The Ohio Players are a funk and R&B band whose heyday was in the mid- to la… Read Full Bio ↴The Ohio Players are a funk and R&B band whose heyday was in the mid- to late 1970s. They formed in Dayton, Ohio in 1959 as the Ohio Untouchables, and initially included members Robert Ward (vocals/guitar), Marshall "Rock" Jones (bass), Clarence "Satch" Satchell (saxophone/guitar), Cornelius Johnson (drums), and Ralph "Pee Wee" Middlebrooks (trumpet/trombone). The Ohio Untouchables broke up in 1963, with Ward leaving for a solo career, but the core members of the group returned to Dayton and added Gary Webster (drums) and Leroy "Sugarfoot" Bonner (guitar) in 1964. The group added two more singers, Bobby Lee Fears and Dutch Robinson, and became the house band for New York City-based Compass Records in 1967. They soon became one of the better known R&B bands of the 1970's. Their song "Runnin' from the Devil" inspired the Van Halen song Runnin' With the Devil.

The group disbanded again in 1970. After again reforming with a line-up including Bonner, Satchell, Middlebrooks, Jones, Webster, trumpeter Bruce Napier, trombonist Marvin Pierce, and keyboardist Walter "Junie" Morrison, the Players had a minor hit on the Detroit-based Westbound label in 1971 with "Pain" which reached the Billboard R&B Top 40. The band signed with Mercury Records in 1974; by this time their lineup had changed again, with keyboardist Billy Beck instead of Morrison and Jimmy "Diamond" Williams on drums instead of Webster. Bonner sang lead vocals on most of the band's hits.

The band’s first big hit was "Funky Worm", which hit #1 on the Billboard R&B Charts and made the pop Top 15 in May 1973; the song was included on the soundtrack of the popular video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (playing on fictional Funk radio station Bounce FM, which also featured the Ohio Players song "Love Rollercoaster"). The band had seven more Top 40 hits between 1973 and 1976, including the smashes "Fire" (#1 on both the R&B and pop charts for two weeks and one week respectively in February 1975) and "Love Rollercoaster" (#1 on both the R&B and pop charts for 1 week in January 1976). The group's last big hit was "Who'd She Coo" a #1 R&B hit in August 1976.

The band became widely known not only for their sound, which has been sampled and copied by countless R&B and hip-hop artists since, but for their sexually provocative album covers, including the cover of 1974's Ecstasy, which featured a man and a woman in a pose of arousal wearing chains and leather, and 1975's Honey, which featured a nude woman holding an overflowing jar of honey and dropping some into her mouth with a ladle. There is also an urban legend that has it that a scream on Love Rollercoaster that came during the break after the second verse was the sound of someone being murdered in the studio while the track was being recorded. It is believed to be the scream of a female model (the nude woman featured on the image for the Honey album) after being stabbed with a knife by the band's manager. She was complaining that the honey and fibre glass she was sat on reacted when mixed causing permanent damage to her legs during the image photography, ending her modelling career. She then approached the manager seeking compensation during the recording of Love Rollercoaster only to be stabbed and attacked. The Ohio Players then left the scream in as a sick tribute.[1] The band did not discredit this rumor at the time, because, as one band member put it later, "that makes you sell more records." The real source of the scream -- and the origins of the rumor -- were explained by Ohio Player Jimmy "Diamond" Williams: "There is a part in the song where there's a breakdown. It's guitars and it's right before the second verse and Billy Beck does one of those inhaling-type screeches like Minnie Ripperton did to reach her high note or Mariah Carey does to go octaves above. The DJ made this crack and it swept the country. People were asking us, 'Did you kill this chick in the studio?' The band took a vow of silence because that makes you sell more records."

Clarence Satchell died in January 1996 after he had a brain aneurysm. Ralph Middlebrooks died in November 1997.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers were one of the bands heavily influenced by The Ohio Players, covering "Love Rollercoaster" for the film Beavis and Butt-head Do America. In the UK, there is a chain of music and DVD stores named after one of their hit songs, "Fopp". "Fopp" was also covered by Soundgarden for an EP called Fopp.

I Want to Be Free
The Ohio Players Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

One day child, I won't have to listen to your lies
On that day, I'll be able to make up my own mind
You know, I think I done finally realized
And now I think I can put you out of my life

I'm gonna be free! (I want to be free to run away)
I'm gonna be free! (I want to be free to run away)
I'm gonna be free! (I want to be free to speak my mind, all the time)

I want to be free!
I want to be free!
I want to be free!

And one morning,
I won't be afraid to leave.
And all those things that you told me,
I never could conceive.

I'm gonna be free! (I want to be free to run away)
I'm gonna be free! (I want to be free to run away)
I'm gonna be free! (I want to be free to speak my mind, all the time)

I want to be free!
I want to be free!
I want to be free!
I want to be free!
I want to be free!

You don't know how it makes me feel child,
To be able to walk away from your smile.
And I'm gonna be alright, after awhile.
I think the Lord done gave me a strength now.

I'm gonna be free! (I want to be free to run away)
I'm gonna be free! (I want to be free to run away)
I'm gonna be free! (I want to be free to speak my mind, all the time)

I want to be free!
I want to be free!
I want to be free!
I want to be free!
I want to be free!

One day I'm gonna be free honey,
And nothing can make me stay, not even your money.
I know you're gonna think that I'm acting funny,
But I'm getting away from you honey.

I'm gonna be free! (I want to be free to run away)
I'm gonna be free! (I want to be free to run away)
I'm gonna be free! (I want to be free to speak my mind, all the time)

I want to be free!
I want to be free!

I want to be free!
I want to be free!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Ohio Players' "I Want to Be Free" revolve around the desire for personal freedom from an oppressive or controlling force. Throughout the song, the singer expresses their desire to break free from a situation where they are not allowed to speak their mind or make their own decisions. The song takes a defiant tone towards the oppressor, suggesting that the singer has finally realized their own strength and is ready to make a clean break.

The repeated phrase "I want to be free" highlights the central theme of the song, as the singer asserts their desire to escape from the restrictions that have been placed on them. The use of the word "child" indicates that the singer is speaking to someone who is acting in a paternalistic or controlling manner towards them, implying that they feel infantilized or otherwise disempowered. The line "I'm gonna be alright, after awhile" suggests that the singer believes in their ability to survive and thrive once they have left the situation behind.

Overall, "I Want to Be Free" is a powerful expression of the human desire for personal agency and autonomy. The song's emphasis on the liberating possibilities of escaping from oppressive situations has made it a popular anthem for activists and other groups seeking to break free from institutional or societal constraints.

Line by Line Meaning

One day child, I won't have to listen to your lies
Someday, I won't have to listen to your deceitful words and make my own decisions.

On that day, I'll be able to make up my own mind
Once I am free, I will have the liberty to form my own opinions.

You know, I think I done finally realized
I have come to a realization and it's time for me to act on it.

And now I think I can put you out of my life
After seeing through your deception, I am ready to cut you off from my life.

I'm gonna be free! (I want to be free to run away)
I long for the freedom to escape from this situation.

I'm gonna be free! (I want to be free to speak my mind, all the time)
I desire the liberation to share my thoughts without any hindrance or fear.

And one morning, I won't be afraid to leave.
One day, I won't be scared to leave this place.

And all those things that you told me, I never could conceive.
All your words were beyond my comprehension and understanding.

You don't know how it makes me feel child, To be able to walk away from your smile.
It's a relief to finally walk away from you without any guilt, even if you try to deceive me with your smile.

And I'm gonna be alright, after awhile.
I will be okay in due time.

I think the Lord done gave me a strength now.
I believe that seemingly insurmountable strength has been provided by God.

One day I'm gonna be free honey, And nothing can make me stay, not even your money.
One day, I will be liberated and not even your financial control over me will keep me here.

I know you're gonna think that I'm acting funny, But I'm getting away from you honey.
I'm aware that you might perceive my behavior as strange, but I'm leaving you for my freedom.

Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: CLARENCE SATCHELL, JAMES L. WILLIAMS, LEROY BONNER, MARSHALL JONES, MARVIN PIERCE, MARVIN R. PIERCE, RALPH MIDDLEBROOKS, WILLIE BECK

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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01Feel The Beat (Everybody Disco)3:15

02Love Rollercoaster2:34

03I Want To Be Free6:50

PT6M50S

Ohio Players

04Fopp3:48

05Far East Mississippi4:56

10Only A Child Can Love4:12

11Who'd She Coo?4:32

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Limits98

1y↑2

Lyrics

One day child, I won't have to listen to your lies
On that day, I'll be able to make up my own mind
You know, I think I done finally realized
And now I think I can put you out of my life

I'm gonna be free! (I want to be free to run away)
I'm gonna be free! (I want to be free to run away)
I'm gonna be free! (I want to be free to speak my mind, all the time)

I want to be free!
I want to be free!
I want to be free!

And one morning
I won't be afraid to leave
And all those things that you told me
I never could conceive

I'm gonna be free! (I want to be free to run away)
I'm gonna be free! (I want to be free to run away)
I'm gonna be free! (I want to be free to speak my mind, all the time)

I want to be free!
I want to be free!
I want to be free!
I want to be free!
I want to be free!

You don't know how it makes me feel child
To be able to walk away from your smile
And I'm gonna be alright, after awhile
I think the Lord done gave me a strength now

I'm gonna be free! (I want to be free to run away)
I'm gonna be free! (I want to be free to run away)
I'm gonna be free! (I want to be free to speak my mind, all the time)

I want to be free!
I want to be free!
I want to be free!
I want to be free!
I want to be free!

One day I'm gonna be free honey
And nothing can make me stay, not even your money
I know you're gonna think that I'm acting funny
But I'm getting away from you honey

I'm gonna be free! (I want to be free to run away)
I'm gonna be free! (I want to be free to run away)
I'm gonna be free! (I want to be free to speak my mind, all the time)

I want to be free!
I want to be free!
I want to be free!
I want to be free!

All comments from YouTube:

Ron Bowman

1y↑72

I’m 63 years of age. And I feel the Ohio players music is timeless. Their music resonated with me with such clarity.

R

43w↑3

IT IS so many house parties back then when everyone was getting alone . Man I feel having a house party I would check everyone cars and body for weapons limited the ones who getting drunk from drinks and party and have a good time,Spin the oldies an disco and soul era.

Veronica Nichols

41w↑2

I'm 66. I have owned this music on album, cassette tape and CD. I may have even first owned it on 8- track, I don't even remember anymore. But this song moves me as much on this digital platform decades later, as it first did decades ago..

SS Woadie

35w

Are you from ohia at all. Or familiar with Xenia

SS Woadie

35w

Any of you?

Ron Bowman

35w

@SS Woadie no I’m originally from texas. But loved most of my life in California

1 More Replies...

Shango Taha

2y↑135

I was a young teenager when this was out in mid 70’s. I don’t think the Ohio Players have gotten their full and do respect in the R&B music history. They were one of the baddest groups of that era. What a great body of work.

Patricia Smith

1y↑6

This was my group HONEY ❤

Shango Taha

1y↑3

@Patricia Smith Yeah I liked them as well.

Lyndon Marshall

1y↑9

Slave, Zapp, Ohio Players, Heat Wave, Lakeside, Midnight Star, Isley Brothers, and of course Bootsy

Patricia Smith

1y↑5

Ohio Players my group Skin Tight Honey I Want to be Free

Melinda Hartley

1y↑4

❤❤❤❤❤

10 More Replies...

MusiqTruth

5y↑611

That drum intro is everything. Slaps the pure HELL out of you and makes you sit on down to listen to what the Ohio Players have to say today.

Travis Lumpkin

3y↑11

YESSIR, FOR REAL !,..

S S

3y↑11

Exactly what it did to me the first time

Nancy Hanley

3y↑15

That's Diamond....he can sure sing while doing those drum riffs;)

🕺HOLLA' @ A PLAyA' tho 😎

3y↑3

😁

NorthFaceShortie

3y↑1

🤣

22 More Replies...

brian deshay

3y↑63

One of the greatest bands ever, this song is a classic, straight🔥

Est lhm

3y↑147

This song still speaks to this day after all of these years through the struggle. To walk away from a bad relationship when you are giving someone your all who don't see what is before their eyes.

Steven Wells

2y↑1

Because we don't ask Jesus to LEAD us LOL love you.what about the song by Prince Adore
The best love song ever

Steven Wells

R.C. IF I CAN LOVE YOU FOREVER

Ryan Cole

2y↑5

cough*Will Smith*cough

Doug Jones

2y↑5

Will Smith listen to this

jeffrey odom

2y↑2

FACTS I WUZ WATCHING A MOVIE LASTNIGHT & THS SONG CAME ON I TURN THT DAM MOVIE OFF OHIO PLAYERS ON ..

4 More Replies...

Romrtis

1y↑14

The Ohio Players really represented the 70’s sound perfectly!
Miss those days!

Trinity Oneal

6y↑20

My great grandpa played the drums for this band. He is my inspiration to carry the legacy of music to my great grandchildren in the future. This is my personal favorite song of his.

Jennifer Alford-Walters

29w

His talent was unmatched

Bryant Williams

4y↑96

The Different Drum Solos Before Each Verse Is Fire 🔥🔥Very Creative Beat & Song.... Way Ahead Of It's Time💯💯👑

khanbibi

1y↑2

bootsie collins said it best they were the best band in ohio

Johnxavier2122

1y↑1

Yes sir. And then back to the rim shot. Impeccable timing. I miss this music and the musicians.

Bobby5'5

4y↑192

This song is in my life soundtrack!!! It doesn't represent just a female male relationship dynamic. It also represents me separating from all that negative energy.

Queen A Stars Love

2y↑7

I'm working Step 9 in Narcotics Aynonmous it ask how Free do you want to be. This song came to mind. I want to be Free. Yeah.

Context Matters

2y↑3

Absolutely

Jennifer Gully

2y↑3

Can't be me unless I'm free....

Bobby5'5

2y↑1

@Queen A Stars Love Best wishes on your journey!!!!

Sheila Kirk-Brown

2y↑2

Indeed!! This song speaks to separation from all negative energy.

11 More Replies...

Quentin Hood

2y↑42

The most under rated bands of all time pure greatness 🙌👏

Charles Jones Sr

This band was not underrated

Donna M.

5y↑64

I'm a huge Ohio Players fan. This is one of their classics.

Sonia Walker

4y↑229

The Ohio Players is one of the greatest bands of our time.

jeffrey odom

2y↑2

yes they is no doubt..

TRBL MKR

2y↑3

of ALL time. I wasnt even born until 1980 and my Dad played nothing but fire music I'm so happy he did because I know a lot of their shit from growing up with it.

David Armstrong

Solid band but no where near the greatest of all time.....

Johnnie Davis

And timeliness

Elizabeth Otero

3y↑32

Love The Ohio Players their songs bring back many memories. Bump it🔊🎶

Steven Wells

2y↑1

Check out R.C. IF I CAN LOVE YOU FOREVER

Anton Rowell

For me I was a Senior in Highschool. I learned a lot. Wonderful group. I used to carry their albums with me to my friends houses and Party!

Jackie McCall

25w

Yes. Memories.

TheOrignalDatMeanGirl

2y↑12

This song randomly popped in my head this morning. My mommy used to play it all the time with I was little. ❤️

DeAundrae The Railfanner Productions

My dad played it when I was little too, I'm scared of this song though and it made me cry cause the way diamond is drumming

Sarah Moses

5y↑125

Music that no one can duplicate. This music had soul. The one thing that today's musics missing.

Bobby Anderson

Never to be heard from again

Barbara Washington

i don’t know that young cat August Alsina he somebody to watch

KENIROCITSUN

U ain't neva lie I'm working on bringing that back wit my muzik

Sarah Moses

3y↑1

@KENIROCITSUN if you need any help let me know I'm of musical background . I've been thinking of all kinds of ways to change the dilete of today's music.

Tracy Ackerman-Hensley

Just heard “Fire” on the radio. Everything else that came on the radio after that was just flat. Nobody does Brass or has “Brass “Lol 😂anymore. Loved these guys and their sound since I was little girl in the 70’s.

1 More Replies...

DoItMovin94

2y↑7

Only drummers can really appreciate that intro 🔥

HebrewPrincess201283

3y↑52

This song REALLY helps with my panic attacks just had one a second ago I played this my panic has calmed down!!! Thanks Ohio Players!!!!

james jones

3y↑2

APTTMHNCB, Sis.

HebrewPrincess201283

3y↑1

@james jones yes 🙌🏼 All Praises May HIS MERCY ENDURE FOREVER

Will Turner

3y↑68

James "Diamond" Williams (Ohio Players) and Jerome "Big Foot" Brailey (P-Funk); two of the most gifted drummers ever!!

Sidney Johnson

2y↑3

Will Turner most definitely!!!!

You God

25w

Thats Sugar Foot

Ashley Palmer

7y↑761

My daddy's anthem whilst angry with my mama. 😂 we knew what mood he was in whenever he bumped this song. Classic. Rip daddy ❤️

Homere Lesperance

6y↑17

LOL

Tae Enerjon

6y↑24

What a coincidence, I'm doing just that

Juan Carro

6y↑7

Ashley Palmer lol ....Did they stay together?

Brian Wilburn

6y↑37

this is for my mother we used to sing this song together she just passed away it bring back memories

1hunny

6y↑14

Brian Wilburn So very sorry for your loss.💔 Hold on to those precious memories.😍 May God guide your ❤ to a perfect place of peace🙏 🎤🎶🎵🎼

43 More Replies...

Summer Breeze

4y↑145

Sugar Foot sung this with so much passion, feeling, and meaning, it grabs me still to this day. One of the BEST groups Ever!

Cowboys 5rings

3y↑2

Sucah !!!!!

Bobby Anderson

3y↑3

Yes he did. Real music people

Sabrina Richard

3y↑2

Totally 💯 agree

Quintin Drakeford

2y↑2

This is so inspirational and the passion is what's missing in the music today

S Harris

2y↑2

YES SIUHHHH YES SUH... in my old school country black Baptist church deacon's voice!!!! YES SUH!!!

1 More Replies...

Eva Herrera

4y↑50

This song has never made me feel as good as it did today... my heart is finally free.... happened to play it on accident, but right at the perfect time.

Tracy A

4y↑79

Classic. Realistic lyrics of how one feels when they are tired of relationship drama and want to leave it all behind.

Jaylin Clemons

48w↑3

I’m a 27 year old man from the country. Dad is a pastor who turned his life in prison. He put me on to the Ohio players at a young age. But now that I’m going through relationships and life. I’ve understood this song more each listen. It’s a beautiful song man. @1:48-2:34 is a cold part of the song y’all. The Ohio Players were smooth🔥🔥🔥

82 KID

48w↑2

This song is amazingly entertaining and also real life truth at the same time. It's fun and you can tell they're having fun literally laughing in the song and the music is ON POINT... This song is so good

Cecilie Noble

8y↑42

Sometimes, the classic oldies are all that you have to hold on ...to! Love this song!! ❤🎶👍💞🎤

Bobby Anderson

Ain't that the truth. Keep hanging on

Sheron Hill

4y↑29

That drum solo at 3:28...goodness you can feel that. He played those drums like he meant it.

NS102 NS102

1y↑1

That's my favorite breakdown, too! Thank you for making me feel seen...lol 💜

Angela Pendleton

45w↑1

Old school classic

Storiitell Media, Inc.

4y↑56

I heard this on the radio today (during the PANDEMIC). Hadn't heard it in a hundred years. This tune used to be just a groove. Now it's REAL LiFE! Incredible nostalgia! Bad'ass!

Bruce Parker

3y↑514

This song is me , talking to my crack addicted self 13 years ago ! I'm still FREE from it

P WHALES

3y↑48

Thank You, I smoked crack for many years. I thank God I'm free and clean ☺👍

Gabby De'Hayes

3y↑45

Free from heroin and free on the streets for the past 22 years.

james jones

3y↑32

Some never make back fam, 👍

TheCosmicSage

2y↑24

Go head now Bruce. The almighty lives within you. You proved it to self. Much love to you Brotha. 🖤✨👏🏽

Ryan Cole

2y↑23

This song talks to any and everybody going through some shit or has gone through some shit. Congrats on staying clean.

95 More Replies...

Eartha Graham

2y↑32

I love the Ohio players I want to be free I've been playing this song 🎵 for about 45years. It's one of my favorites.

Steven Wells

One f my favorite is O.Jays you got your hooks in me... And MANNHATENS missing you. And champagne how about use. The greatest of all love song is Adore by Prince.

Ruthie Medley

4y↑86

75 years old And still listening to my favorite group of all time in 2020.

Clinton Flynn

2y↑3

I'm only a couple of years behind you and I'm doing the same. Rock on, sister.

Darryl Slaughter

8y↑80

That harmony at the end is the classic footprint of the OHIO PLAYERS killing it

Gloria Butler

6y↑1

This is when music have meaning not like today's music just love this by Ohio Players

Jolyette Frye

5y↑9

This song was the cut, back in the day. 💽 It still sounds good even 2 day. 🎧 The Ohio Players R 1 of the most talented bands of all time. 🕙

Classy Ladi

4y↑14

My goodness...I love this! 2020 so many AMAZING memories come with this!!!!!!❤️❤️❤️

David Nunn

3y↑14

I felt every word to this song ....a true masterpiece!!!!

Karenett McFrazier Askew

5y↑66

I grew up in Ohio.
This band was a bad-ass.
Suga foot had that special something that kept them going until his untimely passing. Legend...RIP

terry permillion

2y↑1

Ohio Players, what a group,the ultimate in FUNK!

Kobina Fosu

2y↑1

Why do good people go so early?

Larry Golden

2y↑4

Mr Sugarfoot a Real Legend 💯

Lavinia Fitzpatrick

3y↑13

I had an evil boss a long, long time ago in California and when I was about to leave her department, I bought this CD and this song got me through. This song and a very, very dear friend I still know and love to this day who helped me to get "free"... Thank you, OPs!!😊😊😊😊🙏🏽🙏🏽

Gabriel Millines

PLEASE tell me you played it loud as hell past her office on your way out the door........

Lavinia Fitzpatrick

1y↑2

@Gabriel Millines I blasted it then and I still blast it now!!😂😂😂

Andrew Burgemeister

That’s awesome haha, there’s no time for bad bosses!

Pete Larson

7y↑1.3K

As a white boy growing up in Nebraska - Ohio Players was the very first live concert I attended. It was absolutely awesome. Bobby Womack was the warm up. Outstanding! I've been old school R & B ever since. God bless all the old school players.

Terra Knohs

7y↑76

Damn, Womack too. What a treat that had to have been for you!

Pete Larson

7y↑58

It was a pivotal moment in my life actually.

mebeingU2

6y↑53

Pete Larson, music isn’t about color...and I’m not saying you feel it is. It’s about how it makes one feel. Far too many want to find ways to divide us. Sports is now in the crosshairs. Let’s hope they don’t use music as a wedge too.

Gregory Rush

5y↑41

@mebeingU2 Music however is Universal!! Once an artist releases it, It belongs to the Entire Planet!

LN Brown

5y↑43

You better say that white Brother!

79 More Replies...

Olivia Smith

5y↑43

I JUST LOVE THIS MUSIC!!!! THIS ONE IS FROM 1974!!! I REMEMBER BUYING THIS ALBUM!!!! GREAT MUSIC!!! RIP TO THE LATE GREAT MEMBERS OF THE OHIO PLAYERS GROUP THAT ARE DEARLY DEPARTED!!! MAY GOD REST YOUR SOULS FOREVER IN HEAVEN!!!! LOVE OLIVIA!!!

Andrea True

5y↑17

This is one of my favorite songs. The drummer is a maestro!

Necescute44

2y↑2

Love this song it never gets old

nickthekiller3

6y↑196

We don't fully understand how good this band was.

Nancy Hanley

3y↑5

That is the TRUTH!

Wendell Thomas

3y↑7

@Nancy Hanley Ohio players...from a great bygone era.....

Sonja Henney

3y↑8

They were superbad!

Shirley Zimmerman

3y↑5

Yea we do!☺

Patrick

3y↑2

GOLD

9 More Replies...

Bettina Strouble

51w↑3

Loving it!! I want to be free!!!!! There isn't anything like it and those drums slapping the way they do!!!

42Laj

7y↑111

This song helped me get through a bad, gut-wrenching break-up last summer. Now, I can listen to it without feeling any pain anymore. I love when he says" One day I'm gonna be free" ,and" I don't need your lovin' no more". RIP Sugarfoot; a true legend

beautifulDay

5y↑259

..."and I'm going to be alright after a while... I think the Lord done gave me strength now!"

I felt that in my Spirit ✨

Nancy Hanley

3y↑9

Great "hang in there no matter what" song....great breakup song, too!

Yanoi nunez

3y↑5

Dat part

Arthur Swanson

2y↑1

Nothin but facts right there.

Diana Meza

2y↑1

That is true

CobaltMidnight🪔Oilamp

beautiful Day, AMEN 🙏🏽 an besides God made us to BE FREE!😇

Thee Voice

2y↑5

A phenomenon of music and can not be explained except by The ALL MIGHTY and Themselves❗
All these guys who made this band from the 60's on up are beyond Extraordinary.

Marla Parks

4y↑5

Love this group one of the greatest musicians of all times

ParotPirate

6y↑42

The most underrated band of alltime

Dinah Reid

37w↑2

I'm 59 years young and still grooving to this all time classic.....and the drums....I dropped the 🎤 on this here one stellar!!!!

Ian Johnson

8y↑48

22 years old and this gives me chills every time I hear it

Joshua Lowe

5y↑3

A timeless classic and a wonderful masterpiece!! I love this song!!

Nicole Partee

5y↑4

Ohio Players have always been my favorite group since I was a child I'm almost thirty years old and I still love them.... #IWantToBeFree

Kras IV

4y↑5

What I appreciate about 🎶 back then is that guys played HORNS, sung with range, excellent percussionist, wrote lyrics etc. I mean true MUSICIANS. Ohio Players were a serious group. GREAT music with no expiration date.

Percy Haymond

4y↑12

The most easy break up track ever and those drums. Priceless.

Connie Macckk

4y↑6

This my favorite song OF ALL TIME. I saw them IN PERSON(LIVE) when I was a teenager. My Mama took me. It was held at our civic Center. That drum solo in the song, UT was so long Mama said that man must be on something LOL cause that drummer in 1977 played for about 20 minutes. It was great!!! I'll never forget this for as long as I live.

Adrienne Robinson

3y↑1

Oh Wow

Chrially2931

9y↑58

I remember The Ohio Players all so well. When my mom would play their record on Saturdays, we knew it was clean up time. Every Saturday it never failed, she would have The Ohio Players bumping as we cleaned. I hated it but over twenty years later I am jamming to The Ohio Players and it brings back memories of those Saturdays. These guys are a talented group and I may not be able to name any of The Ohio Players, these guys are what you call true musicians and the drummer is on point.

Ed Brown

DBrown CLASSIC!!! Sugarfoot and "the fellas"!

Kimberly Simmons

Yes! We knew it was time to clean the house on Sat. morning too! My mom would play "Fire" 1st to get us up and start hustling!!! Such good music and memories 😄😄😁

Faith Taylor

6y↑4

The drumrolls in this song is amazing

Jai Henri

5y↑48

Amen my brother. I feel him on so many levels this is and always will be one of my top picked songs 😘😍

🕺HOLLA' @ A PLAyA' tho 😎

😘

Limits98

1y↑2

Elizabeth Mayes

4y↑5

There’s nothing like Old School music , the music had serious meaning that was from living life and learning to enjoy it !

Adrienne Robinson

Truth Indeed AMEN

Sheilah Easterling-Smith

2y↑3

I remember enjoying this album with my friends in Cleveland, Ohio!! We had so much fun, dancing around & being carefree teenagers😊

Jon Thomas

9y↑23

My ALL time favorite Band. Very talented; versatile, and hard working. In my opinion the critics didn't give them the great reviews of my other favorite EW&F but these guys could hold their own against any band.

Murphy Richardson

9y↑1

Jon Thomas
So right, so true Jon. They were underrated and ahead of their time. Never truly got the Pub they deserved. Sugarfoot was such a powerful force and presence for them. He's been duplicated but never truly replicated...

I ONLY Compete With The Woman I Was Yesterday

And THAT says A LOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nina V.

41w↑1

Timeless song!!! ❤️

Melodie💫

5y↑12

Thanking my dad for exposing me to real music from the time I was born I appreciate you dad💕

B.Allen

2y↑1

This has always been my favorite band, of all time. Always will be. Just don't make no sense to be that great, the kind of music they made, so damn good! So many classic, no other band in music history played better or sang better. OHIO PLAYERS🎵

David Wooderson

5y↑2

Wow! This entire song is just amazing! This drummer is effin awesome! Just listen to those fills....I'm in awe. Glad...no wait...lucky I stumbled on this song!

Tanya Peterson

4y↑339

WHO STILL WANT TO BE FREE IN 2020! I LOVE THIS SONG!

purplegurl79

4y↑7

Do you know how relevant that comment is now?? 😁

Lynn Dudley

4y↑1

I want to be FREE!***

Lin Bonn

4y↑4

Anyone else listening to those AMAZING DRUMS ?!!

MegaMusical10

4y↑2

One of the baddest jams of all time~

purplegurl79

4y↑4

I Wanna Be Free...free from my husband, the COVID-19 threat,, from everything that the year 2020 threw at us.....

23 More Replies...

satisfaction 52

6y↑431

Isn't it amazing how all our old groups actually played their own music! They were genuinely musicians!!! 2nd to none!!!

mark g

5y↑20

The Players were not just some random group of black dudes. They were very skilled! It's a different world today, where computers/technology often create "talent" where there is none.

soulchild61

4y↑5

There was no other way to be, they were True entainers! Da kind that would do it for free if need be.
My first band I saw in concert BK in da day 😍

Marcus Reeves

4y↑7

WHICH REALLY MADE THEM BANDS ,NOT GROUPS

Chasmin Mckeeever

4y↑2

satisfaction 52 i stress this point a lot,

Lisa Tyler

4y↑4

You are absolutely right the musicians were the greatest.

8 More Replies...

Peter Fichter

3y↑1

AMAZING! This song recieved very little airplay on AM pop radio stations yet this has over 12 million views.

Sean Howard

In Miami this song was played in the early am hours. That's when the DJ played long version songs .

BOSS BABE

1y↑2

Music that brings people, together, instead of seperate , is always ,GOOD

Happy birthday Debbie

4y↑9

The essence of Funk...This track turned me out when I was a kid. Although this track was before my time, I still listen to it. Deep.

Susan Wilkins

4y↑13

I LOVE the drums in this!!!!

John Doe

3y↑1

Enjoy ,Susan Wilkins

J. D

This was my song on my ring tone. It was the most soothing song that I needed during my time. Thank you OHIO PLAYES.

Antwine Graves

7y↑26

Music that never gets old!!!

andre randolph

4y↑43

I remember playing this song when I was married very LOUD because I desperately wanted To Be Free!

Kenya Alexander

2y↑2

😆😆😆😆💯

345 Vinny

Thats a whole mood right now😂😂😂

Angela Hall

🥰😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

Ranita Williams

😂🤣😂

Karen Merrell-Brown

31w

Damn!!

Starlette Horne

5y↑2

Simply soulful and the drummer phenomenal

blackcosmos

26w

These guys were not only incredible musicians but they also knew how to produce & arrange their song in such a unique & special way. I love all their groovy up tempo stuff but the execution of the ballads were on another level. This one, 'Sweet Sticky Thing' & 'Hurry up this Way Again' are all so wonderful btw, I always thought the latter sounded so much like Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes 'Love TKO'. I'm guessing one out of the 2 of them if not both were probably produced by Gamble & Huff?...although I might be wrong. What do I know I was born in '78 but I love all the oldies tho. The Three Degrees, The O'Jays, Ohio Players, Earth Wid & Fire, Al Greeen n all the Motown & Gamble & Huff stuff also, all the Mizell Brothers productions over there at the Blue Notes Records were all just perfection! Donald Byrd n Johnny Hammond are by far my absolute favorites !✌🏾

amd77j

6y↑1

Like fine wine this classic just gets better with time. Something raw, natural, and just plain friggin' real about ballads done by Funk bands...

Angela R.

3y↑3

This is music for real , feel it !!! ❤️

asante amin

7y↑24

The album covers were so amazing. Art in their own right. This song keep m in awe becuz of the different sections. Then the versese are connected with these really amazing drum solos that break up the time signature. Its poetry and melody but then the nerve to interject funky ass drum solos as apart of the continued song structure........ive never heard anything like this. Gorgeous and Black and Cosmic and FUNKY!

Aquatic world

5y↑3

The lyrics the hook..! I want to be FREE....! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🌟

msmichele60

4y↑2

Ohio players I grew up on there music they were musical geniuses 🔥💯🎸🎷🎶🎤

frederick owens

3y↑4

My favorite OHIO Players cut all-time! Suga brought it home on this one!

Tony White

5y↑2

They are top notch, so smooth I love thier sound.

Keith Barrett

1y↑1

Thank God I had some cool uncles in the 70's. Music like this will NEVER get old.

p craig

8y↑13

Pain, Pleasure, Ecstasy , The first three (that I know of) Ohio Players albums-pure dynamite. ALL of their music is top shelf. These dudes were very accomplished musicians before they made it- obviously. I saw them once in '71 or '72 at the U P S (u of puget sound) Field house in Tacoma Wa. They did not disappoint. If I remember correctly two bands opened the show; The Black on White Affair and Cold, Bold and Together (both funky horn bands). One of these Seattle bands had a 1st tenor player taking the funky saxophone solos named Kenny Gorelick aka, Kenny G!

will willwall

4y↑3

From the drum beat in the beginning anyone that know great music should know this song...this is a song that helped me become FREE

T.Renee.C

32w

All of these songs are forever classics because they had their band .It melts your inner core to be free from anything .R&B singers never get there full props because they promote division and evil .

IamofIAM144

4y↑1

Timeless music!! 💯

Gemini Man

5y↑44

Ohio players" are truly the Baddest band to ever Rock r&b music charts"... there Funkie style will live forever.😎👍

Greg Muscovalley

5y↑49

No one can play and sing this song do not try and cover this is masterpiece

Lewicinda Baker

3y↑1

Well Well Well

tony davis

6y↑4

Man this song is seriously fire! Those drums, those synths!!

Global Village

4y↑2

Freedom for me is definitely a state of mind. Free to express my true feelings, bold enough to validate others feelings and keep on living. This song expresses emotions where as in this world today sometimes we hide or deny exactly what we feel any gender.

cwash2005

Very interesting perspective, Carolyn. Tell me more

Kimberly Jackson

4y↑4

The acoustics on this here record is Dope AF !! 🔥

Donnella Harris

42w↑2

No one can replace this group

Calvin Jefferson

5y↑2

This is still a smooth old school track from back in the day.I had all their Albums.My favorite Album was Honey then Angel. All their album covers featured lovely women.