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Thoughts Are Free! [Die Gedanken Sind Frei]

by David W. Oaks — last modified 2008-05-05 18:14

Here are the lyrics in English to a famous song that historians believe originated hundreds of years ago in 16th century peasant rebelions in Germany. This anthem calls for free thought, free speech and free minds! The title and chorus line "Die gedanken sind frei" roughly translates into "Thoughts Are Free!" There are different versions, this one was sung by Pete Seeger (available via iTunes). For background information on this song just google the words Die gedanken sind frei. (Include the words 'midi' or 'mp3' to download the tune.) [updated 5 May 2008]

Die Gedanken Sind Frei [Thoughts Are Free]

Die gedanken sind frei

My thoughts freely flower

Die gedanken sind frei

My thoughts give me power

No scholar can map them

No hunter can trap them

No one can deny

Die gedanken sind frei

I think as I please

And this gives me pleasure

My conscience decrees

This right I must treasure

My thoughts do not cater

To duke or dictator

No one can deny

Die gedanken sind frei

And if tyrants take me

And throw me in prison

My thoughts will burst free

Like blossoms in season

Foundations will crumble

The structures they tumble

And freely we cry

Die gedanken sind frei

Free people will cry

Die gedanken sind frei!

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Jim Gottstein of PsychRights

Jim Gottstein is a psychiatric survivor who is also a Harvard-trained attorney, and founder of MindFreedom Sponsor Group PsychRights. Jim blew the whistle on Eli Lilly by releasing their secret documents about the psychiatric drug Zyprexa to The New York Times. Jim is also president of National Association of Rights Protection and Advocacy (NARPA) a founding Sponsor Group of MFI.

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