20 Protest Songs That Matter: No. 18
- Posted by Spinner Staff
- Comments (70)
--Garth Brooks (1992)
Rebelling Against: Homophobia!
When one of the most successful country artists -- make that successful artists period -- audaciously sang "When we're free to love anyone we choose" in this gospel-influenced number, many took it as an endorsement of gay rights. Brooks made the connection more explicit at 2000's Equality Rocks, where he was the only straight male to perform.
Listen to 'We Shall Be Free'
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Reader Comments(1 of 4)
ladyluck3119at 2-13-2008
I normally would never post a comment on something like this but I really have to say, Marty... really? that is so repulsive and thoroughly offensive. Just because someone writes a song which may or may not reflect their support of gay rights, it has no bearing on their sexual orientetion, nor should it subject them to criticism. So please, for the love of our heavenly merciful Father, please keep you derogatory comments in your narrow little mind.
streetsat 3-01-2008
I have a new found respect for the man.
he's right, we're not races of skin tone, gender, nationality, sexual preference or religion...
we are all humans. that's it, end of story.
thanks garth,
ddtcf13at 7-15-2007
To put Garth Brooks and Green Day in front of Bob Marley is absolutely insane. While Garth Brooks and Green Day may appeal to mainstream westernism, Bob Marley's work(Get up stand up)has influential roots that run through most of the world.
James Michalekat 7-15-2007
Listen to the SONG! Sheesh!
C.T.at 7-15-2007
What moron wrote this? Have they ever even heard the lyrics?!? "We Shall Be Free" had NOTHING to do with homo-whatever rights, it was about freedom of speech, homelessness, political corruption, education, the environment, and on top of it all, RACIAL EQUALITY! Garth didn't write it, but the guy who did did so in response to the L.A. riots! What was so homocentric about that? NOTHING! Get your facts straight!
Reneeat 7-15-2007
His lyrics state "when we're free to love anyone we choose." I don't think he's talking about straight people here. Music and lyrics can be interpreted in many different ways but you can't deny the fact that he isn't just refering to black and white here. What's wrong with him wanting equality anyway?
PnkFloydRockrat 7-15-2007
yo i agree with ddtcf13... Bob Marley sang wat he truly believed in to put garth brooks and green day in front of hime?!?!
kimat 7-15-2007
The song is about freedom!! Being able to choose who you love, anyone... black, white,gay, straight, man, woman,etc..... It is about being able to walk out your front door and not be made fun of because your different... Choosing what you want to do and being able to do it a safe world. Not having to go hungry because your poor..listen to the words people!!!!!!!
alexat 7-15-2007
I don't think it matters at what number they come in. Just because they put Green Day ONE spot in front of him doesn't mean Bob Marley is any worse. I'm a huge fan of GD and have heard countless haters talk shit about them. So for them to even make the list is enough to suffice me.
Lizat 8-03-2007
I think it's ridiculous that you're saying that Bob Marley should be ahead of Green Day and Garth Brooks! It doesn't matter what the band is, it matters how influencial the lyrics are. Just because you think Bob Marley's better, doesn't mean that his lyrics have touched more people than Garth Brooks or Green Day.
kellsat 8-13-2007
why waste time arguing over chart position? ... these are all great songs by great artists. granted Garth wasn't just talking about love in the one, but freedom in general. i just think it's awesome that he played at HRC's Equality Rocks concert.
lee munsonat 12-12-2007
If you will remember Garth has a sister that is gay. And he does stand up for gay rights. But he is standing up for the homeless, children, freedom of speech and more. And yes these are great songs !!
crazzibeautiful9at 12-12-2007
Ok this song can be interpreted as anything you want, homoPHOBIA (for people who cant spell) homelessness, poverty, andything you want. I agree with C.T && Kim...anyways, grow up people and get a life, do you think it really matters to Green Day, Garth Brooks, or Bob Marley what order they are in, come on people people grow up.
Mcfaroutat 12-12-2007
A friend once told me Garth was the first OR second best concert he ever did see as he explained there was a storm and lightning in the distance as Garth grabbed a rope and swung out across the very enthused crowd...While I never bought a single 'Garth song;he sure as heck impressed my buddy-Now "Puddin" go see Led Zeppelin if they tour the U.S. and tell me that again... As for Garth coming out for queers gosh-tell me its not true and NO I'm not about to listen to his new song.
Jacklyn Lopezat 12-12-2007
OMG!!!
WOW!!! WELL; I'M NOT TOO SURPRISED!! ALOT OF
CELEBRITIES SWING BOTH WAYS; THEY HAVE BECOME
"FALLEN STARS"; GOING STRAIGHT TO THE FIRE PIT!!
Cesarat 12-12-2007
I think it's great that he played at the HRC event as well. I have always liked his music and have so much more respect for him now!
Ed Jarrellat 12-14-2007
Garth has caused a point of division. He knows exactly what he's doing and just like the time he said he retired he could't stay away. The next move for attention was divorce. Now the indication that he is for gays.I am for gays but not their lifestyle and now I can't support Garth any more.
denise malsonat 12-12-2007
Garth was just saying that we should not judge anyone and that we should look past our diferences and recognize how much alike we all really are. And C.T.--Garth did write this song with Stephanie Davis!
deral g mullerat 12-12-2007
Boy u homos will try anything even letting a live mouse run up your but thru a coke bottle you pieces of trash need to find another planet to pack your cheeze
Susieat 12-12-2007
Someone alway says or writes something about any one and they make a BIG thing about it. Who every wrote about Garth Brooks song is and air head, hello we're at war, can you think that every one in this world will be as free as we are.