The brilliant and enigmatic musician Nina Simone was born February 21, 1933 in the small foothills town of Tryon, NC. This track is one of her best known, an upbeat lament that sticks in the ears. It includes this stunning line: “I wish I could give all I’m longing to give.” The lack of freedom in oppressed communities hurts everyone by stifling the expression of the many gifts that could help to heal the world. Imagine: what if it was easier for every person to sing the song in their hearts, and to be heard?
I Wish I Knew How It Feels To Be Free
sung by Nina Simone
I wish I knew how
It would feel to be free
I wish I could break
All the chains holdin’ me
I wish I could say
All the things that I should say
Say ’em loud, say ’em clear
For the whole round world to hear
I wish I could share
All the love that’s in my heart
Remove all the bars
That keep us apart
I wish you could know
What it means to be me
Then you’d see and agree
That every man should be free
I wish I could give
All I’m longin’ to give
I wish I could live
Like I’m longing to live
I wish I could do
All the things that I can do
And though I’m way overdue
I’d be startin’ anew
Well, I wish I could be
Like a bird in the sky
How sweet it would be
If I found I could fly
Oh, I’d soar to the sun
And look down at the sea
Then I’d sing ’cause I’d know, yeah
And I’d sing ’cause I’d know, yeah
And I’d sing ’cause I’d know
I’d know how it feels
I’d know how it feels to be free, yeah, yeah
I’d know how it feels
Yes, I’d know
I’d know how it feels, how it feels
To be free, no, no, no
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: B. Taylor / D. Dallas
I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free lyrics © Duane Music Inc.