"People Got to Be Free" is a song by the American rock band The Rascals. It was released in August 23 1968 as a single from their album "Peaceful World". The song became the group's second biggest hits and reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
It is indeed a popular and successful song that has reached millions of listeners and continues to be remembered and appreciated today. The RIAA certification as a gold record, high ranking on the Billboard charts, and inclusion on the group's album "Freedom Suite" are testament to its lasting impact.
The lyrics of "People Got to Be Free" reflect the spirit of the 1960s and the push for equality and freedom. The song became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement and was widely played at protests and demonstrations. It was also used as a backdrop to news footage of events such as the death of Martin Luther King Jr.
The song features a catchy and upbeat melody and the optimistic lyrics, which helped to make it a popular and enduring hit. The message of "People Got to Be Free" still resonates with listeners today and it remains a classic example of the music of the 1960s.
Here are the lyrics to "People Got to Be Free" by The Rascals written by Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati and featuring a lead vocal from Cavaliere.
All the world over, so easy to see
People everywhere just wanna be free
Listen, please listen, that's the way it should be
Peace in the valley, people got to be free
You should see what a lovely, lovely world this'd be
Everyone learns to live together
Seems to me such an easy, easy thing should be
Why can't you and me learn to love one another
All the world over, so easy to see
People everywhere just wanna be free (wanna be free)
I can't understand it, so simple to me (it is)
People everywhere just got to be free
If there's a man who is down and needs a helping hand
All it takes is you to understand and to pull him through
Seems to me we got to solve it individually
And I'll do unto you what you do to me
There'll be shoutin' from the mountains on out to sea (out to sea)
No two ways about it, people have to be free (they got to be free)
Ask me my opinion, my opinion will be (ah-ha)
It's a natural situation for a man to be free
Oh, what a feelin's just come over me
It's enough to move a mountain, make a blind man see
Everybody's dancin'
Peace in the valley, now they want to be free
See that train over there
Now that's the train of freedom
It's about to arrive any minute, now
You know, it's been long, long overdue
Look out 'cause it's comin' right on through