Kid Rock – Born Free [Official Music Video]
Inspiration Behind Born Free:
Kid Rock wrote Born Free to celebrate the freedom and the privileges of being born in a country that values liberty. While the lyrics speak to strong patriotic overtones, he intended it to resonate beyond the United States, thinking of soldiers serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. “Born Free” became more than just a personal anthem, MLB adopted this song as their Tribute to the Troops.
Biblical Application:
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you[a] free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh,[b] God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.[c] And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit, John 8:1-4.
Exegesis of Born Free:
Fast on a rough road riding
High through the mountains climbing
Twistin’, turning, further from my home
The image of troops going into active service, traveling overseas.
Young like a new moon rising
Fierce through the rain and lightning
Wandering out into this great unknown
Metaphor using a lit-up night sky to highlight what a soldier must be thinking before their tour begins.
And I don’t want no one to cry
But tell ’em if I don’t survive
The military know what they sign up for, making it home alive isn’t guaranteed.
I was born free
I was born free
I was born free
Born free
First chorus, referring to the freedom within the United States.
Free like a river raging
Strong as the wind I’m facing
Chasing dreams and racing Father Time
Seize the day as you chase your dreams before your time on earth is up.
Deep like the grandest canyon
Wild like an untamed stallion
Go for it! Dream big while you’re young.
If you can’t see my heart, you must be blind
Soldiers pour out their hearts for their country.
You can knock me down and watch me bleed
But you can’t keep no chains on me
Keep getting back up despite the pain as eager soldiers can’t be restrained.
I was born free
I was born free
I was born free
Born free
This is the freedom of being born in America.
And I’m not good at long goodbyes
But look down deep into my eyes
I was born free
This is what freedom looks like.
Hey, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Ooh, ooh
The joy of being free,
Calm, facin’ danger
Lost like an unknown stranger
Grateful for my time with no regrets
What soldiers face and the mindset necessary to confront war.
Close to my destination
Tired, frail and aching
Waiting patiently for the sun to set
About to finish your goal, tired yet waiting for night to fall.
And when it’s done, believe that I
Will yell it from that mountain high
When your mission is complete, shout it out!
I was born free
I was born free
I was born free
Born free
Serving in the military is not forced, this is a choice due to freedom.
And I will bow to the shining seas
And celebrate God’s grace on thee
Thanking God for the opportunity to serve.
I was born free
I was born free
I was born free
Born free
Fighting to persevere freedom.
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, yeah
That’s right.
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Fighting to persevere freedom.
Final Thoughts:
Due to reconstructive surgery during my junior year of high school, I wasn’t able to join the military like my two close friends, Carl and Paul. While they were becoming men, I was trying to figure out my major in college. My dad told me stories of being a Captain in the Army at the beginning of Vietnam, but I never was able to serve my country. Instead, I’ve spent the last 30 years serving my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Writing is just one of my calls to action as I wait for the Holy Spirit’s next phase in my life.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 