In a Free Land

Hüsker Dü

About In a Free Land

"In A Free Land" is a song by Hüsker Dü released as a single in 1982. It was the band's second single. The sound is still hardcore punk, but it does have a hint of their future melodic style, particularly on the title track. The single's pressing was limited to 2,500 copies upon its release, along with an unknown number that contained a lyric insert. [1] The three tracks, in remixed form (a necessity since the original two-track master was lost by the pressing plant hired by New Alliance), appear on the Everything Falls Apart and More CD. The loss of the original two-track master to this EP may have led to a popular rumor that the stereo master to Everything Falls Apart itself had been lost. The title track was covered by the New Jersey hardcore band Ensign on their 2003 album Love the Music, Hate the Kids. In 2009, at the All Tomorrow's Parties festival in New York City, Bob Mould teamed up with members of No Age to perform the song, possibly the first time the song has been performed live since 1987. 


Year:
1993
2:53
99 
#3

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Government authorize education
(Don't mean a thing)
They'll teach you what they want you to think
(Don't mean a thing)
Saturation of stars and stripes
(Don't mean a thing)
The only freedom worth fighting for is for what you think

Why bother spending time
Reading up on things
Everybody's an authority
In a free land
In a free land
In a free la

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Hüsker Dü

Hüsker Dü (/ˈhʊskərˈduː/) was an American rock band formed in Saint Paul, Minnesota in 1979. The band's continual members were guitarist/vocalist Bob Mould, bassist Greg Norton, and drummer/vocalist Grant Hart. more »

1 fan

Written by: BOB MOULD

Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

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30 facts about this song

Genre Classification
"In a Free Land" by Hüsker Dü falls under the genre "Hardcore Punk". It’s also associated with alternative rock and post-hardcore genres.
Song Release
The song "In a Free Land" was released in May 1982.
Record Label
The song is a production of New Alliance Records.
Limited Edition
"In a Free Land" was released as a limited-edition 7" vinyl single, which has now become a collector's item.
Band Formation
Hüsker Dü, the band behind the song, is a trio formed in 1979 from Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Band Disbandment
The band had an impactful but short career, disbanding in 1988. "In a Free Land" was written during their formative years.
Band Members
The band consists of Bob Mould on guitar and vocals, Grant Hart on drums and vocals, and Greg Norton on bass guitar.
Song Importance
"In a Free Land" serves as an exemplar of the band's transition from the fast, violent hardcore of their early work to their later, more melodic approach.
Song Interpretation
The song carries heavy political undertones with a tongue-in-cheek take on the concept of ‘free land’.
Rarity
It is one of the few Husker Du songs to have multiple versions owing to its limited edition vinyl release.
Song's Content
The lyrics of the song "In a Free Land" touch upon freedom, individualism and societal shortcomings, typical themes of the punk rock genre.
B-Sides
The single "In a Free Land" also included two B-sides, "What Do I Want?" and "M.I.C.".
Reissues
"In a Free Land" got reissued in different formats over the years, but the original vinyl version remains the most sought-after.
Live Performances
"In a Free Land" was a frequent part of Hüsker Dü's live sets during their active years.
Digital Availability
As of now, the song is available on various music streaming platforms for listening.
Album details
"In a Free Land" is a single released by Hüsker Dü, an American rock band, in May 1982.
Genre Classification
It belongs to the punk rock and hardcore punk genres.
Record Label
The song was released under the New Alliance Records label secured through Minutemen's D. Boon and Mike Watt.
Limited Edition
Originally, "In a Free Land" was a limited edition. Only 2,500 copies were initially pressed.
Band Membership
Hüsker Dü members who performed "In a Free Land" were Greg Norton, Bob Mould, and Grant Hart.
Inspirational Role
The song, along with others from Hüsker Dü, played a critical role in influencing the '80s rock music scene, particularly shaping the sound of alternative rock.
Recording
“In a Free Land” and its B-side tracks “What Do I Want?” and “M.I.C.” were recorded in a studio, contrasting the band's debut live album "Land Speed Record."
Music Writing
The lyrics were written by the band's drummer, Grant Hart, going away from the traditional punk anthems and instead, tackling themes of disillusionment with the American dream.
Reissue
In 2020, the single was reissued as part of Record Store Day and packaged with the band's debut album "Land Speed Record".
Popularity
While not a mainstream hit in its time, "In a Free Land" has since gained cult status and is considered a classic punk rock song.
DIY Ethic
The song encapsulates Hüsker Dü's DIY approach in its early days, where the band released its music independently.
Innovation
It is often highlighted as an example of Hüsker Dü's early experimentation with melody within the hardcore punk sound, something that would become more prominent in their later work.
B-Side Tracks
Even though they are not as recognized as "In a Free Land," the B-side songs, "What Do I Want?" and "M.I.C.," are similarly representative of the band's early sound and ethos.
Legacy
Even years after its release, the influence of "In a Free Land" is still resonant in modern punk and alternative rock music.
Precursor
Critics often refer to "In a Free Land" as a precursor to the band's revolutionary double album "Zen Arcade," as it showcased their ability to weave melody into the rapid-fire punk sound.

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