About the song
George Michael’s “Freedom! ’90” stands as a defining anthem of the 1990s, embodying a powerful message of self-liberation and defiance against the constraints of fame and the music industry. Released on October 30, 1990, this iconic track is a cornerstone of Michael’s second solo studio album, “Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1”. This song marked a significant turning point in Michael’s career, showcasing his desire to break free from the pop idol image that had defined him during his time with Wham! and his early solo work.
The significance of “Freedom! ’90” is multifaceted. On a personal level, the song reflects Michael’s struggle with his public persona and his quest for artistic integrity. The lyrics, “I think there’s something you should know / I think it’s time I told you so / There’s something deep inside of me / There’s someone else I’ve got to be,” highlight his internal conflict and his need to assert his true identity. By choosing not to appear in the music video and instead featuring supermodels lip-syncing to his lyrics, Michael made a bold statement about his desire to shift the focus from his image to his music.
“Freedom! ’90” also critiques the music industry’s commodification of artists. The repeated line, “Sometimes the clothes do not make the man,” underscores Michael’s rejection of the superficial aspects of fame. The song’s powerful declaration of independence resonated with many, making it a timeless anthem for self-expression and authenticity.
From a musical standpoint, “Freedom! ’90” is a masterful blend of funk, rock, and pop elements. The song’s infectious groove, driven by a prominent piano riff and dynamic percussion, showcases Michael’s versatility as a musician. His soulful vocals, full of passion and conviction, convey the song’s themes with remarkable depth. The production, handled by Michael himself, is polished yet retains a raw energy that enhances the song’s impact.
The societal influence of “Freedom! ’90” cannot be overstated. Released at a time when the music industry was dominated by image-conscious marketing, the song’s message of breaking free from manufactured personas was both timely and revolutionary. Michael’s decision to use supermodels like Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, and Cindy Crawford in the music video, directed by David Fincher, was a stroke of genius. The video became an iconic piece of pop culture, further amplifying the song’s message and securing its place in music history.
Moreover, “Freedom! ’90” has endured as a symbol of empowerment for subsequent generations. Its themes of self-liberation and authenticity continue to resonate, inspiring artists and listeners alike to embrace their true selves. The song’s legacy is evident in its continued relevance and popularity, as it is frequently covered and referenced in various media.
In conclusion, “Freedom! ’90” is more than just a song; it is a powerful declaration of independence and authenticity. George Michael’s bold artistic choices and poignant lyrics make it a standout track that transcends its era. Its message of liberation from the constraints of fame and the pursuit of true self-expression remains as compelling today as it was in 1990. “Freedom! ’90” is a testament to Michael’s enduring legacy as a visionary artist who was unafraid to challenge the status quo and stay true to his artistic vision.
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Lyrics
I won’t let you downI will not give you upGotta have some faith in the soundIt’s the one good thing that I’ve gotI won’t let you downSo please don’t give me upBecause I would really, really love to stick aroundOh, yeahHeaven knows I was just a young boyDidn’t know what I wanted to be (Didn’t know what I wanted to be)I was every little hungry schoolgirl’s pride and joyAnd I guess it was enough for me (And I guess it was enough for me)To win the race, a prettier faceBrand new clothes and a big fat placeOn your rock and roll TV (Rock and roll TV)But today the way I play the game is not the same, no wayThink I’m gonna get me some happyI think there’s something you should know(I think it’s time I told you so)There’s something deep inside of me(There’s someone else I’ve got to be)Take back your picture in a frame(Take back your singing in the rain)I just hope you understandSometimes the clothes do not make the manAll we have to do nowIs take these lies and make them true somehowAll we have to seeIs that I don’t belong to you and you don’t belong to me, yeah yeahFreedom (I won’t let you down)Freedom (I will not give you up)Freedom (Gotta have some faith in the sound)You’ve 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)You’ve got to give what you take (really love to stick around)Heaven knows we sure had some fun, boyWhat 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, boyWe were living in a fantasy (We were living in a fantasy)We won the race, got out of the placeWent back home, got a brand new face for the boys on MTV (Boys on MTV)But today the way I play the game has got to change, oh yeahNow I’m gonna get myself happyI 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 I be back again)I just hope you understandSometimes the clothes do not make the manAll we have to do nowIs take these lies and make them true somehowAll we have to seeIs that I don’t belong to you and you don’t belong to me, yeah yeahFreedom (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)You got to give what you take (really love to stick around)Well, it looks like the road to heavenBut it feels like the road to hellWhen I knew which side my bread was butteredI took the knife as wellPosing for another pictureEverybody’s got to sellBut when you shake your assThey notice fastAnd some mistakes were build to lastThat’s what you get(That’s what you get)I say that’s what you get(I say that’s what you get for changing your mind)That’s what you get for changing your mind(That’s what you get)(That’s what you get) And after all this timeI just hope you understandSometimes the clothes do not make the manAll we have to do nowIs take these lies and make them true somehowAll we have to seeIs that I don’t belong to youAnd you don’t belong to me, yeah yeahFreedom (Oh)Freedom(My) FreedomYou’ve gotta give for what you takeFreedom (I’ll hold on to my)Freedom(My) FreedomYou got to give what, to give what, give what you takeYeah!You got to give what, give to what, to giveMay not be what you want from meJust the way it’s got to beLose the face nowI’ve got to live