I was listening to the folk-rock tune “Me and Bobbie McGee” the other day and got reflective and philosophical as a result of the lyrics (songs that reflect real-life can do sometimes do this).

In particular, I was struck by the line, “Freedom is just another word for nothin’ left to lose”.   It is a bit of an ironic statement but probably accurate.

Felliniesque

Through the sixties and seventies, the made-up term Felliniesque (fantastical or surreal) was coined as a reflection on the quality of movies directed by Italian Frederico Fellini.

Frederico’s distinctive style blended fantasy and baroque images with earthiness while still highly intelligent and thought-provoking.  It was from one of his stories the song “Me and Bobby McGee” arose.

Kristofferson

In the late sixties singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson wrote a song which he based on the last scene of Frederico Fellini’s movie “La Strada”

Kris wanted to create an emotional and moving ode to the sadness and despair apparent in the movie which was based on the simple concept that being free of emotional ties might be aspirational but ultimately it can lead to great sadness.