Freedom (Jimi Hendrix song)

"Freedom" is a popular Jimi Hendrix song released in 1971 from the album The Cry of Love. The album, released after his death, was released in 1971 and became a major hit. This was the only single released from the album and was somewhat successful on the charts. It is now considered a classic from the Jimi Hendrix song collection and is a staple in many compilation works. Freedom was later featured on the 1998 album First Rays of the New Rising Sun

Interpretation

The lyrics "Keep on pushing straight ahead..." towards the end of the song are most likely a reference to the Curtis Mayfield song "Keep On Pushing" from the album of the same name. Both songs seem to be about overcoming adversity and to "keep on pushing" through times of stuggle and despair. Mayfield was a major influence on Jimi who borrowed much of his r&b rhythm guitar style from Curtis, as heard on recordings such as "Have You Ever Been(To Electric Ladyland)" and "Little Wing".