(Malik Pendelton/Nicole Johnson)

I've got to be free
Gotta be, gotta be free
I've got to be free

Gotta be, gotta be free

Long goodbyes, stolen glances
Can't explain all that's happened in our past
I'm tired of creating lies to be alone
I'm living wrong, we're living wrong

More and more you make me
Afraid to come around
You take the pleasure out of being in love
And being down and down and down and down and down
For the one who's there for me
All I really want to be is free, yeah

I've got to be free, got to be free
Gotta be, gotta be free
I've got to be free, got to be free
Gotta be, gotta be free

You don't know why, haven't got a clue
In the dark about why I am leaving you
You can't expect me to go on this way
No, I cannot stay, I will not stay

More and more you make me
Realize what I have home
What's taboos exciting
But sometimes it just gets old
Sometimes it just gets old
For as long as I am me, boy
All I really want to be is free

I've got to be free, got to be free
Gotta be, gotta be free
I've got to be free, got to be free
Gotta be, gotta be free

I've got to be free, got to be free
Gotta be, gotta be free
I've got to be free, got to be free
Gotta be, gotta be free

I've got to be free, got to be free
Gotta be, gotta be free
I've got to be free, got to be free
Gotta be, gotta be free