About the song
**Richie Havens – Freedom at Woodstock 1969: A Defining Moment in Music History**
On August 15, 1969, the Woodstock Music & Art Fair became the epicenter of a cultural revolution, and amidst its sprawling fields and iconic performances, Richie Havens delivered a moment that would become legendary. Havens, an American folk singer with a distinctive style, took the stage as the first act of the festival, setting the tone for what would become one of the most celebrated events in music history. His performance of “Freedom” at Woodstock 1969 remains a seminal moment, capturing the spirit of an era marked by change, unity, and an unyielding quest for personal and societal liberation.
Richie Havens, known for his soulful voice and powerful acoustic guitar work, opened the festival in a moment of serendipitous inspiration. Originally scheduled to perform later, Havens was called upon earlier due to delays with other acts. Rising to the occasion, he began his set with an energetic and impassioned rendition of his song “Freedom,” which was a reimagining of the traditional spiritual “Motherless Child.” With its driving rhythm and emotive delivery, Havens’ performance resonated deeply with the thousands of festival-goers who had braved rain and mud to witness the historic event.
The song “Freedom” became more than just a musical performance; it was a call to arms, a declaration of hope, and an anthem for the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Havens’ rendition was marked by its improvisational fervor and heartfelt intensity, capturing the collective yearning for change and empowerment. His ability to blend personal emotion with broader social themes turned the song into a rallying cry that encapsulated the essence of the Woodstock festival.
Havens’ set, especially his performance of “Freedom,” has been immortalized in recordings and retrospectives of Woodstock, illustrating how a single performance can transcend its immediate context to become a powerful symbol of its time. The raw energy, passion, and authenticity of Havens’ delivery not only set a high standard for the festival but also left an indelible mark on the legacy of 1960s music and culture.
In revisiting Richie Havens’ “Freedom” at Woodstock 1969, we are reminded of the power of music to inspire, unite, and express the profound sentiments of an era. It serves as a testament to Havens’ extraordinary talent and the timeless nature of a performance that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
Video
Lyrics
Turn the gitara Mike, please
Gitara, Mike
Freedom
Freedom
Freedom
Freedom
Freedom
Freedom
Freedom
Freedom
Sometimes I feel
Like a motherless child
Sometimes I feel
Like a motherless child
Sometimes I feel
Like a motherless child
A long
Way
From my home
Yeah, yeah
Singing
Freedom
Freedom
Freedom
Freedom
Freedom
Freedom
Freedom
Freedom
Freedom
Freedom
Sometimes I feel
Like I’m almost gone
Sometimes I feel
Like I’m almost gone
Sometimes I feel
Like I’m almost gone
Yeah
A long, long, long
Way
Way from my home
Yeah, yeah
Clap your hands
Clap your hands
Clap your hands
Clap your hands
Clap your hands
Clap your hands
Clap your hands, yeah
Clap your hands
Hey, hey, hey, hey
Hey, yeah yeah yeah yeah
Hey, yeah, yeah, yeah
Hey, yeah yeah yeah yeah
I got a telephone in my bosom
And I can call him up from heart
I got a telephone in my bosom
And I can call him up from heart
When I need my brothe, brother
Brother, brother
When I need my father, father
Father, hey, father
Mother, mother
Mother, hey, mother
Sister, sister
Yeah, yeah
When I need my brother, brother
Brother, hey, brother
Mother, father
Mother, mother
Mother, mother
Hey, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah-yeah, yeah yeah
Hey, yeah, yeah, yeah
Hey, yeah, yeah, yeah
Mr. Richie Havens
What better shines brighter than a beautiful star
Like Richie Havens