Freedom For The Stallion
Finding Freedom: Allen Toussaint's Anthem of Hope and Justice
Lyrics
Freedom for the stallion
Expressing the need for freedom, possibly metaphorically using a stallion as a symbol.
Freedom for the mare and her colt
Extending the call for freedom to a mare and her colt, broadening the scope.
Freedom for the baby child
Advocating for freedom for a baby child who cannot vote yet, emphasizing universal freedom.
Who has not grown old enough to vote
Highlighting the injustice faced by those too young to vote, seeking mercy or intervention.
Lord, have mercy, what you gonna do about the people who are praying to you?
Addressing a plea to the Lord, questioning what can be done for those who pray for help.
They got men making laws that destroy other men,
Pointing out the negative impact of laws made by men, which destroy others.
They've made money "God"
Commenting on the problematic elevation of money to the status of "God."
It's a doggone sin,
Labeling this elevation of money as a significant sin.
Oh, Lord, you got to help us find the way
Seeking divine guidance to find a righteous path.
Big ship's a-sailing, slaves all chained and bound,
Describing a ship carrying slaves to a new land, possibly critiquing historical injustices.
Heading for a brand new land that some cat said he upped and found
Referencing a person claiming to have discovered a new land, questioning the legitimacy of such claims.
Lord, have mercy, what you gonna do about the people who are praying to you?
Reiterating the plea for mercy in the face of prayers from those in distress.
They got men making laws that destroy other men,
Highlighting the destructive impact of laws made by men.
They've made money "God"
Reiterating the criticism of treating money as if it were a deity.
It's a doggone sin
Emphasizing the serious nature of the identified sin.
Oh, Lord, you got to help us find the way
Repeating the call for divine guidance to find a righteous path.
Some sing a sad song
Acknowledging the presence of sadness and hardship.
Some got to moan the blues
Referring to the expression of blues or sorrow by some individuals.
Trying to make the best of a home
Describing an attempt to make the best of a situation, even if the choice was not one's own.
That the man didn't even get to choose
Commenting on the lack of choice in one's home situation.
Lord, have mercy, how you gonna be with people like John and me
Pleading for mercy in dealing with individuals like John and the speaker.
They've got men building fences to keep other men out
Noting the construction of fences to exclude others and create divisions.
Ignore him if he whispers and kill him if he shouts
Describing a harsh response to those who speak out against injustices.
Oh, Lord, you got to help us find the way
Reiterating the call for divine help in finding a righteous way.
Oh, Lord, you got to help them find the way
Extending the plea for divine guidance to a broader context, possibly referring to humanity in general.
Oh, Lord, you got to help us find the way
Repeating the call for divine assistance in navigating challenging situations.
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