When Bob Marley “got the news from the whispering trees” he had only this to say-”i’m gonna talk that freedom talk, let me see you walk that freedom walk.” Songs about freedom were never less popular. The effect of songs of freedom and music in general is so transformative that one can only imagine how explosive it must get when it gets tied up with a big Cause. Freedom and liberation and the role of struggle and striving and triumphs and trials form the fabric of such mighty causes.

Both Freedom and Music or loosely, songs, exercise a pre-eminent role on lives of each one of us. Who can forget legendary Bob Marley songs of freedom? When one scratches somewhat more, it emerges that the thread of music passes through not just everyday lives but religious areas, political systems, business, technology and so on…  Even if one looks back at the American Civil Rights movement, the role of songs and lyrics in shaping the struggle for rights and liberty is far greater. An idea becomes poignant and memorable when it carries a musical punch. The famous song of US Civil Rights, “We Shall Overcome” gradually touched the Irish borders but soon engulfed one and all in its unifying sweep. A feeling of togetherness is experienced when one chooses the medium of song and dance giving the reactionary sentiments an element of solidarity. Even after Victor Jara was executed under the Pinochet regime in  Chile, his musicand songs of freedom similarly  served a larger cause. It helped Latin Americans understand the value of social justice and human rights in daily existence. Likewise in other parts of the world, music and songs that represent freedom have always played the catalyst in uniting a body of people for any worthwhile cause.

Now a soft digression. I just noticed that Amit Chaudhuri, a remarkable Indian writer, wrote a realist fiction titled ‘Freedom Song’ in 2000. It is praised as an elegant portrayal of modern Calcutta’s lyrical chaos and cosmos.

Don’t forget to check out my own site http://www.dancingthoughts.com