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

Name the Character in the Song

Name the Character in the SongMusic Quiz

With a few clues (Works at a diner, dreams of running away), can you name the character in the song?

Kiss

KissFact or Fiction

Kiss is the subject of many outlandish rumors - some of which happen to be true. See if you can spot the fakes.

Wedding Bell Blues

Wedding Bell BluesSong Writing

When a song describes a wedding, it's rarely something to celebrate - with one big exception.

Thomas Dolby

Thomas DolbySongwriter Interviews

He wrote "She Blinded Me With Science" so he could direct a video about a home for deranged scientists.

Which Songs are About Drugs?

Which Songs are About Drugs?Fact or Fiction

"25 or 6 to 4" to "Semi-Charmed Life" - see if you can spot the songs that are really about drugs.

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock Photography

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock PhotographySong Writing

One of rock's top photographers talks about artistry in photography, raising funds for a documentary, and enjoying a County Fair with Tom Waits.