Freedom! '90
by George Michael
What is “Freedom! '90” really about?
If you’ve ever wondered what “Freedom! '90” by George Michael is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
George Michael's 'Freedom! '90' is a declaration of artistic and personal liberation, expressing the desire to break free from past constraints and societal expectations.
So… what’s this song really about?
In 'Freedom! '90', George Michael articulates a poignant narrative about the search for authenticity and self-realization against the pressures of fame and public image. The lyrics reflect a struggle between his public persona and his private desires, culminating in a powerful affirmation of independence and individual identity. This song serves not only as a personal liberation anthem but as a broader message about the importance of integrity and inner freedom in a superficial world.
The track boldly challenges the commodification of artists in the music industry, criticizing how public figures are often reduced to mere products. Michael emphasizes the transformative power of music and self-expression as tools for personal and artistic emancipation. His repeated plea for 'Freedom' resonates as a call to both himself and his listeners to embrace their true selves, untethered by the societal labels or past roles. This theme of rebirth and self-acceptance is universal, striking a chord with anyone who feels confined by external expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What inspired George Michael to write 'Freedom! '90'?
George Michael was inspired by his own experiences with fame and the desire to break away from his pop idol image.
Q: Is 'Freedom! '90' connected to Michael's earlier work with Wham!?
Yes, the song reflects on his career, including his time with Wham!, and marks a departure from his earlier pop image.
Lyrics to “Freedom! '90”
44 ContributorsFreedom! ’90 Lyrics
[Chorus]
All we have to do now
Is take these lies and make them true somehow
All we have to see
Is that I don't belong to you
And you don't belong to me (Yeah, Yeah!)
Freedom!
I won't let you down (Freedom!)
I will not give you up (Freedom!)
Gotta have some faith in the sound
(You got to give what you take)
It's the one good thing that I've got, (Freedom!)
I won't let you down (Freedom!)
So please don't give me up (Freedom!)
Cause I would really, really love to stick around (You got to give what you take)
[Verse 2]
Heaven knows we sure had some fun, boy
What a kick, just a buddy and me
(What a kick, just a buddy and me)
We had every big-shot goodtime band on the run, boy
We were living in a fantasy
We won the race, got out of the place
Went back home, got a brand new face for the boys on MTV
But today the way I play the game has got to change oh yeah (Oh, yeah)
Now I'm gonna get myself happy
[Pre-Chorus]
I think there's something you should know
I think it's time I stopped the show
There's something deep inside of me
There's someone I forgot to be
Take back your picture in a frame
Don’t think that I’ll be back again
I just hope you understand
Sometimes the clothes do not make the man
[Chorus]
All we have to do now
Is take these lies and make them true somehow
All we have to see
Is that I don't belong to you
And you don't belong to me (Yeah, Yeah!)
Freedom
I won't let you down (Freedom!)
I will not give you up, (Freedom!)
Gotta have some faith in the sound
(You got to give what you take)
It's the one good thing that I've got (Freedom!)
I won't let you down (Freedom!)
So please don't give me up (Freedom!)
Cause I would really, really love to stick around (You got to give what you take)
[Bridge]
Well it looks like the road to heaven
But it feels like the road to hell
When I knew which side my bread was buttered
I took the knife as well
Posing for another picture
Everybody's got to sell
But when you shake your ass
They notice fast
And some mistakes were built to last
That's what you get, that's what you get, that's what you get
I say that's what you get
I say that's what you get
That's what you get for changing your mind
And after all this time
I just hope you understand
Sometimes the clothes do not make the man
[Chorus]
All we have to do now (Oh, yeah)
Is take these lies and make them true somehow
All we have to see
Is that I don't belong to you
And you don't belong to me (Yeah, Yeah!)
Freedom! (Oh!)
Freedom!
(My) Freedom!
You got to give what you take!
Freedom!
I'll hold on to my (Freedom!)
My (Freedom!)
You got to give what you take! (You got to give what, to give what, to give what you take!)
[Outro]
Yeah!
You got to give what, to give what, to give
May not be what you want from me
Just the way it's got to be
Lose the face now
I've got to live