Van Morrison is protesting against the U.K. government’s lockdown and coronavirus restrictions with three new songs, accusing the government of “taking our freedoms.”
Morrison described the new songs as “‘songs of protest’ that criticize the government’s decisions to shut down business, including live music venues,” according to CNN.
“I’m not telling people what to do or think, the government is doing a great job of that already,” Morrison said in a statement, per CNN. “It’s about freedom of choice. I believe people should have the right to think for themselves.”
The three songs the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame singer will be releasing are:
- “As I Walked Out — In this song, he lists specific dates on which the U.K. government changed guidance around the coronavirus.
- “Born to Be Free” — Morrison sings about the citizens of the U.K. having amnesia “trying to remember about the Berlin Wall.” However, he does not expand upon the issue.
- “No More Lockdown” — Morrison is the most vocal in this one, blatantly laying out his thoughts. Parts of the lyrics include, “No more government overreach,” “No more fascist bullies,” and “No more taking of our freedom.” Morrison claims that government officials are “pretending it's for our safety when it’s really to enslave,” according to Rolling Stone.
The health minister of Northern Ireland, Robin Swann, responded to Morrisons new songs telling BBC, “I don’t know where he gets his facts. I know where the emotions are on this, but I will say that sort of messaging is dangerous.”
The songs will be released in two-week intervals with the first song, “Born To Be Free” debuting on September 25, per BBC.