Liberty Walk

Album: Can't Be Tamed (2010)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is the opening track from Pop recording artist Miley Cyrus' third studio album, Can't Be Tamed. Miley originally desired a new sound for the record, a more rock music inclined one, before settling on techno music inclined songs influenced by the Pop singers Lady Gaga and Britney Spears. She told Billboard magazine: "I listen to zero Pop music, which is really weird for someone who makes Pop music. My 13-year-old self would have beaten up my 17-year-old self because she would be like, 'You're a sellout!' But that's not what it is. It's not dance music that's just about, 'Ooh, I'm in the club and everyone's looking at me.' It means something. I'm not just sitting here trying to sell glitz and glamour... because no one lives that life. A lot of Pop songs are super shallow, but this music isn't." As an example, Miley cited this track, which is about someone who finds the courage to leave an abusive relationship.
  • Throughout her music career Miley has written songs with lyrics that empower young women. She told MTV News that the tracks on Can't Be Tamed are no different. "I think 'Tamed' does it the best, and 'Liberty Walk,'" she said. "It's just about freeing yourself from anything you think is holding you back. And I think that's really important, especially for girls, because so many people are told, 'No, you can't do something,' or, 'You need to be this because Mom and Dad say that, teachers say this.'"
  • For this song, Miley said she tried to combine a very serious topic with a lighter sound. "I wrote it for women that feel like they're stuck in abusive relationships, but it's a dance song," she said. "So you think that must be kind of a sad ballad, but it's a party song. It's about breaking free."
  • Miley comes close to rapping on this song. However, she told MTV news this MC is not a MC: "I call it more of a spoken, rhythmic [singing style]," she explained. "I'm not a rap type. Maybe a little bit. It's speaking to the music, but if I say that I'm a rapper, I'm going to be like, 'I'm not a rapper.' I've got no flow in that way. I've got no swag."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Arrested For Your Art - The Story Of 2 Live Crew's "Obscene" Album

Arrested For Your Art - The Story Of 2 Live Crew's "Obscene" AlbumSong Writing

In the summer of 1990, you could get arrested for selling a 2 Live Crew album or performing their songs in Southern Florida. And that's exactly what happened.

Muhammad Ali: His Musical Legacy and the Songs he Inspired

Muhammad Ali: His Musical Legacy and the Songs he InspiredSong Writing

Before he was the champ, Ali released an album called I Am The Greatest!, but his musical influence is best heard in the songs he inspired.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.

Yacht Rock!

Yacht Rock!Song Writing

A scholarly analysis of yacht rock favorites ("Steal Away," "Baker Street"...) with a member of the leading YR cover band.

Waiting For The Break of Day: Three Classic Songs About All-Nighters

Waiting For The Break of Day: Three Classic Songs About All-NightersSong Writing

These Three famous songs actually describe how they were written - late into the evening.