‘Watchtower’: A Pensive Yet Hopeful Fight Between Daylight And Shadows

Debuting in 2018, Charlie Freeman never fails to provide his fans with an authentic, infectious sound that captivates listeners worldwide. After the release of this first album ‘Truth’, Freeman was named the BBC featured artist of the week and he simply catapulted from there, creating more tracks and gaining appreciation in the world of music. 

As a man of many talents including acting in Netflix and short films, Freeman has this unique sense of self that floods each and every endeavour he partakes in, something that is reflected above all else in his music. No matter the track, no matter the album, there is always a strand of himself within his instrumentals and lyrics allowing for an original, indisputably excellent piece of music. 

His debut adventure takes us on a journey through the album ‘Truth’, with the single ‘Watchtower’ being a testament to his talent. He begins with a mellow, steady beat, building up the clear, melodious relationship between the guitar and the drums. After a few moments, he introduces a harmonica to bring a well-rounded, unique, and somewhat melancholic vibe to the song: a gateway to the pensive and gloomy lyrics he initially sings. Utilising the images of daylight versus moonlight in his language, listeners are allowed an insight into the respective joy and sorrow each represents. “Waiting on the moonlight to turn this into day” clearly expresses a certain desire to escape from darkness, within society and oneself, and delve into a joyous livelihood in sunshine and clarity. This image of waiting and hoping allows the track to embark further on its contemplative tone, one that the listener can sway and sing along to. 

As the song progresses, Freeman sings “Shine bright for me / Brighten up my darkest hour, my Watchtower”. This not only finds its root in the melody from the beginning, giving the track that continuous and meditative tone, but also allows listeners to sympathise with the desperation and all-consuming desire for a person or feeling to bring one through the palace of darkness to one of light. 

As each word is musically drawn out, emphasised, and passionately sung, there is a real sense of an intense fight for a “light to shine on” the subject. Repeated many times between the middle and the end of the song, this idea is central to the understanding of the track and its message of resilience. There is no giving up even in the darkest of places. There is simply an understanding of the imminent passing of gloom into joy; the day will always follow the night. Reaching the end of the single sees a decreasing volume but a continuous devotion to the message of hope as fans are encouraged to close their eyes and imagine the light in which they look forward, acknowledging its inevitability despite the woes of society. 

Abby Tapping 

@abs.tapp75

Image: ‘Truth’ Official Album Cover

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