Tryna rain, tryna rain on the thunder
Tell the storm I’m new
I’ma walk, I’ma march on the regular
Painting white flags blue
Lord, forgive me, I’ve been running
Running blind in truth
I’ma rain, I’ma rain on this bitter love
Tell the sweet I’m new
I’m telling these tears, “Go and fall away, fall away,” oh
May the last one burn into flames
Freedom! Freedom! I can’t move
Freedom, cut me loose! Yeah
Freedom! Freedom! Where are you?
‘Cause I need freedom, too!
I break chains all by myself
Won’t let my freedom rot in hell
Hey! I’ma keep running
‘Cause a winner don’t quit on themselves
I’ma wade, I’ma wave through the waters
Tell the tide, “Don’t move”
I’ma riot, I’ma riot through your borders
Call me bulletproof
Lord, forgive me, I’ve been runnin’
Runnin’ blind in truth
I’ma wade, I’ma wave through your shallow love
Tell the deep I’m new
I’m telling these tears, “Go and fall away, fall away,” oh
May the last one burn into flames
Freedom! Freedom! I can’t move
Freedom, cut me loose!
Freedom! Freedom! Where are you?
‘Cause I need freedom, too!
I break chains all by myself
Won’t let my freedom rot in hell
Hey! I’ma keep running
‘Cause a winner don’t quit on themselves
Ten Hail Marys, I meditate for practice
Channel 9 news tell me I’m movin’ backwards
Eight blocks left, death is around the corner
Seven misleadin’ statements ’bout my persona
Six headlights wavin’ in my direction (Come on)
Five-O askin’ me what’s in my possession
Yeah, I keep runnin’, jump in the aqueducts
Fire hydrants and hazardous
Smoke alarms on the back of us
But mama, don’t cry for me, ride for me
Try for me, live for me
Breathe for me, sing for me
Honestly guidin’ me
I could be more than I gotta be
Stole from me, lied to me, nation hypocrisy
Code on me, drive on me
Wicked, my spirit inspired me, like yeah
Open correctional gates in higher desert (Yeah)
Open our mind as we cast away oppression (Yeah)
Open the streets and watch our beliefs
And when they carve my name inside the concrete
I pray it forever reads
Freedom! Freedom! I can’t move
Freedom, cut me loose!
Freedom! Freedom! Where are you?
‘Cause I need freedom, too!
I break chains all by myself
Won’t let my freedom rot in hell
Hey! I’ma keep running
‘Cause a winner don’t quit on themselves
What you want from me?
Is it truth you seek? Oh, father, can you hear me?
What you want from me?
Is it truth you seek? Oh, father, can you hear me?
Hear me out
I had my ups and downs, but I always find the inner strength to pull myself up. I was served lemons, but I made lemonade
Empowerment Through Struggle
“Freedom” by Beyoncé is a powerful anthem of resilience and liberation. The song’s lyrics portray a journey through adversity, with themes of battling oppression and seeking personal and collective freedom. Beyoncé uses vivid metaphors like “rain on the thunder” and “painting white flags blue” to signify defiance against surrender. The repeated call for freedom is both a personal declaration and a universal demand for justice, resonating with those who have faced marginalization. The energetic refrain, “I break chains all by myself,” underscores self-empowerment and the refusal to be held back by systemic barriers.
The Voice of Resistance
Featuring a striking verse from Kendrick Lamar, the song expands its scope to address broader social issues, including racial injustice and the reality of living under constant scrutiny. The lyrics channel generational pain and hope, reflecting on the importance of persistence and self-worth. The bridge and closing lines offer a message of hope and determination, reaffirming that even when “served lemons,” strength and transformation are possible.
Song Credits
- Artist: Beyoncé (featuring Kendrick Lamar)
- Songwriters: Beyoncé Knowles, Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, Jonny Coffer, Carla Marie Williams, Dean McIntosh, Frank Tirado, Alan Lomax, John Lomax Sr., and Sam Romans
- Release Year: 2016
- Label: Parkwood Entertainment, Columbia Records