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

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Emmylou Harris

Emmylou HarrisSongwriter Interviews

She thinks of herself as a "song interpreter," but back in the '80s another country star convinced Emmylou to take a crack at songwriting.

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"They're Playing My Song

With the band in danger of being dropped from their label, Alice Cooper drummer Neal Smith co-wrote the song that started their trek from horror show curiosity to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.