Beyonce's "Freedom"

If you're a fan of powerful, uplifting music, then you've probably heard Beyonce's song "Freedom" at least once or twice. With its catchy beat, inspiring lyrics, and electrifying vocals, it's no wonder that this song has become a modern anthem for empowerment and social justice. But did you know that "Freedom" has deep roots in the African American tradition of spirituals? In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the similarities and differences between these two musical genres, and see how Beyonce's song pays tribute to the rich history of African American music.

First, let's define what we mean by "spirituals." Spirituals are a form of religious folk music that originated in the United States during the 19th century. They were often sung by African American slaves who used music as a way to express their faith and their longing for freedom. These songs often had hidden meanings and codes, allowing slaves to communicate with each other without being detected by their white masters. Spirituals were also a way for slaves to find solace and hope in the midst of their difficult circumstances.

Now let's compare this to Beyonce's "Freedom." Like spirituals, "Freedom" is a song that speaks to the struggles and triumphs of the African American experience. The lyrics talk about overcoming obstacles and rising above adversity, themes that are also present in many spirituals. The song also features a gospel choir, which adds to its spiritual feel. However, there are also some notable differences between "Freedom" and traditional spirituals. For one, "Freedom" is more overtly political than many spirituals, with lyrics that directly address issues of racism and police brutality. Additionally, "Freedom" is a modern pop song, with a more contemporary sound and production values than many spirituals.

One notable aspect of traditional spirituals is the use of call-and-response, a musical technique where one person sings a line or phrase and the rest of the group responds with a repeated phrase or refrain. This technique was often used in spirituals as a way for slaves to communicate with each other and express their faith. It was also a way for slaves to find community and solidarity in the midst of their difficult circumstances.

In contrast, "Freedom" does not feature call-and-response in the same way that spirituals do. However, the song does use elements of call-and-response in its structure, particularly in the chorus where Beyonce sings "I'm ready for freedom" and the gospel choir responds with "Freedom! Freedom! Where are you? Cause I need freedom too!" This use of call-and-response helps to create a sense of unity and empowerment, similar to how it was used in spirituals.

Beyonce’s "Freedom" is very much influenced by spiritual tradition. In fact, the song was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and the protests that followed the death of Trayvon Martin in 2012. By using the power of music to address social and political issues, Beyonce is following in the footsteps of many African American artists who have used spirituals as a way to advocate for change. It is my belief that if there were an anthem for the BLM movement "Freedom" would be a perfect choice.