Inspirational Philadelphia Freedom:
Elton John and Bernie Taupin were on the road between recording sessions in the summer of 1974. These sessions included Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy when Elton John suddenly felt compelled to write a song for Billy Jean King. This tennis legend began playing team tennis so when she asked Elton what he wanted to call this song Elton named this tune after her team the Philadelphia Freedom.
Biblical Application:
For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor, 1 Peter 2:15-17.
Exegesis of Philadelphia Freedom:
I used to be a rolling stone, you know
If a cause was right
I’d leave, to find the answer on the road
Billy Jean King was a rock, standing up for what she believed was a right cause. I’m not sure if Elton is comparing Billy to Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz or that Billy was diligent in finding the answers to her questions in life.
I used to be a heart beatin’ for someone
But the times have changed
The less I say, the more my work gets done
In her younger years, Billy fought for others. Now older and wiser, her actions speak louder than words.
‘Cause I live and breathe this Philadelphia freedom
From the day that I was born, I’ve waved the flag
Philadelphia freedom took me knee-high to a man, yeah
Gave me peace of mind my daddy never had
Playing team tennis is her new passion in life. It’s unclear what flag Elton is referring to. Billy Jean competed in the battle of the sexes, defeating Boddy Riggs on national television. This victory led to peace and sense of pride.
Oh, Philadelphia freedom
Shine on me, I love ya
Shine a light through the eyes of the ones left behind
Shine a light, shine the light
Shine the light, won’t you shine the light?
Philadelphia freedom, I love ya
Yes, I do
The chorus reflects this victory. Proving that women were capable athletes who could defeat men. This was a shining moment for Billy.
If you choose to you can live your life alone
Billy didn’t have to prove herself anymore.
Some people choose the city (some people choose the city)
Some others choose the good old family home
(Some others choose the good old family home)
People have different interests which may result in city life or staying near family.
I like living easy without family ties (’cause it’s easy)
‘Til the whip or will of freedom zapped me, right between the eyes
Billy likes being independent. However, sometimes the will of freedom can be overwhelming.
‘Cause I live and breathe this Philadelphia freedom
From the day that I was born, I’ve waved the flag
Philadelphia freedom took me knee-high to a man, mmh-mmh
Gave me peace of mind my daddy never had
The battle of the sexes match changed Billy Jean’s life for the better.
Oh, Philadelphia freedom
Shine on me, I love ya
Shine a light through the eyes of the ones left behind
Shine a light, shine the light
Shine the light, won’t you shine the light?
Philadelphia freedom, I love ya
Yes, I do
Billy let her tennis racket do the talking. Her talents shined while on the court.
Oh, Philadelphia freedom
Shine on me, I love ya
Shine a light through the eyes of the ones left behind, mmh
Shine a light, shine the light
Shine the light, won’t you shine the light?
Philadelphia freedom, I love ya
You know, I love you, yeah
You know, I love you
Yes, I do! (Philadelphia freedom)
The chorus is repeated with a few slight changes. Playing team tennis rejuvenated Billy’s tennis career.
I love you, yes I do!
(Philadelphia freedom) you know that I love you
Yes, I do! (Philadelphia) oh (freedom)
Don’t you know that I love you?
Yes, I do! (Philadelphia freedom)
Don’t you know that I love you?
Yes, I do! (Philadelphia) oh, oh (freedom)
Don’t you know that I love you?
According to Elton John, this was one of the best times in Nilly Jean’s career, playing with a new appreciation for tennis.
Final Thoughts:
The Battle of the Sexes was a popular show on ABC Wide World of Sports. However, after the 1973 match in the Houston Astrodome with over 50 million viewers, female professional athletes began to receive the respect that they were due. When I was in high school, I trained with a former Olympian Vicki Huber who weekly blew away most of the male runners on the track. When an athlete has special talents, the creme rises to the top.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 