Introduction
Elvis Presley – I Want To Be Free
“I Want to Be Free” is a song written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, and first recorded by Elvis Presley on May 3, 1957, at the soundtrack recordings for the MGM movie Jailhouse Rock. It was released on the soundtrack EP Jailhouse Rock in 1957.
The song is a powerful plea for freedom, and it has been interpreted in many different ways over the years. Some people see it as a protest against social and political oppression, while others see it as a more personal expression of the desire to be free to live one’s life on one’s own terms.
Presley’s performance of the song is electrifying, and his vocals are full of passion and emotion. The song has become one of his most popular and enduring recordings, and it continues to resonate with listeners today.
History of the song
Leiber and Stoller wrote “I Want to Be Free” in 1957, specifically for Elvis Presley. They had been working with Presley since 1956, and they had written some of his biggest hits up to that point, including “Hound Dog” and “Love Me Tender.”
Leiber and Stoller were inspired to write the song by the political climate of the time. The United States was in the midst of the Cold War, and there was a great deal of social and political unrest. Leiber and Stoller wanted to write a song that would express the desires of people all over the world for freedom and peace.
Presley recorded “I Want to Be Free” on May 3, 1957, at the soundtrack recordings for the MGM movie Jailhouse Rock. The song was released on the soundtrack EP Jailhouse Rock in 1957.
Interpretation of the song
“I Want to Be Free” has been interpreted in many different ways over the years. Some people see it as a protest against social and political oppression, while others see it as a more personal expression of the desire to be free to live one’s life on one’s own terms.
In the context of the movie Jailhouse Rock, the song can be seen as a cry for freedom from prison. The movie tells the story of Vince Everett (Presley), a young man who is sent to prison for manslaughter. While in prison, Vince becomes a successful singer and performer. However, he longs for freedom and the chance to start a new life.
On a more personal level, the song can be seen as an expression of the desire to be free from all kinds of constraints, whether they be social, political, or personal. The song is a powerful plea for the freedom to live one’s life to the fullest.
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Lyrics
There’s no joy in my heart,
only sorrow
And I’m sad
as a man can be
I sit alone in the darkness
of my lonely room
And this room
is a prison to meI look at window
and what to I see
I see a bird
way up in the tree
I want to be free free
Free – ee – ee – ee
I want to be free
like the bird in the treeWhat good are my eyes,
they can’t see you
And my arms,
they can’t hold so tight
I have two lips
that are yearning,
but they’re no good to me
Cause I know I can’t kiss you tonightI look at window
and what to I see
I see a bird
way up in the tree
I want to be free free
Free – ee – ee – ee
I want to be free
like the bird in the tree
I want to be free
like the bird in the tree