Listen to I Want To Be Free by Ohio Players

I Want To Be Free

Ohio Players

Funk

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OVERVIEW

LYRICS

Music Video

I Want To Be Free

Watch I Want To Be Free on YouTube

Upcoming Concerts for Ohio Players

Jun
21
Jun 21, 2025
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Featured In

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Credits

PERFORMING ARTISTS

Ohio Players

Performer

Clarence Satchell

Clarence Satchell

Flute

Leroy Bonner

Vocals

Marshall Jones

Electric Bass Guitar

Ralph Middlebrooks

Ralph Middlebrooks

Trumpet

James Williams

Vocals

Marvin Pierce

Trumpet

Billy Beck

Keyboards

Clarence Willis

Clarence Willis

Vocals

Robert Jones

Congas

COMPOSITION & LYRICS

Clarence Satchell

Clarence Satchell

Songwriter

Leroy Bonner

Songwriter

Marshall Jones

Songwriter

Ralph Middlebrooks

Ralph Middlebrooks

Songwriter

James Williams

Songwriter

Marvin Pierce

Songwriter

William Beck

Songwriter

Billy Beck

Songwriter

PRODUCTION & ENGINEERING

Ohio Players

Producer

Lyrics

[Verse 1]

One day, child

I won't have to listen to your lies

On that day I'll be able to make up my own mind

You know I think I done finally realized

Yes I have

And now I think I can put you out of my life

[Verse 2]

I'm gonna be free, yes, I am (I want to be free to run away)

I'm gonna be free, child (I want to be free to run away)

I'm gonna be free

(I want to be free to speak my mind)

(All the time)

[Verse 3]

I want to be free

I want to be free

I want to be free

[Verse 4]

And one morning

One morning

I won't be afraid to leave

And all those things that you told me

You know I never could conceive

[Verse 5]

I'm gonna be free (I want to be free to run away)

I'm gonna be free (I want to be free to run away)

I'm gonna be free (I want to be free to speak my mind)

(All the time)

[Verse 6]

I want to be free

I want to be free

I want to be free

I want to be free

I want to be free

[Verse 7]

You don't know how it makes me feel, child

To be able to walk away from your smile

And I'm gonna be alright after awhile

I think the Lord done gave me strength now

[Verse 8]

I'm gonna be free (I want to be free to run away)

Oh, I'm gonna be free

(I want to be free to run away)

Gonna be free

(I want to be free to speak my mind)

(All the time)

[Verse 9]

I want to be free

I want to be free

I want to be free

I want to be free

I want to be free

[Verse 10]

One day I'm gonna be free honey, yes I will

And nothing can make me stay

Not even your money

I know you're gonna think that I'm actin' funny

Oh girl, oh but I'm getting away from you, honey

[Verse 11]

I'm gonna be free (I want to be free to run and play)

I'm gonna be free (I want to be free to run away)

I don't need your lovin' no more

I'm gonna be free (I want to be free to speak my mind)

(All the time)

[Verse 12]

I want to be free

I want to be free

I want to be free

I want to be free

Written by: Clarence Satchell, James "Diamond" Williams, Leroy Bonner, Marshall Jones, Marvin Pierce, Ralph "Pee Wee" Middlebrooks, William Beck

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