Jeff Mapstone - Free Air (official lyrics)

“Free Air” by Jeff Mapstone delves into the emotional journey of his late cousin Greg, who I called Uncle Greg, and his dealing with sorrow, desertion, and the quest for truth and sanctity. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of life’s treasures and the harsh realities that often accompany them, questioning why the young can’t be free and why his cousin Greg must flee, all while holding onto the belief that, somewhere, Greg can find free air. Symbolism of this can be found in the lyric “Now the truth is in your tree”, referring to Greg’s ashes being spread around a tree at his favourite spot.

The song reflects on the open-hearted nature of how Greg attracted friendships and the difficulty he faced seeing beyond the fantasy, and never being sceptical of a new friend’s motives, even though sometimes he ought to have been.

The imagery of a man with a white cane, a bearded tanner, and a watchmaker in Jeff’s dream adds a layer of surrealism and introspection. This dream sequence suggests a deeper meaning in the search for free air, possibly representing the struggles and obstacles one faces in life, and the ultimate goal of finding peace and freedom amidst life’s challenges.

The lyrics draw parallels to the inner thoughts and struggles of finding peace and freedom in personal relationships. They prompt reflection on whether the pursuit of something seemingly better is worth the potential harm to oneself and others. The song also highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing the present moment, rather than constantly seeking something more.

Overall, “Free Air” comments on the human condition, the struggles we face, and the barriers and road blocks we create for ourselves. It prompts me to reflect on my own motivations and consider the possibility of finding peace and unity instead of always striving for more, both in life and in intimate relationships. This song serves as a reminder to cherish the journey and the connections we make along the way. (Lee Mapstone, 2024)

Jeff Mapstone – Free Air

You felt sorrow and desertion
You knew bitterness and subversion
Now the truth is in your tree
did you find your sanctity?
Maybe there is somewhere,
you can find free air

You treated life as a treasure
But you saw truth in words of leisure
Why can’t the young be free?
Why must my cousin flee?
Believing somewhere,
you can find free air

Your open heart is like a dragnet
You attracted friendships like a magnet
and sometimes you couldn’t see,
beyond the fantasy
still believing somewhere,
you can find free air

Shoving past a man with a white cane,
naked and composed
A bearded tanner and a watchmaker
(watchmaker, watchmaker, watchmaker)
It’s a dream I once had,
and though it was quite sad,
there was a meaning in there
They couldn’t find free air

You had dreams of myth and fiction
You found peace in your addictions
The ashes settle on the ground
I hope you finally found,
that there is somewhere,
you can find free air
you can find free air