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

John Waite

John WaiteSongwriter Interviews

"Missing You" was a spontaneous outpouring of emotion triggered by a phone call. John tells that story and explains what MTV meant to his career.

Charlie Daniels

Charlie DanielsSongwriter Interviews

Charlie discusses the songs that made him a Southern Rock icon, and settles the Devil vs. Johnny argument once and for all.

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")Songwriter Interviews

A top country songwriter, Barry talks about writing hits for Little Big Town, Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean.

Director Nick Morris ("The Final Countdown")

Director Nick Morris ("The Final Countdown")Song Writing

Nick made some of the biggest videos on MTV, including "The Final Countdown," "Heaven" and "Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)."

John Kay of Steppenwolf

John Kay of SteppenwolfSongwriter Interviews

Steppenwolf frontman John Kay talks about "Magic Carpet Ride," "Born To Be Wild," and what he values more than awards and accolades.

Supertramp founder Roger Hodgson

Supertramp founder Roger HodgsonSongwriter Interviews

Roger tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits, including "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home" and "The Logical Song."