1. The Gladiators are a Jamaican roots reggae band, most popular during the… Read Full Bio ↴1. The Gladiators are a Jamaican roots reggae band, most popular during the 1970s. The core was Albert Griffiths (guitarist and singer), Clinton Fearon (bassist and singer) and Gallimore Sutherland rhythm guitar and singer. The two most famous albums are Trenchtown Mix Up (1976) and Proverbial Reggae (1978) with songs as "Hearsay", "Jah Works", "Dreadlocks the Time is Now". "Mix Up", "Music Makers from Jamaica", and "Soul Rebel" – a song written by The Wailers.

Formed
1967, Kingston, Jamaica
Members
Albert Griffiths, Errol Grandison (1967-73), David Webber (1967-69), Clinton Fearon (1969-87), Gallimore Sutherland (died in January 2017)

2. Gladiators is progressive metalcore band from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. Lancaster is a cultural hub located amongst five major U.S. cities known for bringing audiences together in the vibrant music scene exclusive to the region. GLADIATORS work tirelessly to set themselves apart and establish a new frontier in the genre of metal. They bring a fresh perspective and direction to a scene that has developed a specific sound.

Members
Michael Hart (vocals), Josh Krantz (guitar), Caleb Stoltzfus (drums), Bernard Stabley (bass)

Streets of Freedom
the Gladiators Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Too long, too long, too long,
Too long, too long

Hey, I say lonelyness for my company,
Tears for my coffee,
Sorrows for my bread,
Tickles and thorns for my bed to but,

I know we gonna walk the streets of freedom yes
I know we gonna walk the streets of freedom
(But) When will it be, when will it be?
When will it be, when will it be?

Too long, too long, too long,
Too long, too long.

I know we gonna walk the streets of freedom yes
I know we gonna walk the streets of freedom
(But) When will it be, when will it be?
When will it be, when will it be?

Way over yonder, the flowers of happiness
Blooming so slow, blooming slow but sure, yes

I know we gonna walk the streets of freedom
But when will it be, when will it be?
When will it be, when will it be?

You by hypocrites back sliders oh

A wa dem a go do, when the tables turn
A wa dem a go do, when we hold the handle
And then them hold the blade
When will it be, when will it be?
When will it be, when will it be?

I know we gonna walk the streets of freedom yes...

Overall Meaning

The Gladiators' "Streets of Freedom" is a song about hope and perseverance in the face of difficult circumstances. The repeated refrain of "too long, too long" suggests that the singer has been enduring difficult times for an extended period, with loneliness, tears, sorrows, and discomfort as constant companions. Despite this, the singer looks forward to a time when they will walk the streets of freedom, a symbol of liberation and a better future. The lyrics mention flowers blooming slowly but surely, a metaphor for the progress that may take time but will eventually come.

However, the singer questions when this time of freedom will arrive. The verses mention hypocrites and back-sliders, suggesting that the struggle for freedom is also a struggle against those who would turn on their fellow fighters. The repeated question of "when will it be" expresses impatience for change, while also acknowledging that there are obstacles that need to be overcome.

Overall, "Streets of Freedom" is a song of resilience and determination. It shows that even in difficult times, there is a belief that change is possible, and a hope that a better future is within reach.

Line by Line Meaning

Too long, too long, too long,
It has been too long since we have experienced freedom.

Hey, I say lonelyness for my company,
I am alone and have no one to talk to.

Tears for my coffee,
I cry into my coffee as I am filled with sadness.

Sorrows for my bread,
My bread is the only thing that I have to comfort me in my sorrows.

Tickles and thorns for my bed to but,
My bed provides both comfort and pain.

I know we gonna walk the streets of freedom yes
I am sure that one day, we will be free.

When will it be, when will it be?
But, I am unsure of when that day will come.

Way over yonder, the flowers of happiness
Somewhere in the distance, there is hope and joy.

Blooming so slow, blooming slow but sure, yes
Change and progress may be slow, but it is happening.

You by hypocrites back sliders oh
Others judge and betray us.

A wa dem a go do, when the tables turn
What will happen when the oppressed become the oppressors?