Meaning of Born To Be Free - Van Morrison
Van Morrison's song "Born To Be Free" offers a profound exploration of the concept of freedom and its vulnerability in the face of encroaching authority. Morrison's lyrics evoke a heightened sense of awareness, suggesting that even the natural world, represented by the birds in the trees, recognizes and yearns for the innate human desire for liberty. The recurring motif of being "born to be free" serves as a resolute assertion against oppressive systems and structures.
Throughout the song, Morrison delivers a scathing critique of governmental intrusion, expressing contempt for policies that curtail personal freedoms. He bemoans the tendency of authorities to exert control beyond reasonable bounds, employing phrases such as "Don't need the government cramping my style" and "Take you in with a phony smile" to underscore the insidious nature of such oversight. His lyrics poignantly underscore a deep-seated skepticism towards bureaucratic dominance and its potential to subjugate the populace.
Morrison's disdain for societal norms and what he refers to as the "new normal" permeates the song, reflecting a pervasive disillusionment with contemporary cultural paradigms. By juxtaposing present circumstances with allusions to historical events like the fall of the Berlin Wall, he suggests a longing for a bygone era characterized by greater individual freedom and autonomy. The song emerges as a trenchant critique of modern ideologies and their impact on personal agency.
The repetition of the phrase "The new normal is not normal" serves as a powerful refrain, emphasizing Morrison's conviction that prevailing societal trends are aberrant and pose a threat to personal liberty. Through this repetition, he issues a stark warning against the normalization of oppressive ideologies, advocating instead for a return to a more authentic and liberated existence. The refrain echoes throughout the song, serving as a potent reminder of humanity's inherent entitlement to freedom.
With each iteration of the declaration "we were born to be free," Morrison reaffirms the intrinsic human longing for autonomy that transcends societal constraints. He underscores the universal nature of this yearning, positing it as an essential aspect of human consciousness. The song's conclusion reinforces the theme of freedom as an indispensable facet of human existence, serving as a poignant reminder of its enduring significance.
In essence, "Born To Be Free" encapsulates Van Morrison's impassioned plea for individual sovereignty and resistance against oppressive forces. Through introspective lyricism and evocative imagery, Morrison highlights the timeless pursuit of freedom as a fundamental element of the human experience. The song stands as a stirring anthem for those who champion personal liberty amidst the constraints of contemporary society.
