By the early 1970s, Free was one of the biggest-selling British blues rock groups; by the time the band dissolved in 1973, they had sold more than 20 million albums around the world and had played more than 700 arena and festival concerts. "All Right Now," remains a rock staple, and had been entered into ASCAP's "One Million" airplay singles club.
Rolling Stone has referred to the band as "British hard rock pioneers". The magazine ranked Rodgers No. 55 in its list of the "100 Greatest Singers of All Time", while Kossoff was ranked No. 51 in its list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time".
Free were signed to Island Records in the UK and A&M Records in North America. Both labels became part of the PolyGram group in 1989, then Universal Music Group in 1998; UMG now controls the band's catalogue worldwide.
Most remarkable about the birth of Free was the young age of the band members who came together to rehearse and play their first gig on the evening of 19 April 1968 at the Nag's Head pub, which was at the junction of York Road and Lavender Road in Battersea, London. Bass player Andy Fraser was 15 years old, lead guitarist Paul Kossoff was 17, and both lead singer Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke were 18. By November of that year, having been given the name Free by Alexis Korner, they had recorded their first album Tons Of Sobs for Island Records and, although it was not released until the following year, the album documents their first six months together and contains studio renditions of much of their early live set.
Paul Kossoff and Simon Kirke first became friends in the R&B band Black Cat Bones but they wanted to move on. Paul Kossoff saw vocalist Paul Rodgers singing with Brown Sugar while visiting the Fickle Pickle, an R&B club in London's Finsbury Park. He was immediately impressed and asked if he could jam with Rodgers onstage. Along with Kirke, they began the search for a fourth member. Alexis Korner recommended Andy Fraser to the band, who at the age of 15 had already been playing with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. Korner also provided the name "Free" the newly formed band
Unlike their previous albums Tons of Sobs and Free, Fire and Water, released in 1970, was a huge success, largely due to the album containing the hit single "All Right Now", which reached No. 1 on the UK rock music charts, No. 2 on the UK singles chart and No. 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album reached No. 2 in the UK charts and No. 17 on the U.S charts making it the most successful Free album. "All Right Now" became a No. 1 hit in over 20 territories and recognized by ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) in 1990 for garnering 1,000,000 plus radio plays in the US by late 1989, and in 2000 an award was given to Paul Rodgers by the British Music Industry when "All Right Now" passed 2,000,000 radio plays in the UK.
Highway was their fourth studio album, recorded extremely quickly in September 1970. Highway performed poorly in the charts, reaching No. 41 in the UK and No. 190 in the US.
In 1971, due to differences between singer Paul Rodgers and bassist Andy Fraser, the drug problems of guitarist Paul Kossoff, and inconsistent record sales, the band broke up. This led to the release of the live album called Free Live!. Early in 1972 the band set aside their differences and reformed in an effort to save Kossoff from his growing drug addiction, and in June of the same year released Free at Last.
But all was not well with the band. Bassist Andy Fraser left the band in mid-1972 due to Paul Kossoff's unreliability in being able to perform at shows or even showing up. The remaining members recruited Japanese bass player Tetsu Yamauchi and keyboardist John "Rabbit" Bundrick, who had worked with Kossoff and Kirke during Free's initial split, recording Kossoff, Kirke, Tetsu and Rabbit and what would be Free's final album, Heartbreaker. Kossoff was replaced by Wendell Richardson in 1973, but shortly thereafter Free disbanded with Rodgers and Kirke going on to form Bad Company that same year. Fraser went on to form the band Sharks and later The Andy Fraser Band, and Kossoff formed the band Back Street Crawler.
With Kossoff in better health again in late 1975, he was delighted that ex-colleagues Rodgers and Kirke asked him to join them on stage for two nights. A British tour was set to begin on 25 April 1976 with Back Street Crawler headlining with Bad Company in support of Back Street Crawler's second album, but again Kossoff's drug addictions contributed to a drastic decline in the guitarist's health. On a flight from Los Angeles to New York City on 19 March 1976, Paul Kossoff died from drug-related heart problems at the age of 25. After parting with Bad Company in 1982 Rodgers went on to explore the heavy blues stylings of Free again in his solo career during the 1980s and 1990s, and in the bands The Firm and The Law.
More recently Rodgers has joined the remaining members of Queen (Brian May and Roger Taylor), as vocalist. In September 2008, Queen + Paul Rodgers released their first studio album The Cosmos Rocks. Rodgers also performs Free and Bad Company songs whilst on tour with Queen, in addition to the traditional Queen songs and new cuts from their most recently released album. Currently, Rodgers and Kirke are once again on tour with Bad Company.
Andy Fraser died on 16 March 2015.
Personnel Members
Classic lineup
Andy Fraser - bass, piano (1968–1971, 1972; died 2015)
Simon Kirke - drums (1968–1971, 1972–1973)
Paul Kossoff - guitar (1968–1971, 1972–1973; died 1976)
Paul Rodgers - lead vocals, piano (1968–1971, 1972–1973)
Later members
John "Rabbit" Bundrick - keyboards (1972–1973)
Tetsu Yamauchi - bass (1972–1973)
Wendell Richardson - guitar (1973)
Discography :
1969 Tons of Sobs
1969 Free
1970 Fire and Water
1970 Highway
1972 Free at Last
1973 Heartbreaker
2) Free is a hardcore band
3) Free consists of four of the final five Have Heart members - Patrick Flynn, Kei Yasui, Shawn Costa, and Ryan Hudon - in addition to the band's 2009 bassist, Austin Stemper. On November 29, 2015, the group released a four-track, self-titled demo recorded by Trevor Vaughan (Sex Positions, Soul Control) in their home of New Bedford, MA.
Child
Free Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Painted on your garden wall
It's not there at all
Child you're talking of wisdom
You say wisdom is a golden rule
You ain't no fool
But you don't know who it is
In the light of the golden moon
You don't know who it is who brought you here
And chained up your heart
So soon
Child you're life is a fairytale
And it's not the same
And the clouds
You're hiding behind
In your misty mind have disappeared
Like a sailor far from the shores of your dreams
And far from the love of your home
Sailor lost on your own misty seas
And the chains on your heart, baby
Might be my love
Might be my love
It's so confusing
And you feel that you're loosing yourself
But, there over the mountain
You thought you'd never have to climb
There's a road
Reaching and stretching
To the corner of your mind
Like a river casts aside the dust
And grows and grows as it flows
The feeling deep inside of you
Must break like a dam
So set you free
So set you free
So set you free.
The lyrics of Free's song "Child" are a poignant depiction of a person's search for freedom and wisdom. The "child" referred to in the song represents someone who is innocent and naive, yet has a yearning for knowledge and freedom. The reference to freedom being "painted on your garden wall" suggests that the child has been exposed to the concept of freedom, but has yet to experience it in reality. The line "it's not there at all" implies that the child's perception of freedom is incomplete or flawed.
The theme of wisdom is introduced in the next stanza, where the child equates it to a "golden rule". The child is portrayed as not being foolish, but ignorant of the true source of wisdom. The line "But you don't know who it is who calls your name" conveys a sense of longing for guidance and direction.
The subsequent verses of the song describe the child's struggles and setbacks in life. The references to the "misty mind" and "chains on your heart" suggest a state of confusion and emotional burden. However, the song also offers hope and encouragement, as evidenced by the lines "there's a road reaching and stretching to the corner of your mind" and "the feeling deep inside of you must break like a dam". The final lines of the song emphasize the idea of setting oneself free, as the child is encouraged to break free from the constraints and limitations that are holding them back.
Line by Line Meaning
Child you're talking of freedom
You are speaking about the concept of freedom, but it is not reflected in your immediate surroundings.
Painted on your garden wall
Your understanding of freedom is superficial, like a painting on a wall.
It's not there at all
In reality, freedom is not present in the way you imagine it to be.
Child you're talking of wisdom
You speak of wisdom, which you believe to be a universal rule.
You say wisdom is a golden rule
You define wisdom as a highly valuable principle to live by.
You ain't no fool
You are not unintelligent or ignorant.
But you don't know who it is
However, you are unaware of the entity or force that calls your name.
Who calls you name
There is a presence that beckons you but its identity is uncertain to you.
In the light of the golden moon
Under the radiance of the moon, which seems to represent the search for truth or enlightenment,
You don't know who it is who brought you here
You are unsure of the entity that has led you to this moment in life.
And chained up your heart
Your heart has been bound or imprisoned in some form.
So soon
This happened unexpectedly or abruptly.
Child you're life is a fairytale
Your life feels like a storybook tale, a paradigm, a myth.
And it's not the same
However, the reality is different.
And the clouds
Your thoughts or perception
You're hiding behind
Are concealing your true feelings or understanding.
In your misty mind have disappeared
Those cloudy thoughts or beliefs seem to have dissipated.
Like a sailor far from the shores of your dreams
You feel removed from the things that you once desired or imagined.
And far from the love of your home
You feel isolated or disconnected from the familiar and supportive environments in your past.
Sailor lost on your own misty seas
Your journey in life seems uncertain and directionless.
And the chains on your heart, baby
The thing that has bound you, prevented your emotional liberation, has been there for some time.
Might be my love
It is unclear whether this obstacle originates from the artist's love or someone else's.
It's so confusing
The singer or the subject is expressing confusion or ambiguity regarding the source of their emotional chains.
And you feel that you're loosing yourself
You sense that you are gradually losing your identity.
But, there over the mountain
However, there may be a solution or path forward that is still out of sight.
You thought you'd never have to climb
It may come as a surprise or be an unexpected development.
There's a road
There is a way forward, a path or journey to embark on.
Reaching and stretching
This way forward is a long and challenging one, but it extends far towards the horizon.
To the corner of your mind
This journey will take you deep within your own subconscious or inner thoughts.
Like a river casts aside the dust
This journey will clear away the clutter or debris of your past emotions or obstacles.
And grows and grows as it flows
As you undertake this journey, it will strengthen and deepen within you.
The feeling deep inside of you
This emotion or sense of liberation is growing and swelling within you.
Must break like a dam
This sense will eventually overflow or burst forth, like water held back by a dam breaking through.
So set you free
This journey or emotional growth will ultimately set you free from the chains of your past, and lead you toward realizing your true self.
So set you free
This journey towards freedom and liberation cannot be accomplished by external forces, it is something you must initiate yourself.
So set you free.
This is an imperative or a call to action - to take the journey and let go of past emotional baggage.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDY FRASER, SIMON FREDERICK ST. GEORGE KIRKE, PAUL FRANCIS KOSSOFF, PAUL BERNARD RODGERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MrSirDrew
Lyrics
Child you're talking of freedom
Painted on your garden wall
It's not there at all
Child you're talking of wisdom
You say wisdom is a golden rule
You ain't no fool
But you don't know who it is
Who calls you name
In the light of the golden moon
You don't know who it is who brought you here
And chained up your heart
So soon
Child you're life is a fairytale
And it's not the same
And the clouds
You're hiding behind
In your misty mind have disappeared
Like a sailor far from the shores of your dreams
And far from the love of your home
Sailor lost on your own misty seas
And the chains on your heart, baby
Might be my love
Might be my love
It's so confusing
And you feel that you're loosing yourself
But, there over the mountain
You thought you'd never have to climb
There's a road
Reaching and stretching
To the corner of your mind
Like a river casts aside the dust
And grows and grows as it flows
The feeling deep inside of you
Must break like a dam
So set you free
So set you free
So set you free.
@mavirenes
Child you're talking of freedom
Painted on your garden wall
It's not there at all
Child you're talking of wisdom
You say wisdom is a golden rule
You ain't no fool
But you don't know who it is
Who calls you name
In the light of the golden moon
You don't know who it is who brought you here
And chained up your heart
So soon
Child you're life is a fairytale
And it's not the same
And the clouds
You're hiding behind
In your misty mind have disappeared
Like a sailor far from the shores of your dreams
And far from the love of your home
Sailor lost on your own misty seas
And the chains on your heart, baby
Might be my love
Might be my love
It's so confusing
And you feel that you're loosing yourself
But, there over the mountain
You thought you'd never have to climb
There's a road
Reaching and stretching
To the corner of your mind
Like a river casts aside the dust
And grows and grows as it flows
The feeling deep inside of you
Must break like a dam
So set you free
So set you free
So set you free
@mikegray8776
Best ever voice in Rock.!!!
All the Free band members have been heroes to me for 50 years - but this song is all about Paul Rodgers.
Sure - Plant, Gillan & Mercury were pretty damn good - but the No1 spot is not even close!
Just for the hell of it, here is the list of MY Top 12 Rock vocalists ever in reverse order - let me know if you disagree!
12 Roger Daltrey
11 Stevie Marriott
10 David Bowie
9 Freddie Mercury
8 Kelly Jones
7 Ian Anderson
6 Jack Bruce
5 Ian Gillan
4 Robert Plant
3 Chris Cornell
2 John Lennon
1 PAUL RODGERS
This is ranked purely in order of their ability to MOVE you - not in terms of power or range or attack - but just in terms of the amount of shivers down the spine.
I am sure no-one else would choose the exact same dozen - and definitely not in the same order - but for me these gents are the cream of the crop.
Six sadly no longer with us, Paul and 5 others still going strong.
@davidwinston9440
Where do you start with this group of young men...... An underrated band with a wealth of musical talent coalesced into a great four piece.
Paul R is the very best rock and blues singer. Paul K a great guitarist with a distinct and beautiful sound.
Andy a top bassist and Simon an uncomplicated drummer.
I love this song since the very first listening and am now long term Free and Bad Company and Paul Rogers fan.
If I could time travel I would go back to the early 70s at the age of 21 to appreciate them live.
@louissmith5298
Free was one of those one off times when a group of supremely talented musicians found themselves together in the same band. Rodgers the best rock/blues voice you will ever hear. Kossoff best vibrato and so much feeling in every note. Fraser a virtuoso bass player. Kirke holding it all together very underrated drums. Hard to comprehend a band being so good so young.
@Bubdiddly
Kirke plays pure music on the drums - beyond rhythm - he tailors it so well to each moment of the song
@richardyoung7415
FREE. ONE OF THE GREATEST ROCK BLUES BANDS EVER SAD THEY DIDN'T MAKE IT LAST LONGER. PEACE BE WITH YOU ALL MY FRIEND'S. 🙏✌️😎🏴
@janwillemkrijger9688
Timeless music and one of the most original bands in music history
@andrewgoldbergs4474
What an absolute gem this was..and they were barely into their 20s, Andy being 18 or 19. A fantastic band that should have pushed the Stones off their perch if they stuck around a bit longer.
@BrianAbbottGeordie
This was always my favourite song on the album. It shows off the amazing voice of Paul Rodgers (who was born about 35 miles from where I live) wonderfully. I remember as a youth putting studs in my jeans to copy Paul; not recommended, as they scratch your legs. Maybe he used a different type of stud!
@mickcorbett6724
Such a beautiful song. At age 64, this band remind of those wonderful years of my childhood & youth. So many talented musicians made the miserable austerity of those initial post-war years, so happy 😀
@mickbear413
My favourite band of all time. I saw them live 5 times back in the 70’s. R.I.P. Koss and Andy Fraser 😢
@BrianAbbottGeordie
I met Andy Fraser and Paul Kossoff at their respective gigs in Sunderland after Free had split. Andy had a maxi length tiger skin coat on! I shook hands with Paul, he had hands like a bricky, I couldn't believe how rough they were. Needless to say I got their autographs. I could have done with a camera, but no mobile phones in those days!
@davidwinston3502
A fantastic and moving convergence of talent and musicianship. The best rock and blues singer for sure. Never a bum note.
Thanks for such a great song Free