Freedom and happiness are universal aspirations that have inspired countless musicians to create songs that capture the essence of these emotions. These songs can lift our spirits, inspire us to break free from constraints, and celebrate the joy of living. Here are 11 songs that explore the themes of freedom and happiness in various ways.
11 Songs About Freedom And Happiness
1. “Don’t Stop Me Now” – Queen
Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” is an exuberant celebration of freedom and the pursuit of happiness. Freddie Mercury’s energetic vocals and the song’s infectious melody create a sense of unbridled joy. The lyrics, “Don’t stop me now, ’cause I’m having a good time. Having a good time. I’m a shooting star leaping through the sky. Like a tiger defying the laws of gravity. I’m a racing car passing by like Lady Godiva. I’m gonna go, go, go. There’s no stopping me” convey a sense of liberation and the pure enjoyment of life. It encourages listeners to embrace their freedom and live life to the fullest.
2. “I Will Follow You into the Dark” – Death Cab for Cutie
This song, while seemingly about love and devotion, also touches on the freedom that comes with being true to one’s feelings. The lyrics, “If heaven and hell decide that they both are satisfied. Illusions fall like rain. A thought crosses my mind. If I should die this very moment. I wouldn’t fear. For I’ve never known completeness. Like being here. With you. With you” suggest a freedom from the fear of death and the happiness found in the simplicity of being with a loved one. The gentle, acoustic melody adds to the intimate and liberating feel of the song.
3. “Free Fallin'” – Tom Petty
Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin'” is a laid – back anthem that evokes a sense of freedom. The lyrics, “She’s a good girl, loves her mama. Loves Jesus and America too. She’s a good girl, crazy ’bout Elvis. Loves horses and her boyfriend too. It’s a long day living in Reseda. There’s a freeway running through the yard. And I’m a bad boy, ’cause I don’t even miss her. I’m a bad boy for breakin’ her heart” create a vivid picture of a life with a certain carefree quality. The easy – going rock melody makes it a song that makes you feel like you can let go and enjoy the ride, much like the concept of freedom.
4. “Happy” – Pharrell Williams
As the title implies, Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” is a straightforward celebration of happiness. The lyrics, “Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof. Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth. Clap along if you know what happiness is to you. Clap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do” are a call to embrace and express happiness. The upbeat, feel – good melody with its catchy rhythm makes it impossible not to smile and move, spreading the message of joy and the freedom to be happy.
5. “Born to Run” – Bruce Springsteen
Springsteen’s “Born to Run” is an iconic song about the freedom of the open road and the pursuit of a better life. The lyrics, “In the day we sweat it out on the streets of a runaway American dream. At night we ride through the mansions of glory in suicide machines. Sprung from cages out on highway 9. Chrome wheeled, fuel injected, and steppin’ out over the line” capture the sense of escape and the yearning for freedom. The driving rock – and – roll melody and Springsteen’s passionate delivery make it a song that inspires a sense of adventure and the freedom to chase one’s dreams.
6. “I’m Yours” – Jason Mraz
This song is about the freedom of surrendering to love and the resulting happiness. The lyrics, “Well you done done me and you bet I felt it. I tried to be chill but you’re so hot that I melted. I fell right through the cracks. Now I’m trying to get back. Before the cool done run out. I’ll be giving it my bestest. And nothing’s going to stop me but divine intervention. I reckon it’s again my turn to win some or learn some” show a willingness to let go and embrace the unknown in the name of love. The laid – back, acoustic – pop melody gives it a carefree and happy vibe.
7. “What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger)” – Kelly Clarkson
This song is about the freedom that comes from overcoming adversity and finding inner strength, which in turn leads to happiness. The lyrics, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Stand a little taller. Doesn’t mean I’m lonely when I’m alone. What doesn’t kill you makes a fighter. Footsteps even lighter. Doesn’t mean I’m over ’cause you’re gone” convey the message of empowerment. Clarkson’s powerful vocals and the upbeat pop – rock melody make it a song that celebrates the freedom to be strong and happy in the face of challenges.
8. “The Climb” – Miley Cyrus
“The Climb” is a song about the journey towards happiness and the freedom that comes with self – growth. The lyrics, “There’s always gonna be another mountain. I’m always gonna wanna make it move. Always gonna be an uphill battle. Sometimes I’m gonna have to lose. Ain’t about how fast I get there. Ain’t about what’s waitin’ on the other side. It’s the climb” show that the process of facing difficulties and persevering is what leads to a sense of freedom and fulfillment. The country – pop melody and Cyrus’s heartfelt delivery make it an inspiring song about the pursuit of happiness.
9. “Here Comes the Sun” – George Harrison
George Harrison’s “Here Comes the Sun” is a song that brings a sense of hope, freedom, and happiness. The lyrics, “Here comes the sun, doo – doo – doo – doo. Here comes the sun, and I say. It’s all right” are simple yet profound. The song can be seen as a metaphor for the end of a difficult time and the arrival of a more positive, free – feeling state. The gentle, acoustic – based melody with its warm tones creates an atmosphere of peace and happiness.
10. “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” – Stevie Wonder
This song is a beautiful expression of the happiness that a person can bring into someone else’s life. The lyrics, “You are the sunshine of my life. That’s why I’ll always be around. You are the apple of my eye. Forever you’ll stay in my heart” convey the deep affection and the joy that comes from this relationship. It shows that the presence of a loved one can bring a sense of freedom from loneliness and a feeling of pure happiness. The smooth R&B melody enhances the loving and happy mood.
11. “Livin’ on a Prayer” – Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” is about the freedom to pursue a dream and find happiness in the face of adversity. The lyrics, “Tommy used to work on the docks. Union’s been on strike. He’s down on his luck. It’s tough, so tough. Gina works the diner all day. Working for her man. She brings home her pay. For love, for love” tell the story of a couple trying to make it through hard times. The song’s anthemic rock melody and the message of not giving up inspire a sense of freedom to keep fighting for a better, happier life.
Conclusion
These 11 songs offer a rich tapestry of ways to understand and celebrate freedom and happiness. Whether it’s the freedom to be oneself, the joy of love, or the liberation that comes from overcoming challenges, these songs capture the essence of these two important aspects of life. They serve as a reminder to embrace freedom and seek happiness in our own unique ways.
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