Beginning with the title, we are encouraged to ask, who are ‘the free’ of American society? An answer may lie in the delicate refrain that rings through this song which is juxtaposed with the highly critical lyrics which lay bear the omissions and fabrications of America’s History. Common is regarded as one of the most critical rappers in modern Hip-Hop, and for good reason. This success can be seen in the level of annotation on the Genius.com link which is a testament to the power and depth of his lyrics. Beginning with a heart wrenching image of lynched African American slaves; the song situates itself as a re-telling of Black History. Humbly infused with a degree of forgiveness and understanding that is usually reserved for the religious figures Common alludes to; he attempts an inter-generational resolution of past injustices. Though the song starts in the racist history of the past, it draws an unbroken line to the police brutalities, institutional violence, ongoing discrimination, and struggles with poverty and identity formation which plague African American communities to this day. A plea for ‘Freedom’ rings through the chorus signaling how poorly the American dream and founding document of independence have delivered the equality they claim to represent. This message is delivered with imagery which harks back to writers, poets, singers and activists of the past who have all documented the injustice’s visited upon the needy by the greedy. He leaves no stone unturned as he critiques the prison system, the politicians who support it, and the exploitation of fear and hatred which wins them the votes needed to do so. Employing metaphors, similes, symbolism, and imagery; Common is anything but.
Link to Lyrics: https://genius.com/10803168
Humanity4HipHop 