About The Song
(Watch the video below)
Released in 1995 as part of The Beatles' "Anthology 1" compilation, "Free As A Bird" is a unique and poignant track that marked the first time in 25 years that the surviving members of The Beatles collaborated on new material. Written by John Lennon in 1977, the song was discovered on a demo tape by Yoko Ono. With Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr adding their musical contributions and vocals, "Free As A Bird" was transformed into a posthumous collaboration that blended the old and the new.
The song's lyrics take on added significance given its posthumous nature. With lines like "Whatever happened to the life that we once knew? Can we really live without each other?" and "Whatever happened to the love that we once knew?," the lyrics resonate with a sense of longing and reflection. Lennon's original demo, recorded on a cassette, became the foundation for the collaborative effort, and the inclusion of his voice through archival recordings provided an emotional and nostalgic layer to the song.
Musically, "Free As A Bird" showcases the seamless integration of the surviving members' contributions with Lennon's original recording. The production, overseen by Jeff Lynne, captures the spirit of The Beatles' sound while incorporating modern studio techniques. The use of Lennon's 1977 demo as the starting point creates a sonic bridge that connects the past with the present, resulting in a song that is both a tribute to the band's legacy and a testament to their enduring influence.
The release of "Free As A Bird" generated widespread excitement among fans, offering a glimpse into what might have been if John Lennon had lived. The song became a symbolic reunion for The Beatles, a virtual collaboration that brought the voices and musical talents of the Fab Four together once again. Despite the bittersweet undertones of the track, it stands as a powerful testament to the enduring magic of The Beatles' music and their ability to captivate audiences across generations.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
Free as a bird
It's the next best thing to be
Free as a bird
Home, home and dry
Like a homing bird I'll fly
As a bird on wings
Whatever happened to
The life that we once knew?
Can we really live without each other?
Where did we lose the touch
That seemed to mean so much?
It always made me feel so...
Free as a bird
Like the next best thing to be
Free as a bird
Home, home and dry
Like a homing bird I'll fly
As a bird on wings
Whatever happened to
The life that we once knew?
Always made me feel so free
Ah...
Ah...
Ah...
Free as a bird
It's the next best thing to be
Free as a bird
Free as a bird
Free as a bird
Oooooo
Free...