Neil Young is a Canadian singer and songwriter known for his raw sound and emotional lyrics. He gained early success with Buffalo Springfield in the 1960s before launching a long solo career.
He joined Crosby, Stills & Nash in the late ’60s, adding a sharp edge to their harmony-driven sound. His solo work frequently explored political and social themes, addressing issues such as war, poverty, and environmental concerns.
Later, Young is also known for shifting between acoustic ballads and loud electric rock. Over the years, he has kept creative control and remained outspoken, even if it meant upsetting fans or labels.
About the Song
“Rockin’ in the Free World” combines a catchy chorus with verses that address real-world issues such as homelessness, drug abuse, and ineffective leadership.
His lyrics are direct and critical, employing sarcasm to highlight societal problems. The track mixes folk and rock, making it both easy to listen to and hard to ignore.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | October 2, 1989 |
| Album | Freedom |
| Writers | Frank “Poncho” Sampedro & Neil Young |
| Producers | Niko Bolas & Neil Young |
Rockin’ in the Free World Lyrics
Verse 1
There’s colors on the street
Red, white, and blue
People shuffling their feet
People sleeping in their shoes
There’s a warning sign on the road ahead
There’s a lot of people saying we’d be better off dead
Don’t feel like Satan, but I am to them
So I try to forget it any way I can
Chorus
Keep on rockin’ in the free world
Keep on rockin’ in the free world
Keep on rockin’ in the free world
Keep on rockin’ in the free world
Verse 2
I see a woman in the night
With a baby in her hand
There’s an old street light
Near a garbage can
Now she put the kid away and she’s gone to get a hit
She hates her life and what she’s done to it
There’s one more kid that’ll never go to school
Never get to fall in love, never get to be cool
Chorus
Keep on rockin’ in the free world
Keep on rockin’ in the free world
Keep on rockin’ in the free world
Keep on rockin’ in the free world
Electric Guitar Solo
Verse 3
We got a thousand points of light
For the homeless man
We got a kinder, gentler machine gun hand
We’ve got department stores and toilet paper
Got styrofoam boxes for the ozone layer
Got a man of the people says keep hope alive
Got fuel to burn, got roads to drive
Chorus
Keep on rockin’ in the free world
Keep on rockin’ in the free world
Keep on rockin’ in the free world
Keep on rockin’ in the free world
Similar Songs Like Rockin’ in the Free World
If you are interested in folk-rock songs or love inspirational songs, here’s a list of recommendations that you might like to try:
- “Crime in the City“: This song explores the issues of broken systems, corruption, and urban life. The lyrics jump between characters, painting a gritty picture of urban life.
- “Don’t Cry“: It is a loud, distorted song with emotional vocals and heavy guitar. It talks about broken love and personal struggle.
- “Eldorado“: This track combines Spanish-style guitar with electric noise. It explores pain and personal loss, blending dream-like imagery with harsh tones.
- “No More“: This is a personal plea for people to stop using drugs. It’s stripped-down and direct, with simple yet powerful lyrics.
Similar Artists Like Neil Young
Here’s a list of similar artists and bands. If you like Neil Young or smooth rock, you might enjoy these artists as well:
- Bob Dylan
Genre: Folk Rock
Top Album: Highway 61 Revisited - Bruce Springsteen
Genre: Rock
Top Album: Born to Run - Tom Petty
Genre: Heartland Rock
Top Album: Full Moon Fever - John Mellencamp
Genre: Americana Rock
Top Album: Scarecrow - Jackson Browne
Genre: Folk Rock
Top Album: Late for the Sky
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the Song Rockin’ in the Free World Meant as Praise or Criticism?
It’s mainly critical. The chorus sounds upbeat, but the verses show problems in society.
How did the Song Rockin’ in the Free World Perform on the Charts?
Rockin’ in the Free World reached No. 2 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, No. 39 in Canada, and No. 83 in the UK.
