The closing song of the Kinks’ 1970 album, Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround. It shows the narrator breaking away from the music industry, longing to be free. It’s implied that he does get his freedom.
[Verse 1]
Hush little baby don't you cry
Soon the sun is going to shine
We're going to be free like the birds and the bees
Running wild across the big country
Got to be free to do what I want
Walk if I want, talk if I want
Got to be free to say what I want
Make what I want and play what I want
As free as the birds up in the sky
As free as the bugs and the spiders and flies
I don't know how but I'm gonna try
I've just got to be free
[Verse 2]
And it won't be long 'cause we are right
And they are wrong
Yeah, we've got to get out of this world somehow
We've got to be free, we've got to be free now
I've got to be free to laugh when I want
Think what I want and cry if I like
I've got to be free to do what I want
Say what I want and swear if I like
As free as the sun and the moon in the sky
As free as a flea or a proud butterfly
I don't know how but I'm gonna try
I've just got to be free
[Verse 3]
Yeah, we've got to get out of this world somehow
Yeah, we've got to be free, we've got to be free now
Got to be free to do what I want
Walk if I want and talk if I want
Got to be free to say what I want
Make what I want and play what I want
Well, I've got to be proud and stand up straight
And let people see I ain't nobody's slave
Well, and I've got to be free before it's too late
I've just got to be free
Well, I've got to be free to do what I want
Walk if I want, talk if I want
(Got to be free to say what I want)
(Make what I want and play what I want)
Got to Be Free was written by Ray Davies.
Got to Be Free was produced by Ray Davies.
The Kinks released Got to Be Free on Fri Nov 27 1970.