Founding fathers declare all men are equal
And so it is with the stroke of a pen
Little did we know 'bout the end of persecution
When the crowds all sang amen
So life began in a brave new world
Where happiness pursued has a price
When freedom rings freedom rings
In no time we grew, into a shameful Jim Crow nation
A separate but equal the decree
Quietly we walked in the footsteps of a dreamer
Between the cross and a lynching tree
On a bus in Montgomery, a spark ignites a fire
In brave souls tired of giving in
And freedom rings, freedom rings,
Freedom rings, freedom rings, freedom rings
June of 69, a final provocation
Just another raid on Christopher street
Silent all these years in shame and degradation
When they said God hated fags, Adam and Steve
And Stonewall began a day of reckoning
When tolling bells became deafening
And freedom rings freedom rings
Freedom rings freedom rings
Freedom rings freedom rings
Freedom rings freedom rings
And it rings for every love that's been denied
Every senseless loss of life
Every frightened timid child that suffered when others stood by
Every final note goodbye read by loved ones left behind
Every bullied voice that cried I have value I have pride
All of those who fight the fight
Freedom rings