Plant’s attraction and affection to the music of Morocco, the Atlas region and beyond and his lifelong leaning towards the psychedelic indo-rock of West Coast USA, led to a new collision of styles and colours aka Strange Sensation.
Their first album together ‘Dreamland’, received great critical acclaim and two Grammy nominations in January 2003.
In recent times, Plant has recorded with Afro Celt Sound System and along with Skin and Justin Adams, travelled to South Sahara, North of Timbuktu in Mali to participate in the 2nd Festival of the Desert, a gathering of African Saharan and assorted soul musicians including Oumou Sangare, Ali Farka Touré, Tinariwen and Tidawt. This project ultimately became a CD compilation to be found on the Harmonia Mundi label.
2003 saw the prestigious release of the definitive Plant retrospective, ’Sixty Six to Timbuktu’, which included a selection of Plant’s solo work from his first recording date to his appearance in Mali.
As of Oct 2004, Plant has reassembled his Es Paranza label which saw its first release for many years. Robert Plant and Strange Sensation’s album, titled ‘Mighty Rearranger’ is a collection of 12 all new, all original songs released May 2005. A major year long tour has just been completed.
At the close of 2005, the critically acclaimed Mighty Rearranger received 2 Grammy nominations.
2006 will see Robert and the band embark on a new adventure with a string of dates across Europe and beyond. A stopover in Sweden in late May will see Robert receive the prestigious Polar Music Prize along with other members of Led Zeppelin. The prize awarded to ‘Led Zeppelin’ will be presented by His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden in the presence of other such dignitaries.
Freedom Fries
Robert Plant And The Strange Sensation Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Operating undercover out in Bethlehem
Will they heal the sick? Can they raise the dead?
Can they bring it on home like the good book says?
Billy the Kid told the Prince of Thieves
A little give and take to satisfy my needs
You can give me lots but I'll take some more
Freedom fries and burns and scars
The liberator goes too far
Freedom fries and screams and yells
The promised land is promised hell
The lyrics in Robert Plant's song Freedom Fries are complex and rich in metaphor. The father, son, and three wise men referred to in the first line are biblical references to Jesus and the wise men who visited him after his birth. However, the lines suggest that they are operating undercover in Bethlehem, raising the question of what they are doing there. The next line asks whether they can heal or raise the dead, referencing the miracles attributed to Jesus in the Bible. The final line in this stanza asks whether they can bring it on home like the good book says, possibly referencing Jesus' promise to his followers of eternal life in heaven.
The second stanza is equally mysterious, with Billy the Kid telling the Prince of Thieves that he needs a little give and take to satisfy his needs. This line could be referencing the violent life of Billy the Kid and the idea of taking what he wants by force. The line "You can give me lots, but I'll take some more" reinforces the idea of greed and the desire for more. The final line of this stanza suggests that Billy the Kid has his eyes on treasure that is buried beneath the desert floor.
The final stanza references "Freedom fries," a term coined during the Iraq War when French fries were renamed in some US cafeterias to protest France's opposition to the war. The song suggests that the liberator, likely referring to the US military, has gone too far in their efforts to liberate Iraq. The promised land has become promised hell, with burns and scars, screams and yells, reinforcing the idea that the war has brought only destruction and suffering.
Line by Line Meaning
The father, son and the three wise men
Refers to the Biblical story of the Three Wise Men who brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus in Bethlehem, and the Holy Trinity which comprises God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Implies that a religious and/or mythological narrative may be used to mask covert operations.
Operating undercover out in Bethlehem
Suggests that there may be clandestine activities happening in places of significance, such as the birthplace of Jesus. Indicates that some activities may be done under the guise of religious missions.
Will they heal the sick? Can they raise the dead?
Rhetorical questions that question the true intentions and abilities of people who may be hiding behind the veil of religion or spirituality. Implies that these people may not have the power to actually perform miracles and may be using them as a cover-up.
Can they bring it on home like the good book says?
A reference to the Bible, particularly the Book of Revelation, which speaks about the Second Coming of Christ and the establishment of a new Jerusalem on earth. Asks if those who hide behind religion can actually bring about a utopia on earth as promised in religious texts.
Billy the Kid told the Prince of Thieves
Refers to two legendary figures in history and folklore. Billy the Kid was a notorious outlaw while the Prince of Thieves refers to Robin Hood, who stole from the rich to give to the poor. Suggests that there may be some exchange of goods or services happening between two parties, possibly indicating corruption.
A little give and take to satisfy my needs
Implies that favours may be exchanged to serve one's interests, even if it means compromising principles. Could also indicate a corrupt bargain that benefits one party more than the other.
You can give me lots but I'll take some more
Suggests greed and insatiability. Indicates that someone may be willing to go to great lengths to acquire more wealth or power, no matter how excessive it may be.
I got my eyes on your treasure beneath the desert floor?
Suggests that there may be hidden treasures or resources in unexpected places, such as beneath a desert. Could also imply that someone is planning to steal another's wealth or resources.
Freedom fries and burns and scars
Refers to the renaming of French fries to 'freedom fries' by some Americans in the early 2000s as a protest against France's opposition to the Iraq war. Indicates that conflicts and wars often result in casualties and destruction.
The liberator goes too far
Suggests that someone who seeks to liberate or free others from oppression may end up being oppressive themselves. Questions whether the means justify the ends when it comes to seeking liberty.
Freedom fries and screams and yells
Implies that conflicts and wars often result in suffering and anguish for those involved, particularly those who are innocent bystanders.
The promised land is promised hell
Challenges the notion that a utopia can be achieved on earth, particularly through external interventions. Suggests that attempts to create a promised land or paradise on earth often result in chaos and destruction.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CLIVE DEAMER, JOHN BAGGOTT, JUSTIN ADAMS, LIAM TYSON, ROBERT PLANT, WILLIAM FULLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind