Interpretation
The song lyrics of 'Free Life' by
Neil Diamond are about the search for freedom and the rejection of societal norms. The singer longs for a life without restrictions and rules. He wants to make his own music and be able to express himself freely.
The lyrics begin with the lines 'Scratch on my head, Pick me a tune, Sing it like a black man'. Here, Diamond expresses that he has a melody in his head and wants to sing it uninhibited, regardless of his appearance or heritage. He wants to break free from the expectations of others and forge his own path.
In the chorus, Diamond repeats 'Free life, You know my name, I'll leave on a light, And burn it in the window' several times. Here, he emphasizes that he will remain true to himself, even if others may not understand him. He will light a light and let it burn in his window to show that he is fighting for his freedom.
Furthermore, Diamond sings about 'round, brown ladies and maybe some wine'. He wants to celebrate the beauty of different women and have a good time, without caring about societal conventions and beauty ideals. It's about enjoying the present and not wasting time on prejudices.
At the end of the song, Diamond once again emphasizes that he is waiting for his own life and that he is not a naive believer of the Bible. He wants to live his own truth, independent of predetermined rules and beliefs.
Overall, the song lyrics of 'Free Life' by Neil Diamond express the desire for freedom, self-determination, and the rejection of societal norms. It's about living life independently and authentically, freeing oneself from the expectations of others. Diamond wants to make his own music and lead his own life, without being constrained by traditions or prejudices.