Flags Of Freedom
Neil Young · Living With War [2006]
Is going off to war
Fightin' in the age old battle
We've sometimes won before
Flags that line old main street
Are blowin' in the wind
These must be the flags of freedom flyin'
Church bells are ringin'
As the families stand and wave
Some of them are cryin'
But the soldiers look so brave
Lookin' straight ahead
Like they know just where they're goin'
Past the flags of freedom flyin'
Sister has her headphones on
She hears the music blasting
She sees her brother marchin' by
Their bond is everlasting
Listening to Bob Dylan singin' in 1963
Watching the flags of freedom flyin'
She sees the president speakin'
On a Flat-screen TV
In the window of the old appliance store
She turns to see her brother again
But he's already walkin' past
The flags of freedom flyin'
Have you seen the flags of freedom?
What color are they now?
Do you think that you believe in yours
More than they do theirs somehow?
When you see the flags of freedom flyin'
Today's the day our younger son
Is goin' off to war
Fightin' in the age old battle
We've sometimes won before
Flags that line old main street
Are blowin' in the wind
These must be the flags of freedom flyin'
Flags Of Freedom
Neil Young's "Flags Of Freedom" stands as a powerful anthem within his extensive discography, reflecting his lifelong commitment to social commentary and acoustic storytelling. Recorded for the 2006 album *Living With War*, the track exemplifies Young's signature blend of folk-rock and country influences, characterized by his distinctive vocal delivery and resonant guitar work. The song addresses themes of political unrest and the human cost of conflict, themes that have permeated his career from his early days with Buffalo Springfield to his later solo explorations. As part of a broader body of work that often critiques societal structures, this recording captures a moment of introspection and urgency, resonating with listeners who appreciate music that challenges the status quo while maintaining an accessible, melodic core.