Chicago’s, I Just Want To Be Free, The Song And The Inspiration

In 1971, Chicago was the first rock band to sell out Carnegie Hall for a week. Here’s a recording of, “I Just Want To Be Free,” from that week.

All I can say is, Jesus Christ. The energy of this performance, the tempo, the musicianship. Written by Robert Lamm who’s holding it down on keyboards with Terry Kath belting it out on vocals and guitar, Peter Cetera killing it on bass, Danny Seraphine destroying it on drums, Walter Parazaider plastering it on sax, and James Pankow and Lee Loughnane powering it on trumpet and trombone. This is music. This is the kind of music I’d like to hear more of.

The lyrics and excitement of the music conjures the spirit of liberation and wanting to be liberated.

I just want to be free

I just want to be free

I want to be free from all the hurt

I want to be free from all the pain

I want to end these lonely hours

I want to end these lonely days

In honor of those who have served our country.