Rockin’ in the Free World is one of the greatest rock n roll songs of all time! It was written by Neil Young and first appeared on his 1989 album FREEDOM. It’s in the news again. I can’t say it breaks my heart, but then again – it sure does contribute to this feeling of hopelessness I have.
Neil Young was one of the greatest singer/songwriters to ever live. Moreover, he’s not dead yet. However, maybe he’d be better off. Because he’s gone off his rocker.
Let’s talk about it.
Three Days Ago
Three days ago Mr. Young sued Donald Trump, again. For 10 million dollars. Because Trump used the song, Rockin’ in the Free World, as his walk-up song in a rally. Here’s the thing: the song is perfect as an anthem for what Trump sees as America’s core problems – homelessness, drug addiction, and the collapse of the family. Nevertheless, Young hates Trump. Ironically, the narrator in the song could very well be Donald J. Trump, the 47th President of the United States.
“There’s a lot of people sayin’
we’d be better off dead.
Don’t feel like Satan
but I am to them
So I try to forget it, any way I can.”
Like I said, the song is perfect. It goes on with the narrator wanting to “make America great.” Because America stands for freedom!
Crazy is: crazy old Young is calling Trump a Fascist.
The Great Debate, The Great Divide
This whole mess were in – this great debate, great divide – is encapsulated in the “war” between Trump and Young. Make no mistake – this is classic Freudian/Darwinian stuff. It’s two old, powerful, males, fighting over their legacies. Unfortunately, or not, this is just the way it is and has always been.
Old Men
Old men, and I’m one, have a hard time letting go. As fellow WordPress blogger, Blue Jay says, we think of ourselves as never getting old. Additionally, that we believe we are who we were. So Neil Young gets up on a stage and, in my opinion, makes a fool of himself.
In Young’s own lyrics in This Notes For You (1987) he sings:
“Ain’t singing for Pepsi
Ain’t singing for Coke
Don’t sing for politicians
make me look like a joke”
And then he goes on and sings and campaigns for Bernie Sanders. Furthermore, now he rants and rages against Donald Trump. It’s classic Freudian projection. Also, it’s jealousy and envy. The question is why?
Demons Don’t Sleep
“Everybody’s got a version of themselves that they don’t show.” Because, Demons don’t sleep. Which, again, is classic Freudian psychoanalysis. Which is: Childhood decides. Neil Young’s childhood was rough. He suffered from polio, as well as epilepsy. Additionally, he was, by his own words a disagreeable loner. (Waging Heavy Peace, (2012).
Moreover, he subsequently divorced his wife of 30 some years, Peggy, the mother of his children. And married the actress and political activist Daryl Hannah in 2018. Hannah also suffered a difficult childhood. Together they sang for Bernie Sanders.
Speak of a joke.
In Conclusion
In conclusion Neil Young is no longer rockin’ in the free world; but off his rocker. He should retire. He’s making a fool of himself and it hurts my heart. My heart of gold? No, it never was. Furthermore, I’ve never found my cowgirl in the sand. Maybe old mister Young has. But Neil, please don’t be a joke.