Released roughly around the same time as the Privilege soundtrack, this version of “Free Me” differs from the album version with a faster tempo, a less reverb-heavy sound, a string arrangement, and alternate lyrics with a fadeout as opposed to the album version’s cold ending.
[Verse 1]
I see it all before me
My past of restless wonder
My days and nights of torment
A world of misery
The bonds of retribution
Now laid so carefully
I cannot shed my pain
So easily
[Chorus]
My spirit’s broken
No will to live
My body’s all aching
My hands are tied
I need my freedom
Not your sympathy
Look, you needn’t love me
Just set me free
Come on, please set me free
Set me free
[Verse 2]
Is there a way out for me?
I kneel before you, helpless
Is there somebody out there
To take a chance on me?
I don’t pretend to virtue
I don’t ask anything
But if you want to help me
My freedom’s everything, now
[Alternate Chorus]
My spirit’s broken
No will to live
My body’s all aching
My hands are tied
And if you want to help me
Please tell me if you can
What good is retribution
Without a helping hand?
[Outro]
I need my freedom
Not your sympathy
Look, you needn’t love me
But please, set me free...
Free Me (Single Version) was written by Mark London & Mike Leander.
Free Me (Single Version) was produced by John Burgess.