Assembled by the production team of Gamble & Huff, MFSB was the house band for their Philadelphia International Records label and provided the signature smooth Philadelphia sound for many acts including the O'Jays, The Spinners and Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes.
In 1974, Philadelphia International released an instrumental track which had been recorded by the band as the theme for the television show Soul Train as a single. The record, titled "TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)", featuring The Three Degrees, was a hit on both the pop and R&B charts, and launched a recording career for the band under their own name. MFSB albums and singles were released for the rest of the decade, and their material later served as ample material for sampling by hip-hop musicians.
Another popular MFSB number, "Love Is the Message", has been a favorite of dance/disco DJs since its release; countless remixes, both official and unofficial, exist of the song. On September 20, 2004 the record became among the first to be inducted into the newly formed Dance Music Hall of Fame. The song has also enjoyed a boost of popularity since it was featured on the in-game soundtrack of the 2004 video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. It was not released on the official boxset with the game, however.
PHILADELPHIA FREEDOM
MFSB Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shine a light shine a light
Philadelphia freedom
Shine a light shine a light
Philadelphia, uh-uh ooh ooh
Philadelphia, uh-uh ooh ooh
Philadelphia, uh-uh ooh ooh
Philadelphia, uh-uh ooh ooh
Philadelphia, uh-uh ooh ooh
Philadelphia, uh-uh ooh ooh
Philadelphia, uh-uh ooh ooh
Philadelphia, uh-uh ooh ooh
Philadelphia
"Freedoms" in America have been the hallmark of the nation since the country's founding. These "freedoms" have been crucial to American identity--and in MFSB's song "Philadelphia Freedom," these values are celebrated through the eponymous city.
The song starts with the repeated phrase "Philadelphia Freedom," along with a directive to "shine a light" on it. This light could be symbolic of illuminating the freedoms that Philadelphia represents, or the city itself, which has been a beacon of hope for many throughout history.
The rest of the song is a celebration of the city, infusing a sense of joy and energy into the lyrics with repeated "uh-ohs" and "ooh-oohs." These sounds can be interpreted as a nod to Philadelphia's vibrant music scene, which has been a major influence on the country's music history. Overall, "Philadelphia Freedom" is a tribute not just to the city but to the resilience and spirit of America's values of freedom, liberty, and unity.
Line by Line Meaning
Philadelphia freedom
The desire for the liberty and independence associated with the city of Philadelphia.
Shine a light shine a light
Bring attention to and celebrate the freedom that Philadelphia represents.
Philadelphia, uh-uh ooh ooh
Repeating the name of the city to emphasize its significance in relation to freedom and independence.
Philadelphia, uh-uh ooh ooh
Continuing to emphasize the prominence of Philadelphia in the context of personal freedom and expression.
Philadelphia, uh-uh ooh ooh
Reiterating the connection between Philadelphia and the idea of freedom, perhaps as a call to action or celebration.
Philadelphia, uh-uh ooh ooh
Continuing to emphasize the significance of Philadelphia and the freedoms it represents.
Philadelphia, uh-uh ooh ooh
Repeating the name of the city once more to drive home the message of personal freedom and self-expression.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Elton John, Bernard J.P. Taupin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Donald Newman
Nice instrumental cover of Sir. Elton John's song. Matter of fact, I love both versions of PHILLY FREEDOM!
AHBguru
Don't forget, Hall and Oates did a cover, too.
Operation: Fatherhood
I second the points in your comment!
PeteTheRealTreat DuRose
Just dropped on a fantastic copy of this album and it even has the 7” freebie with it. Love everything MFSB and Philadelphia International 🎶🎵🎼☮️❤️to everyone 🎼🎶🎵
CitiesTimeLines
It's so hard to write a happy song, but the best hits are the happiest hits. I love the celebration in this song!
Victor Strona
These guys are the BEST of the BEST! The Creme of the Crop! Perfection Gamble & Huff. Play on forever.
Besorah Gospel
I remember this classic still sounds good.
mona cannon
YAZZZ....💃💃💃💃🎶 I LOVE IT!! NOW THIS IS MUSIC! GOT ME SINGING PHILADELPHIAAAAA... I LOVE YOU! #PHILLYSOUND #PHILLYPROUD! THANKS FOR SHARING.
11dsw
TSOP, the best disco produced…period. 😀❤️
celina taveira
A PROVA DE CONHECIMENTO MUSICAL SEMPRE ESTARA COM A EMPRESA PARABENS 16 05 2021