Freedom is strange concept in some ways. For example, I find it much easier to write a poem with a fixed rhyming structure, than the freedom of writing with none. Discipline actually free’s me to write. Its one of the most complex subjects in human history, invading politics, philosophy, law and everyday life. There is negative freedom, where there is an absence of constraint. Then there is positive freedom , which is where you can release your own potential. There’s also inner freedom which comes from self control. I guess my rhyming poems are a bit of the last two. In most societies freedoms are institutionalized i.e. civil liberties (freedom of speech), political rights ( right to vote) , economic freedom (right to own property) and social freedom ( no discrimination). With no holds barred, freedom can also be a source of friction. Freedom versus equality, freedom versus security, the individual versus others and finally freedom can self destruct. Unlimited free speech can for example destroy a democracy. There are rules about what you can and cannot say. There are many examples of historical battles fought to gain freedom such as the abolition of slavery, decolonization, women's rights, civil rights etc. The modern world sets new challenges in this area with regard to the internet, poverty restricting freedom and addiction and mental health limiting freedom. Karl Marx critiqued capitalist freedom as ‘illusory without economic freedom’. There has been some classic songs written about freedom. Such as Blowing in the Wind ( Bob Dylan) , Freedom ( George Michael), Biko ( Pete Gabriel), I can’t get no satisfaction ( Rolling Stones and I will survive ( Gloria Gaynor).Ther have also many anthems such as The Star-Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful and Born in the USA ( I've seen Bruce three times).In the poem Invictus, Willam Henley recites, ‘I am the captain of my fate. I am the captain of my soul’
My song ‘What if I am set free’, is really asking , ‘will I be better off when I am free ?’ In the case of my non structured poems, the answer is no. The male singer raises the question in the first verse by singing, ‘What if I am set free, no more you, I'm just thinking of me'. This is an interesting take on events, or he is trying to make the most of it ? It turns out his partner has been unfaithful and wants to leave. She wants her freedom in order to get more. ‘She begged me to forgive her. Leaving after so many years. I was locked in a tug of war. She told me, she wants more’. He wants everyone to know how much it hurts , ‘Nothing ages you faster. Now with her new partner’. We all know how it hurts to lose someone. I like the line ; ‘nothing ages you further.’ Turning to the immediate future he devises a plan to get over her, ‘The sadness of losing a lover, I need a break up makeover. My dreams need some work. I gotta get up and fightback. It's a chance to turn the page. My tough guy image, is just rage’ I guess we all act tough from time to time , what else can you do ? He hasn’t met anyone yet ( its early days) so sings , ‘I’m not dating, it’s so tragic. But still a die-hard romantic’ He is probably being a bit hard on himself or even feeling sorry for himself. He probably needs to take a breath and give it time ! He is not in a good place currently, singing ,’ ‘Hopeful’, but no feelings, Emotions, leave me weeping’ - again its probably too much too soon with his new found freedom. To help he takes a cold shower every morning, so he feels alive and then slips up by sending a message to his ex, which is not a good idea, ‘Cold showers start my day. To feel the freeze, oh yea.If I panic, I send a message. Old love is still my hostage ‘. His solution is ‘I guess now we can all. Take steps, however small.’ This is what happens when you set fee !
