Credits
PERFORMING ARTISTS
Nina Simone
Vocals
Sammy Lowe
Conductor
Eric Gale
Guitar
Rudy Stevenson
Guitar
Ernie Hayes
Piano
Gene Taylor
Bass
Bernard Purdie
Drums
Ernie Royal
Trumpet
Marky Markowitz
Trumpet
Seldon Powell
Tenor Saxophone
Mel Tax
Flute
COMPOSITION & LYRICS
Billy Taylor
Songwriter
Richard Lamb
Songwriter
Sammy Lowe
Arranger
PRODUCTION & ENGINEERING
Danny Davis
Producer
Hall Ray
Recording Engineer
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
I wish I knew how it would feel to be free
I wish I could break all the chains holding me
I wish I could say all the things that I should say
Say 'em loud, say 'em clear
For the whole round world to hear
[Verse 2]
I wish I could share all the love that's in my heart
Remove all the bars that keep us apart
I wish you could know what it means to be me
Then you'd see and agree
That every man should be free
[Verse 3]
I wish I could give all I'm longing to give
I wish I could live like I'm longing to live
I wish I could do all the things that I can do
Though I'm way overdue, I'd be starting anew
[Outro]
Well, I wish I could be like a bird in the sky
How sweet it would be if I found I could fly
I'd soar to the sun and look down at the sea
Then I'd sing 'cause I'd know, yeah
Then I'd sing 'cause I'd know, yeah
Then I'd sing 'cause I'd know
I'd know how it feels
I'd know how it feels to be free, yeah, yeah
I'd know how it feels
Yes, I'd know, I'd know how it feels
How it feels to be free, Lord, Lord, Lord
Written by: Richard Lamb, William Taylor