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Freedom Rider Lyrics
Freedom Rider
(Winwood/Capaldi)
Like a hurricane around your heart when earth and sky are torn apart
He comes gathering up the bits while hoping that the puzzle fits
He leaves you, he leaves you
Freedom rider
With a silver star between his eyes that open up at hidden lies
Big man crying with defeat, see people gathering in the street
You feel him, you feel him
Freedom rider
When lightning strikes you to the bone, you turn around, you're all alone
By the time you hear that silent (or siren?) sound, then your soul is in the lost and found
Forever, forever
Freedom rider
Here it comes
(Winwood/Capaldi)
He comes gathering up the bits while hoping that the puzzle fits
He leaves you, he leaves you
Freedom rider
Big man crying with defeat, see people gathering in the street
You feel him, you feel him
Freedom rider
By the time you hear that silent (or siren?) sound, then your soul is in the lost and found
Forever, forever
Freedom rider
Here it comes
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My guess is the song has to do with the freedom riders who got attacked trying to make the interstate bus routes safe in the south for blacks.
The woman in the song was in a relationship. She is not in one anymore, hence the line "he leaves you". The man in the relationship is riding on the freedoms of not being in a relationship anymore. The turmoils and torments of leaving a relationship is described in the line "like a hurricane is in your heart". The man in the song might be theoretical, or one of the band members. I do not know.
how in gods loving earth is there no comment for one of the most recognized Traffic song there is (at least I would say not completely positive that it hit the charts the highest) but I mean it's borderline disrespectful that such a fascinating/brilliant song gets no attention! As for the meaning of the song well I can't exactly conjure up a clear meaning right at this moment but thats besides the point. This should be getting the most attention out of all Traffic songs!
I believe the lyrics should be "he leads you" not "he leaves you" and it is "siren" not "silent". As for the meaning, I think ColourReporter is right.
Based on the general theme of lyrics I associated it with an Army medic in Vietnam. It just seemed like a mindless task that someone had to do that brought trophy without glory or pride but plenty of soul searching to reason out the conflicts bouncing through your mind as to how any of that could serve a purpose to God or any other Supreme Being that you would choose to follow. The song itself is very poetic and instrumental that settles far from a battlefield, but takes sharp turns that leave you uncertain of the course you are in. I love it.
I feel that the freedom rider is the character of Aragorn from the lord of the rings. "With a silver star between his eyes" and other references of this character it does not leave any doubt in my mind.