Introduction:
In 1957, a pivotal year in the development of rock and roll, a young and charismatic Elvis Presley entered the recording studio to lay down tracks for his upcoming film, Jailhouse Rock. While the movie’s soundtrack would be bursting with energetic rock numbers that would propel Presley further into superstardom, it also featured a hidden gem: the gospel-infused ballad “I Want To Be Free”.
“I Want To Be Free” wasn’t released as a single and therefore didn’t climb the charts like Presley’s other hits of the era. However, the song’s powerful message and soulful delivery resonated with fans, earning it a place as a beloved album cut and a significant piece of Presley’s musical evolution. The song was produced by Sam Phillips, the legendary founder of Sun Records who had discovered Presley just a few years earlier. Phillips had recognized Presley’s raw talent and potential and had been instrumental in launching his career.
“I Want To Be Free” stands out from the rest of the Jailhouse Rock soundtrack with its gospel roots and its emotional depth. The song’s lyrics express a yearning for liberation, a theme that would become increasingly prominent in Presley’s music. While some interpretations focus on a literal yearning for freedom, perhaps from the constraints of societal expectations, others find a deeper spiritual longing within the lyrics. This ambiguity allows listeners to connect with the song on a personal level, making it all the more impactful.
The music behind Presley’s vocals in “I Want To Be Free” is equally captivating. The piano lays down a soulful foundation, while the backing vocals, provided by the Jordanaires, add a layer of gospel-inspired harmony. Presley himself delivers a powerful and nuanced vocal performance. He showcases both his signature power and a surprising vulnerability, allowing the emotional core of the song to shine through.
“I Want To Be Free” may not be one of Presley’s most commercially successful songs, but its influence and significance cannot be understated. The song is a testament to Presley’s versatility as a musician and his ability to deliver a moving ballad alongside his electrifying rock and roll anthems. It also serves as a stepping stone between the gospel roots of his early Sun recordings and the rebellious rock spirit that would define his later career. For fans and music historians alike, “I Want To Be Free” remains a cherished gem within the vast Presley catalog.
Video:
Lyrics:
There’s no joy in my heart,Only sorrowAnd I’m sadAs a man can beI sit alone in the darknessOf my lonely roomAnd this roomIs a prison to me
I look at windowAnd what to I seeI see a birdWay up in the treeI want to be free freeFreeI want to be freeLike the bird in the tree
What good are my eyes,They can’t see youAnd my arms,They can’t hold so tightI have two lipsThat are yearning,But they’re no good to meCause I know I can’t kiss you tonight
I look at windowAnd what to I seeI see a birdWay up in the treeI want to be free freeFreeI want to be freeLike the bird in the treeI want to be freeLike the bird in the tree