Son Volt formed after the breakup of the band Uncle Tupelo, owing to the simmering creative differences between songwriters Farrar and Jeff Tweedy. The group's members lived in Minneapolis, St Louis, and New Orleans at the time. Son Volt is often considered the closest continuance of Uncle Tupelo's Alt-country/Americana sound and musical legacy. Jeff Tweedy would steer his post-Uncle Tupelo group Wilco towards more adventurous sonic territory - and greater critical and commercial success - in a move that has sharply divided fans.
Farrar has released albums under his own name and the Son Volt nameplate, though there is little continuity in supporting band members. After a strong initial showing with 1995's Trace, the original Son Volt lineup released two more records before going on permanent hiatus in 1999. After the original members were unable to reach an agreement on the terms of a reunion, Farrar put together a new version of Son Volt in 2004. The revived Son Volt has regained its creative footing with 2005's confident Okemah and the Melody of Riot. Son Volt went on to release "The Search" in the Spring of 2007.
Live Free
Son Volt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I want to see your smile through a pay phone
The season has changed
I want to see you in it
The lights that shine are caustic without you.
When we're all passed over
The rhythm of the river will remain
And it will remain
Just wanted to keep it alive
You turn and before you know it
We're just threading this needle for life
A brighter way is what you prove
Anesthetize is what you do.
When we're all passed over
The rhythm of the river will remain
And it will remain
Someday we'll be together
Farther south than the train line
The Delta mud will be there
We're just living this way
Because we know no other
When we're all passed over
The rhythm of the river will remain
And it will remain
Looking for the right kind of live free or die...
The opening line of Son Volt's song "Live Free" refers to New Hampshire's state motto, "Live Free or Die", which is often associated with freedom and independence. The singer is seeking a certain kind of freedom, but it's unclear what that is exactly. The next two lines suggest a desire to connect with someone, but only through a pay phone, which gives a sense of distance and isolation. The mention of the changing season and wanting to see this person in it implies a longing for human connection and the passing of time.
The following lines describe the singer's feelings of loneliness, saying that the world feels harsh and unforgiving without this person. With the passing of time, however, the "rhythm of the river" will remain, suggesting that life goes on even in the absence of someone special. Throughout the song, there is a sense of longing for something that is just out of reach. The lyrics describe a search for something that might not even exist, but the search alone is worth pursuing.
The final lines suggest a reunion in the future, somewhere in the deep south where the Delta mud is waiting. The singer acknowledges that the way they live is due to a lack of alternatives, but this doesn't stop them from hoping for something better. The repetition of the opening line "Looking for the right kind of live free or die" ties the whole song together, emphasizing the search for something that feels like true freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
Looking for the right kind of live free or die...
Searching for a way to live life freely, no matter the outcome.
I want to see your smile through a pay phone
Even a simple smile over the phone can bring great joy and comfort.
The season has changed
Time continues to move forward, causing life to take on new forms and changes.
I want to see you in it
Hoping for a shared experience of the changes taking place in life.
The lights that shine are caustic without you.
Life can feel empty and meaningless without loved ones to share it with.
When we're all passed over
After we've moved on from this world.
The rhythm of the river will remain
The steady beat of nature and life will continue beyond our existence.
And it will remain
Emphasizing that the rhythm of life will continue even after we're gone.
Nicotine and waiting
The habits and routines we form while waiting for life to happen.
Just wanted to keep it alive
Simply holding onto what little joy and connection we have in life.
You turn and before you know it
Life can change direction suddenly and unexpectedly.
We're just threading this needle for life
Facing and dealing with life's challenges, one moment at a time.
A brighter way is what you prove
Embracing positivity and hope helps lead to a brighter future.
Anesthetize is what you do.
Numbing oneself to the struggles and pains of life can provide comfort and escape.
Someday we'll be together
Looking forward to a reunion with loved ones after we've passed over.
Farther south than the train line
Beyond the established boundaries, seeking a new home and new experiences.
The Delta mud will be there
Comfort found in the familiarity of a specific location or culture.
We're just living this way
Continuing to live our lives in the way we know how, regardless of external pressures.
Because we know no other
This is the only way of life we know and are comfortable with.
Contributed by Carter E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Nick Bartolo
Man, this album was positively mind blowing when it came out. This kind of traditionalism had all but died in the country genre; to the point where it was more akin to "folk rock" or "college rock" than anything going on in country at the time.
David Robert
amazing album !!
Benjamin Johnson
Looking for the right kind of live free or die...
I want to see your smile through a pay phone
The season has changed
I want to see you in it
The lights that shine are caustic without you.
When we're all passed over
The rhythm of the river will remain
And it will remain
Nicotine and waiting
Just wanted to keep it alive
You turn and before you know it
We're just threading this needle for life
A brighter way is what you prove
Anesthetize is what you do.
When we're all passed over
The rhythm of the river will remain
And it will remain
Someday we'll be together
Farther south than the train line
The Delta mud will be there
We're just living this way
Because we've known no other
When we're all passed over
The rhythm of the river will remain
And it will remain
Looking for the right kind of live free or die...
Jay Farrar
Patrick Houston
One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite albums.
Toby Kelly
Great song, great music! Thank you!
Hasan-Woody Guthrie
Tanks for the uploads
ibrake4butterflies
I wanna see your smile through a pay phone.