Devon Gilfillian – “Ways To Go” | Philly Anthems

For America’s 250th anniversary, we asked 12 artists what independence means to them. The result: WXPN Philly Anthems.

Delco-born musician Devon Gilfillian answers in his song “Ways To Go.” He told us this song is “about what I hope for this country… We really have come a long way, but we have still not reckoned with our country’s ugly past.”

Video footage from Devon Gilfillian’s performance at the 2026 XPoNential Music Festival.

Lyrics:
When I was young in school we sang about the free
About a brotherhood from sea to shining sea
But father told me a different story I believe
Of people fighting for their rights and singing in the streets
Its in the past you say
I don’t believe it
The pain, the joy, the hope it stays,
I still feel it
My father’s words are echoing
You’re not alone
Truth is loud, love is strong
A change is gonna come

Chorus:
Oh, I can hear it now
No, it won’t be longer
Freedom ringing loud
We can make it stronger
And we’ve come a long way
We got a long way to go
But we’ll make it. Yes, I know

The winds of justice, picking up and blowing strong
You might not see it, but it can lift up any stone
Erasing what was won by drawing up their lines
I’d like to see them try cause you know love you can’t divide

Chorus:
Oh, I can hear it now
No, it won’t be longer
Freedom ringing loud
We can make it stronger
And we’ve come a long way
We got a long way to go
But we’ll make it yes I know

We gon’ make it
We gon’ make it
We gon’ make it
We gon’ make it
We gon’ make it
We gon’ make it
We gon’ make it yea

Oh I can hear it now
No, it won’t be longer
Freedom ringing loud
We can make it stronger
And we’ve come a long way
We got a long way to go
But we’ll make it yes I know

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