Freedom Day
Max Roach & Abbey Lincoln Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rumors flyin', must be lyin'. Can it really be?
Can't conceive it, can't believe it. But that's what they say.
Slave no longer, slave no longer, this is Freedom Day.
Freedom Day, it's Freedom Day. Throw those shackle n' chains away.
Everybody that I see says it's really true, we're free.
Whisper, listen, whisper, listen. Whispers say we're free.
Rumors flyin', must be lyin'. Can it really be?
Slave no longer, slave no longer, this is Freedom Day.
Freedom Day, it's Freedom Day. Throw those shackle n' chains away.
Everybody that I see says it's really true, we're free.
Freedom Day, it's Freedom Day. Free to vote and earn my pay.
Dim my path and hide the way. But we've made it Freedom Day.
The lyrics of Max Roach and Abbey Lincoln's "Freedom Day" convey a sense of yearning and disbelief as the singers whisper and rumour of their newfound freedom. The repetition of "Whisper, listen" implies secrecy and caution, as the news of emancipation may not be readily accepted by those in power. The repeated questioning of "Can it really be?" and "But that's what they say" indicates disbelief and hesitation, perhaps due to the history of broken promises and systemic oppression.
However, the excitement and joy of being free is expressed in the poignant chorus of "Freedom Day, it's Freedom Day. Throw those shackle n' chains away." The repetition of "slave no longer" serves as a stark reminder of the inhumane and degrading reality of slavery, but it is balanced by the hopeful message of breaking free and celebrating newfound independence. The last stanza brings to light the challenges that may continue to exist, with the mention of a "dim path" and hidden ways. Despite this, the proclamation of "we've made it Freedom Day" acknowledges the strength, resilience, and determination of those who fought for their liberation.
Line by Line Meaning
Whisper, listen, whisper, listen. Whispers say we're free.
People are whispering and spreading rumors that we are now free.
Rumors flyin', must be lyin'. Can it really be?
The rumors are spreading quickly, but it seems too good to be true.
Can't conceive it, can't believe it. But that's what they say.
Although it's hard to imagine, many people are claiming that we are free.
Slave no longer, slave no longer, this is Freedom Day.
The day has come when we are no longer slaves and can enjoy our freedom.
Freedom Day, it's Freedom Day. Throw those shackle n' chains away.
Today is the day we throw away the physical chains of slavery and embrace our freedom.
Everybody that I see says it's really true, we're free.
Everyone seems to believe that we are finally free.
Freedom Day, it's Freedom Day. Free to vote and earn my pay.
Today marks a new beginning where we have the freedom to vote and earn a fair wage.
Dim my path and hide the way. But we've made it Freedom Day.
Although there were obstacles in our path, we have persevered and made it to this day of freedom.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Maxwell Lemuel Roach, Oscar Brown Jr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@justinfrazier908
9 folks are absolutely insane for giving this a thumbs down. Incredible song.
@paulbarry3464
Max Roach was such an artist and role model. I was privileged to have met him in Chicago in 87......soooo smooth. I named my son Max.
@haroldholmes9169
Listening to this takes me back to 1963 as a Student Non-Coordinating Committee (SNIC) member at Morehouse college going on and leading sit-ins in downtown Atlanta and being jailed therefor. This was called the " Atlanta Movement." A time I'll never forget and always feel was my small yet important contribution toward achieving "Freedom Day." Thank you so much Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach. I shed tears profusely every time I hear this song but my tears are of joy and loving remembrance of so many who gave their lives in the "Movement" though I went safely home to NY in 1964.
@ericarnold2340
no to detract from your memory here, but the civil rights movement was more than 50 years old in 1960. Marcus Garvey and the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters were in the 1920s. BSCP won concessions from the Pullman Company in 1937. Strange Fruit was written in the 1930s. The threatened March on Washington, which led to FDR eliminating discrimination in government contracts was 1941. Brown v. Board of Education was 1952-1954. Rosa Parks was 1954. California ratified the Fair Employment Practices Commission guidelines in 1955. Mingus' Haitian Fight Song was 1957. Black people have been fighting for civil rights for a long time. The difference was the involvement of the Baby Boomers and Freedom Riders and the involvement of RFK into the integration battle in Southern states, as well as MLK's charisma and ability to create a narrative that resonated with millions.
@dpohunter
Amazing. This was a very bold statement for its time- 1960, when the Civil Rights movement was still just getting on its feet. I love early jazz, and Lincoln's vocal is flawless. A wonderful piece of musical and cultural history. Thanks for posting!
@9Salvio4
One of the greatest song I've ever heard ...
@stochasticactus
Rest in great peace, Abbey Lincoln.
@bsshh
Max and Abbey were off the chain!!
Awesomeness!
@jannnyyy1
Fabulous talent! Real genius! Prayers for all the family and friends of Abbey Lincoln as they mourn her passing away from their lives!xx
@OralBrownDrumming
Awesome.. I’m glad I can hear this