Arends began her career as a songwriter at Benson Music Publishing. In 1995, Carolyn began touring and releasing albums as a singer and guitarist. Her debut release that year (I Can Hear You) was released through Reunion Records. "I Can Hear You" reached number 37 on Billboard Magazine's Contemporary Christian Chart in 1996. "Feel Free" peaked at number 10 on the chart in 1997. More recently her albums have been distributed by Signpost Music (Steve Bell's label). She is the winner of two Gospel Music Association Dove Awards and six GMA Canada Covenant Awards. Carolyn co-hosted the 29th Annual Covenant Awards in 2007.
Her website is www.carolynarends.com
Feel Free
Carolyn Arends Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Speak your mind before you think
Wear your shoes inside my house
Wear my clothes and wear me out
You can lose your head or spill your guts
I'm your friend, I'm not your judge
Feel free to wonder why
Feel free to dance or grieve
You are safe when you're with me, feel free
You can change your plans or change your mind
A million, billion, trillion times
Raise the roof or pound the door
Climb the walls or hit the floor
You can run with scissors if you must
But it'd be better if you just
Feel free to laugh or cry
Feel free to wonder why
Feel free to dance or grieve
You are safe when you're with me, feel free
To pray or scream or say or dream
Anything you want to
To tell me every secret thing
About the ghosts that haunts you
To pray or scream or say or dream
Anything you want to
To tell me every secret thing
About the ghosts that haunts you
And you can open up your closet wide
There's no skeleton inside
Worse than ones I call my own
Rest assured you're not alone
And together we can face that stuff
Till at long last both of us
Feel free to laugh or cry
Feel free to wonder why
Feel free to dance or grieve
You are safe when you're with me
Feel free to laugh or cry
Feel free to wonder why
Feel free to dance or grieve
You are safe when you're with me, feel free
Don't question when you're with me, feel free, feel free
You are safe when you're with me, feel free, feel free
In Carolyn Arends's "Feel Free," the singer is expressing the depth of her friendship and the complete acceptance that comes with it. The opening lines, "You can fill my crosswords in with ink / Speak your mind before you think / Wear your shoes inside my house / Wear my clothes and wear me out," express the kind of relaxed atmosphere that comes with knowing someone so well that they are extended family rather than just a friend. The singer understands that sometimes people make mistakes, say things they regret, or feel ashamed, but she affirms that they need not fear censure or ridicule. The lines, "You can run with scissors if you must / But it'd be better if you just," portrays the singer's willingness to allow her friend to make their own decisions while gently guiding them in the right direction.
The chorus emphasizes this sense of freedom and acceptance. The list of actions that are permissible encapsulates the full range of human emotions from laughter to grief and everything in between. The singer emphasizes several times throughout the song, "You are safe when you're with me," which underscores the idea that the friend does not have to put on a facade, hide their struggles or feel like they must perform. The singer extends unconditional love to their friend, willing to listen without judging, to hear their secrets without condemnation, and to face their fears with empathy. The closing lines, "Don't question when you're with me, feel free, feel free / You are safe when you're with me, feel free, feel free," capture the essence of this song, encapsulating unconditional friendship and the safety and freedom that allows.
Line by Line Meaning
You can fill my crosswords in with ink
You are free to express yourself and fill my life with your unique perspective
Speak your mind before you think
I value honest communication and encourage you to speak your truth without fear of judgment
Wear your shoes inside my house
You are welcome and accepted in my space just as you are, without judgment or pretense
Wear my clothes and wear me out
You are free to be yourself and make yourself at home in my presence
You can lose your head or spill your guts
You are free to be vulnerable and open with me. I will support you, not criticize you.
I'm your friend, I'm not your judge
I am here for you without judgment or criticism, as a friend who loves and accepts you unconditionally
Feel free to laugh or cry
Your emotions are valid and you are free to express them
Feel free to wonder why
I support your curiosity and encourage you to explore and question the world around you
Feel free to dance or grieve
You are free to express yourself through movement, whether in joy or in sorrow
You are safe when you're with me, feel free
You can trust me to support and protect you, so you can feel free to be yourself without fear of harm or rejection
You can change your plans or change your mind
You are free to change your mind or your plans without fear of disapproval or negative consequences
A million, billion, trillion times
You are free to change your mind as many times as you need without judgment or criticism
Raise the roof or pound the door
You are free to express yourself in any way you need to when things get intense
Climb the walls or hit the floor
You are free to release your energy and emotions in any way you need to
You can run with scissors if you must
You are free to take risks and make mistakes without judgment or criticism, but I encourage you to be careful
But it'd be better if you just
I want you to be safe and avoid unnecessary risks, but I also trust you to make your own choices
To pray or scream or say or dream
You are free to express your deepest thoughts, hopes, fears, and desires in any way that helps you
Anything you want to
You have the freedom to express yourself in any way that feels authentic and natural to you
To tell me every secret thing
I am a trusted confidant who values your privacy and supports your need to share your secrets
About the ghosts that haunts you
You are free to share your deepest fears and regrets with me, and I will support and understand you
And you can open up your closet wide
You are free to share your innermost thoughts and feelings with me without hiding anything
There's no skeleton inside
I will not judge you or hold your past mistakes against you, as we all have skeletons in our closet
Worse than ones I call my own
I have made mistakes and faced pain in my life too, so I understand and empathize with your struggles
Rest assured you're not alone
You can rely on my support and understanding, as you are not alone in your struggles and fears
And together we can face that stuff
We are in this together, and I am here to support and help you through your struggles and fears
Till at long last both of us
We will face our struggles and fears together until we both reach a place of healing and peace
Don't question when you're with me, feel free, feel free
You can be fully yourself with me, without questioning or doubting your own worth or value
You are safe when you're with me, feel free, feel free
My love and support create a safe space for you to be completely yourself and express yourself freely
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Donna Earwood
I've loved this album for years now. That line about the scissors is a scream! I really love New Year's Day, Do What You Do and Father, Thy Will Be Done too. All of them really. When I first got the CD I went to a tennis tournament in Hilton Head, SC. So when I hear it sometimes it gets Carolina on my mind, sorry someone else's song.
Carolyn Arends
Ha! Love it!
Maverick
This reminded me of how my Lord wants me to feel when we're together. He watches over me, and is always at my side. "I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me." (Psalm 16:8 NLT).
Carolyn Arends
Oh, yes. How great that you have this sort of friendship with God.
Steph Wade
This was always one of my favorite songs to rock out to of yours!
Carolyn Arends
Rock on, Steph!
Dee Comte
Love this song (first time for me hearing it).❤Congrats on the 25th anniversary of your 'Feel Free' album!! 🎉🎉
Carolyn Arends
Thanks, Dee!
Tom Klock
This is so great Carolyn! Thanks!
Carolyn Arends
Thanks, Tom!