Wavin Flag by K'Naan
Wavin Flag: An Analysis
'Wavin Flag,' sung by K'naan is a free verse poem in the form of a song that was written by K'naan and Bruno Mars. This poem was written about the struggles faced by the Somalis based on K'naan's own experiences moving to Canada from Somalia but it can also be used for any person, problem or issue. The wonderful thing about this poem being a song is that it has a simple and easy but most importantly a catchy rhythm with lots of repetition. It was later adapted as the 2010 FIFA World Cup theme song but was changed to a more celebratory tone.
The poem speaks of a child who wants to escape his pitiful, miserable existence and create a new and successful life. His wish is constantly enforced throughout the entire song by similes and repetition. 'They'll call me freedom just like a wavin' flag,' constantly emphasizes the fact that it's more than just a dream, it will be the future.
The reason I chose this poem was because I absolutely love the message of this song. The message is all about putting aside our differences and being united but also getting along with each other and working together. It also highlights the issues of people not being able to chase after their dreams or don't have the courage to change their life for the better. This song is all about that confidence, chasing your dreams and being a better you in a better world. It challenges what people tell you about not being able to change things in an uncaring world and going above and beyond your class and label.
Everyone can be free, not just from their problems but also from their station in life, boring mundane life or just be free from life itself. This point is hit home hard through the simile, 'They'll call me freedom just like a waving flag.' What's so powerful about this simile is the comparison to a flag. Flags are more important than we think; they represent our nation, who we are, our pride and identity, a sign of dominance but most importantly freedom. We are free, we belong somewhere where no one can hurt us and that we are our own people. The flag is the ultimate sign of freedom in fact, it was such a symbol of freedom that when the British 'conquered' New Zealand, the Maoris would creep in the dead of the night and cut down the flagpole of the British. Everyday, the British would hoist a new flag but still there was a significance that the Maori wouldn't be conquered and the British wouldn't let this go unpunished.
The flag is what makes you believe he'll be free and the tone conveyed is hopeful for the future but most importantly, it's not naive. He understands and knows almost firsthand the darkness of humanity and our world. He knows the poverty, the pain and the bitterness at being part of a once great empire that has fallen to the point of seemingly no return. It's acknowledging that there are people who will try to stop you, people who won't believe and that the world isn't all daises and roses or sunshine and rainbows. There is a darkness that is accepted but it makes the song all the more believable and inspiring because this is life. There is light and darkness but we can still succeed.
The poem speaks of a child who wants to escape his pitiful, miserable existence and create a new and successful life. His wish is constantly enforced throughout the entire song by similes and repetition. 'They'll call me freedom just like a wavin' flag,' constantly emphasizes the fact that it's more than just a dream, it will be the future.
The reason I chose this poem was because I absolutely love the message of this song. The message is all about putting aside our differences and being united but also getting along with each other and working together. It also highlights the issues of people not being able to chase after their dreams or don't have the courage to change their life for the better. This song is all about that confidence, chasing your dreams and being a better you in a better world. It challenges what people tell you about not being able to change things in an uncaring world and going above and beyond your class and label.
Everyone can be free, not just from their problems but also from their station in life, boring mundane life or just be free from life itself. This point is hit home hard through the simile, 'They'll call me freedom just like a waving flag.' What's so powerful about this simile is the comparison to a flag. Flags are more important than we think; they represent our nation, who we are, our pride and identity, a sign of dominance but most importantly freedom. We are free, we belong somewhere where no one can hurt us and that we are our own people. The flag is the ultimate sign of freedom in fact, it was such a symbol of freedom that when the British 'conquered' New Zealand, the Maoris would creep in the dead of the night and cut down the flagpole of the British. Everyday, the British would hoist a new flag but still there was a significance that the Maori wouldn't be conquered and the British wouldn't let this go unpunished.
The flag is what makes you believe he'll be free and the tone conveyed is hopeful for the future but most importantly, it's not naive. He understands and knows almost firsthand the darkness of humanity and our world. He knows the poverty, the pain and the bitterness at being part of a once great empire that has fallen to the point of seemingly no return. It's acknowledging that there are people who will try to stop you, people who won't believe and that the world isn't all daises and roses or sunshine and rainbows. There is a darkness that is accepted but it makes the song all the more believable and inspiring because this is life. There is light and darkness but we can still succeed.