They’ll never know just who you are
But they can’t turn your bright star dark
They’ll try to hold your spirit down
Couldn’t do it then, can’t do it now
They’ll try to tell you who to be
But they can’t change the way you feel
Can’t tame a wild heart
You are free, free
Free as the grass that’s right under your feet
Free as the sky underneath your wings
Free as the wind and the river flowin’ to the sea
Free as the feeling they can’t take from you
No walls can keep your heart from your dream
Free is just knowin’ that you were born to
To be free, free
They’ll try to tell you where to go
Try to put chains around your soul
But they could never hold you back
‘Cause you were built too strong for that
Can’t tame a wild heart
Free as the grass that’s right under your feet
Free as the sky underneath your wings
Free as the wind and the river flowin’ to the sea
Free
Oh, no one’s ever puttin’ out that fire inside
Feelin’ free’s the only way you feel alive
With the wind at your back
Runnin’ fast and free
Free as the grass that’s right under your feet
Free as the sky underneath your wings
Free as the wind and the river flowin’ to the sea
Free as the feeling they can’t take from you
No walls can keep your heart from your dream
Free is just knowin’ that you were born to
To be free, yeah
Free, yeah
Free, free
Free
Oh, free
Breaking Free: The Spirit of Independence
Charlie Puth’s “Free” is a powerful anthem about embracing one’s true self and rejecting limitations set by others. The lyrics celebrate individuality and resilience, reminding listeners that no external force can dim a genuine spirit or dictate one’s destiny. Through vivid imagery—like grass under your feet and wind flowing to the sea—the song draws on nature’s boundless energy to symbolize personal freedom. The recurring refrain, “Free as the feeling they can’t take from you,” underscores the idea that real freedom is internal and unbreakable, rooted in self-acceptance and the courage to pursue dreams without fear.
Song Credits
Artist: Charlie Puth
Release Year: 2020
Songwriters: Charlie Puth, Johan Carlsson, Gary Burr, Ross Golan
Label: Atlantic Records