Discover and get inspired by these songs of freedom today!

With Independence Day just around the corner, let’s look at the best music that inspires national and internal pride. Freedom is about feeling pride for your country, but don’t forget about yourself. Some of these songs reflect the sentiment of racial justice, equality of the masses, and freedom of expectation. After all, freedom varies from person to person. Each struggle is different, and so are the means to achieve them. What does freedom mean to you?

Here are the best songs about freedom from around the world

‘Redemption Song’ by Bob Marley

‘Redemption Song’ is one of Bob Marley’s most profound songs, embodying the spirit of freedom through its call for spiritual liberation. The lyrics urge listeners to break free from mental chains and societal constraints, highlighting that true freedom starts from within. By referencing historical struggles and injustices, Marley connects personal freedom with collective liberation, making the song a timeless anthem for social justice and human rights. He also references Marcus Garvey’s speech, ‘The Work That Has Been Done’, a Jamaican activist who resonated with him.

Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery

None but ourselves can free our minds.

What makes the song more emotional is the fact that he wrote it after he received his cancer diagnosis. It expresses his own struggle with facing his morality and the pain he was going through.

‘I Want to Break Free’ by Queen

Who doesn’t love a bit of Queen? But with an upbeat tune, the legendary band have made the perfect freedom anthem. ‘I Want to Break Free’ is a dynamic and emotionally charged song about breaking free from restrictive relationships and societal expectations. The music video is especially interesting with the band dressed in drag. Despite its controversial nature at the time, it became a huge hit in South Africa for those fighting against the apartheid government. Freddie Mercury’s passionate performance creates a sense of liberation. The lyrics emphasise the importance of honesty and self-love, making it a powerful anthem for anyone seeking to embrace their true selves.

‘Rang De Basanti’ from Rang De Basanti by A. R. Rahman

‘Rang De Basanti’, from the movie of the same name, is a powerful song that invokes patriotism and sacrifice. The lyrics are inspired by the historical struggles for freedom and a call for a renewed spirit of bravery and commitment to the nation.

Mix all of these together / Then form a vibrant colour

And my friend, paint me saffron.

The song’s energetic and passionate delivery stirs a deep emotional response, inspiring listeners to take pride in their heritage and work towards a brighter, freer future.

‘Imagine’ by John Lennon

John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ envisions a world where freedom transcends borders and divisions. The opening lines set the tone for this utopian vision. Lennon’s soft voice promotes the ideal vision of the song.

Imagine there’s no countries / It isn’t hard to do

Nothing to kill or die for / And no religion too.

Lennon’s lyrics encourage listeners to imagine a world where peace and freedom are achievable for all humanity. Celebrities sang the song in an attempt to comfort people during the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, but unfortunately, the idea did not land the way they wanted. It became a viral meme for netizens, and some claimed John Lennon would be insulted by its usage.

‘My Blood is Palestinian’ by Mohammed Assaf

‘My Blood is Palestinian’ is a powerful anthem that resonates deeply with the Palestinian people, encapsulating their enduring spirit, identity, and struggle for freedom. Sung by Mohammed Assaf, a prominent Palestinian singer who rose to fame after winning the second season of “Arab Idol,” the song has become a symbol of pride and resistance for Palestinians around the world.

I’m Palestinian, a son of a free family / I’m brave and my head is always up / I’m keeping my oath to you my homeland / And I have never bowed to anyone

Due to the ongoing war, the song became known worldwide in 2023. Assaf’s first-hand experience with the continued struggle for freedom in his home country makes this a powerful song, no matter what language you speak.