Story Behind The Song
Released in 1984, “Freedom” was the third single from Wham!’s hugely successful second album, Make It Big. Written and produced by George Michael, the song captured the duo at the height of their popularity, combining an irresistible pop melody with polished production and infectious energy. Alongside Andrew Ridgeley, Michael helped establish Wham! as one of Britain’s biggest acts, and “Freedom” became another example of their ability to create uplifting, instantly memorable pop music.
The song celebrates independence, optimism and living life on your own terms. Its upbeat lyrics and driving rhythm reflect the carefree spirit that became synonymous with Wham!, while George Michael’s confident lead vocal is complemented by bright synthesisers, punchy brass and an energetic chorus. The polished arrangement demonstrates Michael’s growing confidence as both a songwriter and producer, qualities that would later define his hugely successful solo career.
“Freedom” reinforced Wham!’s reputation for delivering feel-good pop with broad appeal and became one of the group’s signature recordings. It followed a string of successful releases that transformed the duo into international stars and further cemented their place in 1980s popular culture. Today, the song remains a favourite among fans, celebrated for its infectious hook, vibrant production and unmistakable sense of fun. More than four decades on, “Freedom” continues to capture the exuberance and optimism that made Wham! one of the defining acts of the decade.
The song peaked at No. 01 in the UK charts on 20th October 1984.
Eighties Archive Song Number
Highest Chart Position
Date Released
Genre
Date Of UK Top 40 Entry
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ALL information on this page was obtained from numerous sources. These include The Official Charts website, Discogs, 45Cat, Polyhex, and many other sites.
Some images have been cleaned up using CHATGPT.
A-SIDE & B-SIDE COVERS
TRACK LISTING
| A-Side | Freedom (5:08) (George Michael) Produced By George Michael |
| B-Side | Freedom (Instrumental) (5:10) (George Michael) Produced By George Michael |
CHART PERFORMANCE
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [10 Weeks] – 13th October 1984 – 15th December 1984 |
OFFICIALLY RELEASED VERSIONS
Freedom (Single Version) (5:04)
Freedom (US 7″ Version) (5:20)
Freedom (Long Version) (7:14)
Freedom (Long Mix) (6:16)
Freedom (Instrumental Version) (5:10)
OFFICIAL VIDEO
LYRICS
Doo-doo-doo
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Every day, I hear a different story
People sayin’ that you’re no good for me
“Saw your lover with another
And she’s makin’ a fool of you,” oh
If you love me, baby, you’d deny it
But you laugh and tell me I should try it
Tell me I’m a baby and I don’t understand
But you know that I’ll forgive you
Just this once, twice, forever
‘Cause, baby, you could drag me to hell and back
Just as long as we’re together, and you do
I don’t want your freedom
I don’t want to play around
I don’t want nobody, baby
Part-time love just brings me down
I don’t need your freedom
Girl, all I want right now is you
Doo-doo-doo
Woah-oh, yeah
Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Like a prisoner who has his own key
But I can’t escape until you love me
I just go from day to day
Knowing all about the other boys
You take my hand and tell me I’m a fool
To give you all that I do
I bet you someday, baby
Someone says the same to you
But you know that I’ll forgive you
Just this once, twice, forever
‘Cause, baby, you could drag me to hell and back
Just as long as we’re together, and you do, oh
I don’t want your freedom
I don’t want to play around
I don’t want nobody, baby
Part-time love just brings me down
I don’t want your freedom
Girl, all I want right now is you
Doo-doo-doo (Can’t you see you’re hurting me?)
Woah-oh, yeah (Ah-ah)
Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
You’re hurting me, baby, hurting me, baby
Oh-oh
Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
You’re hurting me, baby, hurting me, baby
But you know that I’ll forgive you
Just this once, twice, forever
‘Cause, baby, you could drag me to hell and back
Just as long as we’re together, and you do, oh
I don’t want your freedom
I don’t need to play around
I don’t want nobody, baby
Part-time love just brings me down
I don’t want your freedom
I don’t want to play around
I don’t want nobody, baby
Part-time love just brings me down
I don’t want your (I don’t want your)
I don’t want your (I don’t want your)
I don’t want your (I don’t want your)
I don’t want your (I don’t want your)
Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh
Written By George Michael
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