Sing Along! A Totally Unnecessary Guide to the Lyrics of "Philadelphia Freedom"
Hey there, music lovers and shower crooners! Ever get stuck with an earworm that sounds vaguely patriotic but you can't quite nail the words? Well, fret no more, because today we're diving deep (or maybe just wading) into the lyrics of Elton John's classic, "Philadelphia Freedom."
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| What Are The Lyrics To Philadelphia Freedom |
From Rolling Stone to...Well, Not Rolling
The song opens with a bang, declaring our narrator used to be a "rolling stone" (not that kind, although that would be a wild music video). Apparently, he was a restless soul, "leaving to find the answer on the road." But hold on, what's this? A change of heart? "The times have changed," he sings. Seems our friend has found a new kind of freedom, and it has a distinctly American address.
QuickTip: Slowing down makes content clearer.
Introducing the Star of the Show: Philadelphia Freedom!
That's right, folks, the song's whole purpose is to belt out the glory of Philadelphia Freedom. Now, it's not entirely clear if this is a metaphor, a particularly awesome brand of cheese whiz, or maybe a super energetic cleaning product. Whatever it is, the narrator loves it. He claims it took him "knee-high to a man" and even gave him "peace of mind my daddy never had." That's some powerful freedom, right there.
Tip: A slow, careful read can save re-reading later.
The chorus is where things get delightfully repetitive (perfect for karaoke!):
Tip: Review key points when done.
Oh Philadelphia freedom shine on me, I love you. Shine a light through the eyes of the ones left behind. Shine a light, shine a light.
Tip: Reread key phrases to strengthen memory.
Freedom: It's Not Just for Philadelphians Anymore
Don't worry if you're not from the City of Brotherly Love, the song gets inclusive too. There's a whole verse about how some folks like the city life, while others prefer the comfort of family. Our narrator? "I like living easy without family ties"...until a mysterious "whippoorwill of freedom" apparently zapped him. (Intriguing, but perhaps best left unexplained.)
The song ends on a triumphant note, with more declarations of love for Philadelphia Freedom.
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So there you have it! A crash course in the lyrics of "Philadelphia Freedom." Now you can impress your friends at trivia night, or at least sound fancy belting it out in the shower.
Frequently Asked Freedom Fighters
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How to sing "Philadelphia Freedom" like Elton John?
- Practice those high notes! (Or don't, it's all about having fun.)
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Is this song actually about the city of Philadelphia?
- The lyrics are a bit vague, but it's likely a metaphor for a more general sense of freedom.
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What's the deal with the whippoorwill of freedom?
- Honestly, your guess is as good as mine. Maybe it's a metaphor, a magical bird, or just a really enthusiastic freedom salesman.
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Can I replace "Philadelphia Freedom" with the name of my hometown?
- Absolutely! "Des Moines Delight" or "Tucson Tranquility" has a certain ring to it, don't you think?
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Is there a sequel to "Philadelphia Freedom" called "Cleveland Compromise?"
- Not that we know of, but that's a fantastic idea for a parody song!
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