A song about freedom and unity has become the anthem of Iranians protesting over the repression of women and minorities across the country.

After the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested by the morality police for not following Iran’s dress code, widespread protests broke out.

After Ms Amini’s death Iranian singer Shervin Hajipour penned a protest song called ‘Baraye’, which means ‘for’ or ‘because of’, that was inspired by an internet meme which showed people explaining their reasons for protesting and wanting regime change.

And it is schoolgirls who are at the forefront of growing outrage, often using Hajipour’s song.

They have been protesting in their schools and the streets, chanting “women, life, freedom” while removing, waving, and burning their head coverings.

The song references several issues that are the subject of protest: worsening living conditions, women’s rights, children’s rights, the rights of refugees, environmental concerns, poverty, outdated social and outdated religious taboos, corruption and freedom of speech.

Hajipour was arrested and imprisoned for the writing of and performing of this song online.

First released on September 28, 2022, ‘Baraye’ became an instant hit and immediately turned into the unofficial anthem of the uprising.

In less than 48 hours, the song received about 40 million views until it was taken down from the platform following Hajipour’s arrest by the authorities on September 29.

The arrest sparked and internationally outcry, especially among musicians – including Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters – and Hajipour was eventually released on bail on October 4, 2022.

The Iran-based Society to Support Children claims that 28 children have been killed during the protests, most in Sistan and Baluchistan provinces.

Nine children have been named by human rights groups and media outlets as having been killed by security forces.

But the Iranian authorities continued repression appears to have fuelled further outrage mostly younger Iranians.

Videos circulated on social media show that in Saqez, the home of Mahsa Amini, hundreds of schoolgirls marched through the streets in protest.

Melbourne based Iranian community leader Nikeh Shariatian said the song had become an anthem because it summed up the feelings of many Iranians.

“Shervin’s song ‘Baraye’ became our anthem because in a few simple words he mentions all of the reasons that make our people dissatisfied with the regime, or in other words all the reasons why we need a regime change.” Ms Shariatian said. 

“For instance, freedom of speech, women’s rights, freedom of religion, human rights, poverty and many more,” she said.

“He used tweets all starting with ‘Baraye’ which means ‘for’ or ‘because of” followed by snapshots of these tweets to make his song. 

“In the snap shots you can see the happy family of Hamed Esmaeilion before his family was killed in the Ukranian flight PS752 which was shot by the Islamic regime of Iran. 

“You can see a little boy looking for food in a trash can and you can see Mahsa Amini’s photo.

“Iran is a very rich country with huge oil and gas resources, beautiful landscapes and very long history. Our country has been destroyed by this brutal regime in the past 43 years. 

“From one of the richest and happiest countries in the region we have become one of the poorest and unhappiest ones. I hope the song helps raise awareness about Iranian people’s demands,” Ms Shariatian said. 

Lyrics

For dancing in the allies and the streets
For the thrill and the fear of getting caught kissing
For my sister, my brother, and unity
For all the times we tried to change their minds and stale beliefs

For the loss of pride, for poverty
For the dream of just a normal life for you and me
For all the children who are starving for a loaf of bread

For the greed of politics and all the lies they spread
For all the mass-polluted air we breathe
For all the litter in the streets and all the dying trees
For all the animals who suffer from elimination
For all the cats and dogs who love us without no conditions

For all the tears that seem to never end

For all the images that keep on turning in our heads
For a simple smile, to last a little while
For the future generations fighting for their time
For empty promises of heaven in the after-life
For all the imprisonment of beautiful minds

For all the babies who are born and for the ones who died

For all the times you told the truth, and all the times you lied
For all the speeches that we heard about a million times
For all the shacks and shelters that were sold to make a dime

For just a glimpse of a peaceful life

For the rising of the sun after an endless night
For all the pills we pop just to get some sleep
For all mankind, and our country
For all the boys and girls who never knew equality

For woman, for life, liberty
For liberty
For liberty
For liberty

English version of the song:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lXDrBpnkJs