Freedom Songs

This Juneteenth, ARHU Dean and Ethnomusicologist Stephanie Shonekan lists six songs reflecting on ‘the complexities of attaining freedom for all.’

By Stephanie Shonekan, ARHU Dean and Professor of Ethnomusicology

The work we do in the College of Arts and Humanities (ARHU) illuminates and invigorates the pulsing heart of humanity. In a world increasingly dependent on machines and technologies, the arts and humanities remind us of the dire need to infuse humanity into our present and future. For instance, our ARHU fields address that fundamental and universal human yearning for freedom. Holidays like Juneteenth prod us to reflect on freedom by celebrating that moment on June 19, 1865, when African Americans in Galveston Bay, Texas, heard the stunning news that they had finally been freed from the shackles of slavery. 

One hundred and fifty nine years later, the notion of freedom still feels elusive for many reasons. There are many books, articles, artworks, performances and films that explore the enduring questions about what freedom means for African Americans–and by extension, all Americans. Here are six songs with “freedom” in their title that offer the opportunity to reflect fully on Juneteenth and on the complexities of attaining freedom for all. 

“Freedom Day” by Max Roach and Abbey Lincoln (1960)

If there is a Juneteenth feature film or documentary, this should be the first song on the soundtrack. Appearing on the “We Insist” album, this track conveys the excitement and confusion that must have followed the announcement that African Americans received on June 19, 1865.

“Oh Freedom” by Odetta (1960s, orig. circa 1865) 

This strong African American spiritual became a civil rights song in the 1960s as African Americans pushed back against decades of racist Jim Crow oppression. This song captures the unequivocal determination to attain freedom here on earth.  

“I Wish I Knew How it Would Feel to be Free” by Nina Simone (1967)

This is one of my favorite songs by my favorite artist. Written by pianist Billy Taylor and covered by Simone, this song is ironically upbeat, but the heart-wrenching lyrics reflect the reality that the ideals of freedom etched into this country's founding documents and amendments have a different reality for African Americans.  

“Be Free” by J. Cole (2014)

After Michael Brown was murdered in Ferguson in 2014, J. Cole released this heartbreaking track, which highlights the awful pandemic of Black people being killed by the police (and others) in the 21st century. He includes chilling audio of an eye-witness account of a police shooting.

“Freedom” by Beyoncé, featuring Kendrick Lamar (2016)

This anthem on the “Lemonade” album references the history of the enslaved escaping from slavery, wading through the dangerous terrain of geography and history to reach freedom. It brings forth the recurring question of where freedom is hiding–”Freedom, where are you??”–but  it also reminds us that, through it all, African Americans have been resilient, never quitting on themselves.   

Bonus track: “We Shall be Free” by Garth Brooks (1992)

This song by one of country music's most popular artists was written after the Los Angeles riots of '92. It exemplifies the need for allies to rise to the occasion and contribute to the movement towards racial freedom and equality for all.