He is also a skater, which led to his career in hip hop; after an accident in 1998, he took time to focus on rap and was noticed by Trevor McNevan of Ontario-based band Thousand Foot Krutch. This led to his signing to an internationally distributed label, BEC Recordings, and debut release Epiphany, which was made primarily of West Coast hip hop with several rapcore outings in the vein of Limp Bizkit.
He released two independent albums, Mislead Youth (2001) and My Own Thing (2003), prior to Epiphany in 2005. He has toured in Canada, the United States and Ireland to date.
His second album, Glory, emphasized rap-rock elements with more Linkin Park-esque nu metal, and included more authentic hip hop stylings.
Central themes of Manafest's music include nonconformity, hip hop culture, and walking with God.
Manafest says in regards to Glory that: "I wanted to allow all of my influences show on Glory. Musically, I wanted to blend the appeal of Linkin Park, Sum 41, and The Beastie Boys. Vocally, I wanted to merge that with popular hip hop à la Eminem and Kanye West. But beyond musical influence, I wanted to reflect on the issues around me in the most positive way possible. And whether I am talking about the loss of loved ones and abuse, or breakdancing and skate culture, it's all for the glory of heaven. In the end, my prayer is that people would not simply bob their heads to this, but feel a very real sense of healing from the words. However, this record is not all serious. Some of my favorite tracks are the most lighthearted ones."
Free
Manafest Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Free to get out and get up and move on, I'm
Free to live free to love free to get up
Free to get out and get up and move on
From all the pain, all the times, I ever cried
For those who spoke lies I'm gonna make it
From all the days, all the rage I felt inside
I know I'm still alive not forsaken
I used to want it so bad, I was so mad
Why can't I have a life like he has, autographs
Record tracks tour the globe and rap
It was a dream that seemed out of my grasp or wouldn't last
Months passed, spent cash, all that I had
Had to borrow just to stay at my pad, and no gas
When dreams turn bitter and I know I'm not a quitter
I repaint the picture and start with something clearer
I know what it's like yo, to work so hard, watch it fall apart
After leaving your job
God's got your back it's free at no charge
Speak I'm free and believe with your heart
Free to live free to love, free to get up
Free to get out and get up and move on, I'm
Free to live free to love free to get up
Free to get out and get up and move on
From all the pain, all the times, I ever cried
For those who spoke lies I'm gonna make it
From all the days, all the rage I felt inside
I know I'm still alive not forsaken
My road was long I choked and coughed
I froze and lost, I brushed it off
I wrote to God, Hear me
I got a problem here, can't you see I'm sinking
I'm shrinking, I'm tripping, slipping, searching for some wisdom
Since time is ticking I've been thinking I'm a sleeping victim
Incline my ear listen I was blind I'm here to switch it
This is when I call to you I'm crawling balling out
Falling up to walk with you I'm here to put it down
Anything I don't know, download to my soul
Let me be free so I can free those in pot wholes
Let me sleep breezy like the beaches in Taho
Helped me see clearly you perform the impossible
Free to live free to love, free to get up
Free to get out and get up and move on, I'm
Free to live free to love free to get up
Free to get out and get up and move on
From all the pain, all the times, I ever cried
For those who spoke lies I'm gonna make it
From all the days, all the rage I felt inside
I know I'm still alive not forsaken
I've been on and off, searching for a better job
Hip hop gave me an out let to set it off
My God saves I'm free to just sing a song
I walk straight to goals as if my team won
Like the pentagon free to drop a bigger bomb
Figured my sisters and brothers they need a leader son
Teeter tottered not wanting to bother
Children need a father not just payment with dollars
Home of the brave were known to rescue and save
In a moment we change, we can't settle for slave
Hold to the dream go big or go home
Freedoms in the heart mind, body & soul
Free to live free to love, free to get up
Free to get out and get up and move on, I'm
Free to live free to love free to get up
Free to get out and get up and move on
From all the pain, all the times, I ever cried
For those who spoke lies I'm gonna make it
From all the days, all the rage I felt inside
I know I'm still alive not forsaken
Free to live free to love, free to get up
The lyrics of the song Free by Manafest revolve around the theme of being free and moving past the pain and struggles of life. The opening lines of the song set the tone of the entire song where the artist proclaims that he is free to live, love, get up, and move on. The artist then goes on to recount his struggles and how he has overcome them. He talks about how he had a dream that seemed out of his grasp, but he still chased after it, borrowing money just to keep going.
The song Free is an anthem for anyone who has ever faced difficulties and felt like giving up. It encourages listeners to keep pushing, believing that there is light at the end of the tunnel. The lyrics "I know I'm still alive not forsaken" give a message of hope that no matter how tough the situation may seem, one is never alone in it.
Overall, the song implores listeners to overcome their struggles and believe in themselves. It is a song of encouragement that highlights the importance of never giving up and fighting for one's dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Free to live free to love, free to get up
I am no longer held back by anything and am free to live my life, love who I want, and get back up after falling down.
Free to get out and get up and move on, I'm
I am free to leave behind any negative experiences or people and move forward with my life.
From all the pain, all the times, I ever cried
I have experienced many difficulties and moments of intense emotion that have caused me pain and sadness.
For those who spoke lies I'm gonna make it
Despite those who have lied to me or spoken poorly about me, I will continue to push forward and succeed.
From all the days, all the rage I felt inside
I have had days filled with anger and frustration, but I am still alive and have not given up hope.
I know I'm still alive not forsaken
I have not been abandoned or left behind by God, and I am still alive and capable of achieving my dreams.
My road was long I choked and coughed
The journey to get to where I am today was filled with many obstacles and challenges.
I froze and lost, I brushed it off
At times, I have felt powerless and lost, but I have always found a way to keep going.
I wrote to God, Hear me
I have turned to God for guidance and support during difficult times.
I got a problem here, can't you see I'm sinking
I have felt overwhelmed and like I am drowning in my problems.
I'm shrinking, I'm tripping, slipping, searching for some wisdom
I have struggled and stumbled while trying to find answers and guidance for my problems.
Incline my ear listen I was blind I'm here to switch it
I am asking God to help me see things more clearly and to guide me on a better path.
Anything I don't know, download to my soul
I am open to learning and growing, and am asking for new knowledge and wisdom to be instilled in my soul.
Let me be free so I can free those in pot wholes
I am asking for the freedom to be able to help others who are struggling and in need of guidance.
Let me sleep breezy like the beaches in Taho
I am seeking peace and calmness in my life, similar to the serene and tranquil atmosphere of a beach in Lake Tahoe.
Home of the brave were known to rescue and save
As Americans, we are known for our bravery and willingness to help and protect others.
In a moment we change, we can't settle for slave
We have the power to make a change in our lives and in the world around us, and we must not settle for anything less than freedom and equality.
Hold to the dream go big or go home
We must hold on to our hopes and dreams, and strive for greatness or else risk missing out on the chance to succeed.
Freedoms in the heart mind, body & soul
Freedom is not just a physical state, but exists within every aspect of ourselves - our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls.
Writer(s): Matthew Samuels, Chris Greenwood, Zale Epstein Copyright: Sony/ATV Tunes LLC, 1damentional Publishing LLC
Contributed by Kennedy H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Spiritus Fenix
Every time he sings "And I'm freee... (echo, echo..)", I expected him to sing "And I'm freeeeeeeeeeee, free fallin'."
Jeremy LeDrew
wow man, should make a video of this one... its pretty sick, and i can jam Crazy to this shit :) Love your music bro, keep it up... maybe youll be the next Em...... NAHHHH, Noone can beat Eminem... but pretty close :)
lizzydixxy411
i cant help but tap my foot and sing along