Free Software Song

From Infogalactic: the planetary knowledge core
Jump to: navigation, search

Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

"Free Software Song"
Single by Richard M. Stallman
Released  1993 (1993-MM)
Genre Filk, folk
Writer(s) Richard M. Stallman
File:30C3 Free Software Song 2.jpg
MQuintus performing the Free Software Song along with the audience at German hackerconference 30C3

The Free Software Song is a filk propaganda song by Richard M. Stallman about free software. The song is set to the melody of the Bulgarian "Sadi Moma".

A version of this song is also performed by a band (the GNU/Stallmans) during the credits of the documentary Revolution OS. In 1998, Matt Loper recorded a techno version of the song.[1] Jono Bacon also recorded a death metal version of the song,[2] and the band Fenster recorded a rhythmic version.[3] In addition, there is a Spanish pop punk version recorded by ALEC,[4] and a Rick Astley mashup.

A version is used in the free software karaoke video game Sinatra.[5]

Lyrics

Join us now and share the software;
You'll be free, hackers, you'll be free.
Join us now and share the software;
You'll be free, hackers, you'll be free.
Hoarders can get piles of money,
That is true, hackers, that is true.
But they cannot help their neighbors;
That's not good, hackers, that's not good.
When we have enough free software
At our call, hackers, at our call,
We'll kick out those dirty licenses
Ever more, hackers, ever more.
Join us now and share the software;
You'll be free, hackers, you'll be free.
Join us now and share the software;
You'll be free, hackers, you'll be free.

The lyrics have been placed in the public domain.[3]

Note: the audio-only recording on this page has slightly different lyrics, indicated in brackets below:

(Line 5) Hoarders [may]...
(Line 11) We'll [throw] out...

Additional Verses

In the spirit of free software, supporters are invited to write additional verses to the song.

Don't trade freedom for convenience;
Don't be slaves, hackers, don't be slaves.
Take the shackles off our systems;
Set us free, hackers, set us free.
Help us spread free software to the world;
Sharing is good, hackers, sharing's good.
Take the time to help each other;
Let's unite, hackers, let's unite.
All those who think knowledge should be free;
Now stand tall, hackers, now stand tall.
Now's the time to come together;
Stand as one, hackers, stand as one.

References

  1. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. Sinatra Homepage Archived May 7, 2011 at the Wayback Machine

External links