
If we could break down those walls to set you free
If we possessed the ability to dismantle the barriers and impediments that currently ensnare you, we would take swift and decisive action to accomplish this feat, as we firmly believe that you deserve to be unburdened from these shackles and allowed to live a life of freedom and fulfillment.
We would, 'cause we out here, and we miss you
Our desire to liberate you is driven by both our physical distance from you, as we are unable to be in close proximity to you due to external constraints, as well as our emotional longing to connect with you, as we cherish your presence and find joy in your companionship.
If we could build a ladder that tall, to come up and see you, we would
In the event that constructing a vertical structure of exceptional height would enable us to travel to your location and spend time with you, we would not hesitate to undertake this arduous endeavor, for the prospect of reuniting with you and making memories together is worth any sacrifice or challenge.
'Cause we down here, and we miss you
Our current state of being situated in a different physical location than you creates a sense of yearning and nostalgia within us for the experiences and interactions we have shared with you in the past. We remain hopeful that we will one day be able to reconnect with you, regardless of the obstacles that may stand in our way.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Sarah Green, Wasalu Jaco
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind