Born and raised in San Diego, California, RuPaul later studied performing arts in Atlanta, Georgia. He settled in New York City, where he became a popular fixture on the LGBTQ+ nightclub scene. He achieved international fame as a drag queen with the release of his debut single, "Supermodel (You Better Work)", which was included on his debut studio album Supermodel of the World (1993). He became a spokesperson for MAC Cosmetics in 1994, raising money for the Mac AIDS Fund and becoming the first drag queen to land a major cosmetics campaign. He later received his own talk show on VH1 called The RuPaul Show, which he hosted for over 100 episodes while co-hosting the morning radio show on WKTU with Michelle Visage.
RuPaul's Drag Race was created in 2009 and has gone on to produce fourteen seasons in the United States. The show has also seen success internationally, with several international variants of the show being made, such as RuPaul's Drag Race UK and Canada's Drag Race. This has also inspired several spin-offs of the main show, including RuPaul's Drag U, RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars, and RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race. He is also featured as a host on other reality television series such as Skin Wars, Good Work, and Gay for Play Game Show Starring RuPaul.
RuPaul has made appearances in films such as Crooklyn (1994), The Brady Bunch Movie (1995), To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995), But I'm a Cheerleader (1999), television shows such as Girlboss (2017), Broad City (2017), and Grace and Frankie (2019). He later created and starred in his own Netflix original television series AJ and the Queen (2020). In addition, he has also published three books: Lettin' It All Hang Out (1995), Workin' It! RuPaul's Guide to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Style (2010), and GuRu (2018).
RuPaul is considered the most commercially successful drag queen in the United States. For his work on RuPaul's Drag Race, he has received 12 Primetime Emmy Awards, becoming the most-awarded person of color in the history of the Primetime Emmys. Outside of film and television, he also continues to write and record music; he has released fourteen studio albums as of 2022, and received a Tony Award for Best Musical as a producer for the musical A Strange Loop.
Free 2 Be
RuPaul Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When you gotta live your life with all your might
It ain't about somebody's rules
Everybody was born with the right to choose
Break the shackles of hate
Say goodbye to the pain
Hey baby, we're on our way
Ain't no stopping us now
Free to be who you want
Free to love who you need
Everybody, you got the right to be free
So come on let your lovin' shine, shine
Come on and let your lovin' shine, yeah yeah
Time to stand up for your rights
The light of love will guide through the darkest night
You paid the price, you've paid your dues
So, go head on girl and spread the news
Take your place in the sun
'Cause the war must be won
Hey baby we're on our way
All God's children are free
All God's children are free (everybody sang!)
You got the right
You got that right
The lyrics of RuPaul's song "Free 2 Be" celebrate the concept of personal freedom and self-expression. The song opens with the recognition that in each person's life, there comes a time when they must live with full force, disregarding societal rules and expectations. It asserts that every individual has the inherent right to choose their own path and destiny. It encourages breaking free from the shackles of hate and pain and embarking on a journey of self-discovery.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the importance of embracing one's true self and loving whomever one desires. It emphasizes that everyone has the right to be free, both in terms of personal identity and in their pursuit of love. The lyrics encourage individuals to let their love shine and to stand up for their rights, even in the face of darkness. It acknowledges the sacrifices made and challenges faced by individuals who have paved the way for acceptance and equality. The song carries a hopeful and empowering message, motivating listeners to take their rightful place in the world and spread the news that all people, regardless of their backgrounds, are free.
Line by Line Meaning
There comes a time in every life
At some point in everyone's life, there is a moment of realization or decision-making.
When you gotta live your life with all your might
You must live your life to the fullest, with determination and passion.
It ain't about somebody's rules
It is not about conforming to someone else's expectations or standards.
Everybody was born with the right to choose
Everyone has the inherent right to make their own choices and decisions.
Break the shackles of hate
Escape from the chains and constraints of hatred or discrimination.
Say goodbye to the pain
Bid farewell to the suffering or emotional distress.
Hey baby, we're on our way
We are in the process of progressing towards a better future.
Ain't no stopping us now
Nothing can hinder or prevent our advancement.
Free to be who you want
You have the freedom to express and embody your true self.
Free to love who you need
You have the liberty to love whoever you genuinely require or desire.
Everybody, you got the right to be free
Every individual possesses the entitlement to live a life of freedom and liberation.
So come on let your lovin' shine, shine
Allow your love and positivity to radiate and illuminate.
Come on and let your lovin' shine, yeah yeah
Encouraging to let love shine and flourish without inhibition.
Time to stand up for your rights
It is the moment to assert and defend your rights and principles.
The light of love will guide through the darkest night
Love will serve as a guiding force, leading us through even the most difficult times.
You paid the price, you've paid your dues
You have endured hardships and sacrifices, fulfilling your obligations and responsibilities.
So, go head on girl and spread the news
Take action confidently and share this empowering message with others.
Take your place in the sun
Claim your rightful position and bask in the glory and happiness of life.
'Cause the war must be won
We must triumph in the ongoing battle against injustice or oppression.
All God's children are free
All individuals, as creations of God, are entitled to freedom.
You got the right
You possess the rightful authority and entitlement.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RUPAUL ANDRE CHARLES, JIMMY HARRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Luiz Henrique
Year after year, Mother Ru keeps getting better and better!
A song that was already good was even better!
Emil Kowalski
Absolutely fantasic song!!!
Anderson Aschidamini
Amei a música!!
Keeng
One word Mother.....RELEVANT!
EJ J
should of been the runway song instead of recycling the the same songs in the recent seasons
DawDs
DILLON +++++
Hassan A
Me took
N'depo williams
Me Too !