Introduction:
I Want To Be Free: A 1957 Rock and Roll Ballad by Elvis Presley
Emerging as a charismatic rock and roll force in the mid-1950s, Elvis Presley left an undeniable mark on the music scene. His energetic performances and unique blend of country, gospel, and blues influences captivated audiences. In 1957, while filming his second feature film, Jailhouse Rock, Presley recorded a song that would become a notable contribution to his meteoric rise: I Want To Be Free.
I Want To Be Free wasn’t one of Presley’s earth-shattering hits that dominated the charts. It wasn’t released as a single, but rather as part of the soundtrack album for Jailhouse Rock. However, the song holds significance within the context of Presley’s early career and the development of rock and roll.
The credit for discovering Presley goes to record producer Sam Phillips of Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee. Recognizing the young singer’s potential, Phillips captured Presley’s raw talent and burgeoning sound in his early recordings. While I Want To Be Free wasn’t recorded at Sun Studios, the gospel and R&B influences that were nurtured by Phillips are evident in the song. Presley’s powerful vocals and signature soulful delivery are on full display, showcasing the young singer’s talent that was captivating the nation.
I Want To Be Free is a gospel-infused ballad with a strong backbeat. The lyrics, though not explicitly stated, can be interpreted as a yearning for freedom and personal liberation. This theme resonated with many young listeners in the 1950s, a time of social change and youth rebellion. Presley’s impassioned performance adds another layer to the song’s message, fueling the energy that would become a hallmark of rock and roll.
Although not a chart-topping hit, I Want To Be Free played a role in solidifying Presley’s position as a rock and roll pioneer. The song showcased his impressive vocal abilities and charisma, an undeniable talent that was captivating audiences across the country. I Want To To Be Free remains a significant track in Presley’s expansive catalog, a testament to his early sound and the lasting impact he had on popular music.
Video:
Lyrics:
There’s no joy in my heart,Only sorrowAnd I’m sadAs a man can beI sit alone in the darknessOf my lonely roomAnd this roomIs a prison to meI look at windowAnd what to I seeI see a birdWay up in the treeI want to be free freeFreeI want to be freeLike the bird in the treeWhat good are my eyes,They can’t see youAnd my arms,They can’t hold so tightI have two lipsThat are yearning,But they’re no good to meCause I know I can’t kiss you tonightI look at windowAnd what to I seeI see a birdWay up in the treeI want to be free freeFreeI want to be freeLike the bird in the treeI want to be freeLike the bird in the tree