Jason Isbell to Perform Working Man's Anthem at Democratic National Convention
ICARO Media Group
On the first night of the Democratic National Convention, singer-songwriter Jason Isbell will take the stage to perform his powerful working man's anthem, "Something More Than Free." While the DNC's musical lineup had been kept under wraps, Isbell's upcoming appearance was inadvertently revealed during a live broadcast on CNN from the United Center in Chicago.
Isbell, known for his bold stance on important issues, has been relatively quiet on social media recently due to his busy touring schedule with his band, the 400 Unit. However, his support for the Kamala Harris/Tim Walz ticket is evident, as he expressed admiration for Walz's integrity in a post on the Threads platform.
The Alabama native, who just recently played for a massive crowd at Texas' AT&T Stadium, has been headlining amphitheaters throughout the summer. His concert at the Hollywood Bowl in late July received rave reviews.
"Something More Than Free," with its poignant lyrics, portrays freedom as both a privilege and a necessity for Americans. The song tells the story of a man who is tired from his work but grateful for the opportunity, even if it leaves him with little time to enjoy the rewards of his labor.
Isbell's connection to the song stems from a conversation with his father, who expressed a desire to attend church with their family but needed rest on his one day off work. This made Isbell reflect on the idea of being grateful for having a job but not being able to publicly demonstrate it. The song has become a recurring favorite in Isbell's live sets, performed in over 530 documented concerts.
While Isbell hasn't been vocal about Harris' Republican competitor, his distaste for Donald Trump is evident from his social media posts earlier this year. As the election draws closer, Isbell subtly urged his followers to consider voting for a candidate who can legally travel to countries like Canada and the UK.
Isbell's performance at the Democratic National Convention promises to be a powerful moment, with his poignant lyrics resonating with working-class Americans. Through his music, Isbell continues to shine a light on the struggles and aspirations of the everyday Joe, elevating their voices in the political conversation.
As the convention kicks off, Isbell's appearance serves as a reminder that music can be a powerful tool for expressing political convictions and rallying support for important causes.