Freedom is the existence of choice
The sky was dark with promised rain
I took my chance; the choice was made
Freedom is a voice.
The umbrella left behind again
To suffer was the price I paid
I know that about which he sings.
I took my chance; the choice was made
I stopped where others hurried by
Its bell is one that throughout the world rings.
To suffer was the price he paid
I met the stranger eye to eye
And it will overcome all efforts to destroy.
I stopped where others hurried by
He spoke his truth, I answered mine
Because we will unite to give freedom its voice.
I met the stranger eye to eye
No argument could cross the line
Freedom is not
a belief we have
that all we are told is truth
by politicians, clergymen, policemen.
He spoke his truth, I answered mine
Is virtue chosen when compelled?
Freedom is not
following the dictates of fashion
just to be like others
we think we admire.
No argument could cross that line
If choice is gone, what good is held?
Freedom is not
doing what we know to be wrong
because those who are strong
tell us.
Is virtue chosen when compelled?
Freedom’s wings cannot fly blind
Freedom is not
looking at a picture or poem
and seeing
what others see.
If choice is gone, what good is held?
What follows may not be declined
Freedom is
being able to question
Freedom’s wings cannot fly blind
Each choice redraws the paths ahead
to be different
to do what we see to be right
What follows may not be declined
Some freedoms die by freedoms bred
to interpret without preconceptions.
Each choice redraws the paths ahead
I own the road, the path I laid
Freedom is something in which we can all rejoice.
Some freedoms die by freedoms bred
The debt was mine and must be paid
Freedom is a voice.