Celebrate Freedom!

"People everywhere just got to be free" sang The Rascals. Everyone wants to be free. That's not only an inherent desire of humankind, it's also a frequent theme in music.

Here are a few songs that celebrate freedom, beginning with The Rascals' song "People Got To Be Free".

While freedom has long been a theme of music, it certainly was re-emphasized during the 1960's, and it was celebrated in Richie Havens' song "Freedom", which he sang at Woodstock in 1969. Here he is singing it still, 40 years later in 2009.

In September, 2001, Paul McCartney was in New York when the twin towers were attacked and taken down by terrorists. In response, McCartney did what he does best, he wrote a song, "Freedom". " I will fight for the right to live in freedom'..

Originally released in the 1940's, the song 'We Shall Overcome' became the anthem of the Civil Rights movement, and was recorded by many, and has been sung during events and rallies, large and small for decades.

As we approach the beginning of July, both Canada and the United States celebrate freedom on Canada Day (July 1)

and, in the US, Independence Day (July 4).

We live in a time when, more than ever, we need that spirit of belief and desire that 'people everywhere' can be free. Our heritage is one of freedom,

and though it may not have been fully realized yet, it is still our dream.

The struggle for freedom, at all levels, is one that is ever-present, ever in need of champions, and songwriters and singers help keep the message and the meaning in our hearts.

-♫ M ♫-

#freedom #freedomforever #freedomforall #blacklivesmatter #neverforget