About the song
“Broken Freedom Song” by Kris Kristofferson is a passionate and politically charged track that captures the spirit of protest and the struggle for justice. The song was initially released on his 1974 album *Spooky Lady’s Sideshow* and later performed live during various concerts, often in support of causes he believed in. It reflects Kristofferson’s deep commitment to speaking out against injustice and standing in solidarity with those who are oppressed.
The lyrics of “Broken Freedom Song” depict a narrative of disillusionment and frustration with societal and political systems that fail to uphold the principles of freedom and equality. Kristofferson’s words convey a sense of anger and urgency, expressing the pain of witnessing rights being trampled and people being marginalized. The song’s title itself suggests a lament for the fractured state of freedom, a once powerful and hopeful concept now shattered by injustice and corruption.
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Musically, “Broken Freedom Song” is characterized by its raw and straightforward arrangement, often featuring a driving rhythm and a powerful, gritty vocal performance from Kristofferson. The simplicity of the musical composition underscores the urgency and sincerity of the message, allowing the focus to remain on the lyrics and the emotion behind them. Kristofferson’s delivery is passionate and unfiltered, embodying the spirit of a protest singer who is unafraid to speak truth to power.
Throughout the song, Kristofferson employs vivid and direct language to critique the hypocrisy and failures of those in power. The lyrics are laced with bitterness and a sense of betrayal, as he highlights the gap between the ideals of freedom and the reality faced by many people. He calls out the broken promises and the systemic issues that continue to perpetuate inequality and suffering.
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The chorus, with its repeated lament of a “broken freedom song,” serves as both a condemnation and a rallying cry. It captures the disillusionment of a generation that witnessed the civil rights struggles, the Vietnam War, and various social upheavals, and yet saw how the fight for true freedom and justice remained unfulfilled. The song stands as a powerful reminder of the need for vigilance and action in the face of injustice.
“Broken Freedom Song” is a striking and heartfelt piece that showcases Kris Kristofferson’s role as a socially conscious artist and advocate for change. With its poignant lyrics and impassioned delivery, the song speaks to the pain of disillusionment while also embodying the resilience and hope that continue to drive the struggle for a more just and equitable world. It remains a timeless anthem for those who seek to challenge oppression and fight for a truer vision of freedom.
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Lyrics
“Broken Freedom Song”
ridin’ somewhere on a train
empty sleeve pinned to his shoulder
and some pills to ease the pain
Started drinkin’ in El Paso,
he was drunk in San Antone,
tellin’ strangers who were sleepin’
how he hated goin’ home
Just a simple song of freedom,
he was never fightin’ for,
no one’s listenin’ when you need ’em,
ain’t no fun to sing that song no more.
Got a song about a sister,
waitin’ somewhere by the phone,
for some man who never missed her,
ever since he come and gone
And its harder for a woman,
with a baby on the way,
that’s the price of bein’ human,
when you’re poor enough to pay,
So she listens to the freedom,
in the silence at her door
no one’s missin’ till you need ’em
ain’t no fun to sing that song no more
Got a song about a Savior,
lookin’ lonesome and afraid,
at a city full of strangers,
and a cross He never made
And He’s sadder than He’s wiser,
and a longer way from home,
and He wonders why His Father,
left Him bleeding and alone.
Just a broken song of freedom,
and the closing of a door,
no one’s missin’ till you need ’em
ain’t no fun to sing that song no more.