Opening our list of the Top 10 Rock Songs About Being Free is Sting’s “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free,” a song that captures the liberating essence of the 1980s with both lyrical depth and infectious grooves. Released in June 1985 as the lead single from his debut solo album, The Dream of the Blue Turtles, this track signaled Sting’s departure from the more rigid sound of The Police, embracing a broader musical landscape that incorporated jazz, pop, and rock elements.
Recorded at Blue Wave Studio in St. Philip, Barbados, in early 1985, “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free” was produced by Sting himself, alongside Pete Smith. The song’s recording featured an impressive lineup of musicians: Branford Marsalis on saxophone, Kenny Kirkland on keyboards, Darryl Jones on bass, and Omar Hakim on drums. This ensemble brought a distinctively rich and textured sound to the track, blending Sting’s rock roots with a newfound jazz flair.
Lyrically, “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free” stands out as an anthem of emotional liberation, rejecting the notion of possessiveness in relationships. With a repetitive and hypnotic chorus—”Free-free, set them free”—Sting drives home a message of love that thrives on independence rather than ownership. The lyrics, “If you wanna keep something precious / Gotta lock it up and throw away the key,” reflect a realization that freedom, rather than confinement, is essential to genuine love. The song’s philosophical stance is underscored by its upbeat tempo and an arrangement that balances a sense of lightness with undeniable urgency. By marrying his contemplative lyrics with vibrant musicality, Sting not only created a song that resonated with listeners but also showcased his evolution as a solo artist willing to push creative boundaries.
Critically, “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free” was met with widespread acclaim. The track quickly climbed the charts, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching the top 10 in several other countries. Its accompanying music video, which features Sting performing against a bright, surreal backdrop, effectively captures the song’s spirit of freedom and individuality. Directed by Godley & Creme, the video utilizes innovative editing techniques and vivid colors to mirror the song’s lively energy and dynamic sound. It further solidified Sting’s position as a solo artist capable of delivering hits that were both commercially viable and artistically significant.
As the opening track in this list of rock songs about freedom, “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free” sets the tone for an exploration of liberation in its many forms.
Nestled in the heart of Grand Funk Railroad’s 1970 album Survival is “I Want Freedom,” a fierce declaration of independence that resonates with the disillusionment of the early 1970s. This track, written by frontman Mark Farner, captures the essence of a band that thrived on raw energy and unapologetic expression. Recorded at Cleveland Recording Company in Cleveland, Ohio, during the winter of 1970-1971, and produced by Terry Knight, the song reflects Grand Funk’s signature blend of hard rock and blues. The lineup—Mark Farner on guitar and vocals, Mel Schacher on bass, and Don Brewer on drums—delivers a driving, gritty performance that underscores the urgency of the song’s message.
“I Want Freedom” channels a deep sense of frustration with societal constraints, offering a stark contrast to the more polished, radio-friendly rock songs of its time. The lyrics paint a picture of a man yearning for the true sense of liberty promised to him—“I want freedom, the kind that they promised me / Just for livin’ in this country.” Farner’s vocals, delivered with a mix of soulful intensity and raw emotion, reflect the sentiments of many who felt betrayed by the unfulfilled promises of a generation that had hoped for more. The chorus, “Just let me take it, my mind can’t make it without… / I can’t take it, said I just can’t make it,” captures the desperation and urgency of a person who finds themselves at odds with the system, yearning for an escape that seems increasingly out of reach.
While “I Want Freedom” did not chart as a single, its impact within the context of Survival and Grand Funk Railroad’s live performances was undeniable. The song quickly became a favorite among fans who resonated with its message of rebellion and the desire for a deeper sense of autonomy. Critical reception of Survival was mixed at the time, with some critics dismissing it as heavy-handed, but over the years, the album and the track have garnered a more appreciative audience, seen as a powerful statement of its era. The song’s raw, unfiltered emotion and straightforward lyrics are emblematic of Grand Funk’s approach, a band that never shied away from addressing the concerns of the common people, always with a loud, defiant voice.
In the context of our list of Top 10 Rock Songs About Being Free, “I Want Freedom” stands out for its unvarnished sincerity. While Sting’s “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free” and Queen’s “I Want to Break Free” take a more polished, radio-friendly approach to the idea of freedom, Grand Funk Railroad’s track is all grit and determination. It is a reminder of the rugged, unapologetic spirit that runs through the veins of classic rock—an anthem for those who won’t settle for anything less than the real deal.