(I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be) Free/One

"Free/One (I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be)" is a song written by Billy Taylor and Dick Dallas. It is best known through Nina Simone's rendition, which became an anthem of the Civil Rights Movement. The song's title, often shortened to "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free," encapsulates its central theme: a longing for liberation from oppression and inequality.

The lyrics express a deep yearning for the experience of freedom, not just in a political or social sense, but also in a deeply personal and emotional one. The song speaks to the frustration and weariness of living under systemic injustice, while simultaneously maintaining hope for a future where equality and freedom are realized for all.

The song's impact lies not only in its lyrical content but also in its powerful delivery. Simone's rendition, in particular, is noted for its emotional intensity and raw vulnerability, connecting deeply with audiences struggling with similar experiences of marginalization. The song's message transcends racial barriers and speaks to the universal human desire for dignity and self-determination.

Beyond Simone's version, "Free/One (I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be)" has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, demonstrating its enduring relevance and adaptability. It remains a potent symbol of the struggle for equality and a testament to the power of music to inspire hope and social change.

The title's structure with the "Free/One" dichotomy is sometimes interpreted as reflecting different aspects of freedom: "Free" representing freedom from external constraints and "One" suggesting a sense of unity and belonging that comes with collective liberation. However, this interpretation is not definitively established. Regardless of the specific intention behind the combined title, the song as a whole powerfully conveys the longing for a world free from oppression and division.