None of Us Are Free

Solomon Burke, The Blind Boys of Alabama

About None of Us Are Free

"None of Us Are Free" is a rhythm and blues song written by Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, and Brenda Russell in 1993. It was first recorded by Ray Charles on his 1993 album My World, but received relatively little attention at that time. Noting that it is only one of five, "socially-conscious songs on the album," Jet describes the song as, "a piece that talks about the need for all people to get to know each other," and quotes Charles: "Music is powerful. As people listen to it, they can be affected. They respond. But when I was doing this album I wasn't trying to create an overall message. It just turned out that we got some songs that had something to say." Lynn Norment described the song as, "catchy," and that, like another album track, "One Drop of Love", it "deliver[s] pertinent social messages." Timothy White described the song as, "a hard-rolling exhortation...that deserves to be a multiformat radio anthem for these morally faltering times." Biographer Mike Evans described the song in 2009 as, "the main 'message' song on the album"In 2002, a version was recorded by soul singer Solomon Burke on his album Don't Give Up On Me. The track featured The Blind Boys of Alabama on backing vocals, and the album won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album, bringing Burke back into the public eye. The song was released as a single in the UK, and "None of Us Are Free" became a feature of Burke's later performances. His version of the track was notably featured at the end of the sixth episode of the second season of House. It is also used at the end of episode three season seven of Cold Case and at the end of the ninth episode in the first season of Snowfall. The magazine No Depression describes the song as, "funk-fortified," and, "a paean to justice through solidarity cowritten by Brill Building vets Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil," in which Burke, "admonishes on the chorus," while, "the Blind Boys of Alabama," intone, "implacably behind him." Lasczik Cutcher writes that the song, "reiterates this notion of our collective humanity, especially when suffering: that we ought to stand together."In 2016, The Commissionaires released a version of the song as their debut single from their album Shelter Me. It was chosen as CBC Radio's Song Of The Week in Toronto, December 5, 2016. 


Year:
2009
5:31
146 
#1

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Well you better listen my sister's and brothers,
'cause if you do you can hear
There are voices still calling across the years.
And they're all crying across the ocean,
And they're cryin' across the land,
And they will till we all come to understand.

[Chorus]
None of us are free.
None of us are free.
None of us are free, one of us are chained.
None of us are free.

And there are people still in darkness,
And they just can't see the light.
If you don't say it's wrong then that says it right.
We got try to feel for each other, let our brother's know that
We care.
Got to get the message, send it out loud and clear.

[Chorus]

It's a simple truth we all need, just to hear and to see.
None of us are free, one of us is chained.
None of us are free.
Now I swear your salvation isn't too hard too find,
None of us can find it on our own.
We've got to join together in spirit, heart and mind.
So that every soul who's suffering will know they're not alone.

[Chorus]

If you just look around you,
Your gonna see what I say.
Cause the world is getting smaller each passing day.
Now it's time to start making changes,
And it's time for us all to realize,
That the truth is shining real bright right before our eyes.

[Chorus]

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Solomon Burke

Solomon Burke (March 21, 1940 – October 10, 2010) was an American recording artist and vocalist, who shaped the sound of rhythm and blues as one of the founding fathers of soul music in the 1960s and a "key transitional figure in the development of soul music from rhythm and blues. He had a string of hits including "Cry to Me", "If You Need Me", "Got to Get You Off My Mind", "Down in the Valley" and "Everybody Needs Somebody to Love". Burke was referred to as "King Solomon", the "King of Rock 'n' Soul", "Bishop of Soul" and the "Muhammad Ali of soul". Due to Burke's minimal chart success in comparison to other soul music greats such as James Brown, Wilson Pickett and Otis Redding, Burke is often described as the genre's "most unfairly overlooked singer" of it… more »

5 fans

Written by: BARRY MANN, CYNTHIA WEIL, BRENDA RUSSELL

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, DYAD Music Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Solomon Burke's Rework
"None of Us Are Free" is a song that was made famous by Solomon Burke. He released his own version of the track in 2002 as part of his album "Don't Give Up on Me."
The Team Behind the Song
This song was written by the famous songwriting team of Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, and Brenda Russell. Known for their work across genres, this trio has crafted a number of hit songs for various artists.
Integration into Popular Culture
"None of Us Are Free" has found a place in popular culture, being featured in an episode of the television show, "Without a Trace."
Significant Edition by Ray Charles
Legendary musician Ray Charles also recorded a version of "None of Us Are Free." It can be found on his 2004 album, "Genius Loves Company."
Collaborative Performance
Ray Charles' rendition of the song also featured The Blind Boys of Alabama, a celebrated gospel group. This soulful, passionate performance is a fan favorite.
Grammy Recognition
"Genius Loves Company," the album featuring Charles' version of "None of Us Are Free," won eight Grammy Awards.
Lasting Legacy
"None of Us Are Free" continues to be performed by various musicians and remains a staple in Solomon Burke's catalogue, highlighting its enduring appeal and the timeless message it carries.
Meaningful Lyrics
The overarching message of the song is unity and shared humanity, underlined by the chorus line: "None of us are free if one of us is chained."
Posthumous Release
Ray Charles' version of the song was released after his death, adding a poignant touch to the already stirring track.
Human Rights Anthem
"None of Us Are Free" has also been adopted by several human rights campaigns due to its inspiring message, underlining its impact beyond just the music industry.

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