The Story of “I’m Free”

I’m Free Story

I wrote the song, I’m Free after having my personal life wind through many hospitalizations and also reflecting on the tragedies unfolding with others because of the pandemic. The song is about 3 things.

ONE: After seeing how devastating serious illness can be, I realized that life is drenched in happenstance. It is filled with surprises. Some are good and some are bad.

TWO: I also realized that medical people were constantly working very hard trying to save my life and the lives of Covid patients right now! Treating covid patients was deadly and dangerous for these hospital folks. I felt and feel a profound sense of gratitude.

THREE: And lastly I wanted to express the joy I, and others, have felt at the time of discharge from a hospital and the sheer wonderfulness of being able to continue to live my beautiful life. Life is a stupendous and fabulous gift. I want to remind others of how fortunate they are to be alive.

So, I wrote the song, I’m Free. Basically, it really just popped into my head.

The first few lines of the chorus were written in the 1970’s….50 years ago! How on earth did I remember the beginnings of that song? In my mind it is set by the Cumberland River in Nashville, TN where I lived in a converted barn on River Rd.. The rest of it came out of my life today, here and now.

How do I write?

I am afraid that is a bit of a mystery. Why do I go to a certain chord, phrasing, bridge, chorus, diminished or augmented this or that, well, that would take a novelette to explain to anyone.

My wish is that it bolsters you in the middle of some suffering you are experiencing or have experienced….I want you to rejoice in life. That is at the core of what this song.

Reviews

Here are some comments about the song from musical friends and industry professionals. If you want to comment below we would love to publish your comments.

“I watched the video of your song on YouTube. You are like a hidden gem. You gave me Goosebumps. It’s an impressive performance.” Tim Westergren, Co-Founder, Pandora

“Profundity wrapped in whimsy.” Julie Robbins, a friend.

“Well-written, well-sung, and a nice tasty arrangement, rich and full without being overbearing.” Professor, poet, playwright, Robert Bradford

“LOVE IT!” Phil Nigro, old and current friend & songwriter.

“Great stuff, Roger. But then I’d expect nothing less of you. Rock on…” Steve Martin, Beat poet & songwriter/singer of Orpheus(MGM)

“Wow! I love the song. I love the performance. I love the recording. The subject matter is perfect”. Peter Newland of Fat (RCA)

And here is the song. Just tap the mp3 icon to hear it! I hope you love it and I hope it bolsters you in your life!

Here’s the studio version of the song…

Click HERE to download your own MP3 version of the song. When the song pops up, right-click (control click on a Mac) and download the song to your computer.

Below are the lyrics….

“I’m Free”

Words and music by Roger Salloom copyright 2020

I wanna be at my place at sunset.
A honey sun going down.
The birdies singing their sweet set
My friends be coming round