Born Free

Andy Williams

About Born Free

"Born Free" is a popular song with music by John Barry, and lyrics by Don Black. It was written for the 1966 film of the same name and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song. The song's composers John Barry and Don Black asked British singer Matt Monro, who was managed by Black at the time, to record the song for the film's soundtrack. The producers of the film considered the song uncommercial, however, and deleted it from the print shown at its Royal Command premiere in London. When Monro, who attended the event, made Black aware of the edit, they successfully lobbied the producers to restore it. Monro's interpretation appeared over the closing credits in a shortened version recorded especially for the film, which enabled it to qualify for the Academy Award. Monro's complete commercial recording was released on the film's soundtrack album and became the singer's signature tune for the remainder of his career. Roger Williams, Andy Williams, and Frank Sinatra all recorded cover versions. Roger Williams' version was noted for its use of a male chorus, which is heard in the second half of the song, which followed the instrumental portion. The song reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Adult contemporary chart for six non-consecutive weeks in September/October 1966, while Andy Williams' version was not released as a single. Ed Ames recorded a version of the song in a 1968 album. "Born Free" also appeared on the Vic Reeves album I Will Cure You. Released as a single, this version peaked at #6 in the UK Singles Chart in 1991. The r&b group The Hesitations recorded a cover that peaked at #38 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1968. Other recordings have included an instrumental version of the song recorded by Hank Marvin in 1969, and released both as a single and on his eponymous album; calypso singer Mighty Sparrow's collaboration with Byron Lee for their 1969 album Only a Fool; trumpet player Maynard Ferguson on his 1969 album The Ballad Style of Maynard Ferguson; and a recording by The Mormon Tabernacle Choir featured in the 2005 film Madagascar. It was also featured on the 2007 soundtrack Dexter: Music From the Television Series. The song was also parodied in The Simpsons, in the episode "Whacking Day" (aired 1993), which was sung by Gene Merlino. 


Year:
2002
68 

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Born free, as free as the wind blows
As free as the grass grows
Born free to follow your heart

Live free and beauty surrounds you
The world still astounds you
Each time you look at a star

Stay free, where no walls divide you
You're free as the roaring tide
So there's no need to hide

Born free, and life is worth living
But only worth living
'Cause you're born free

(Stay free, where no walls divide you)
You're free as the roaring tide
So there's no need to hide

Born free, and life is worth living
But only worth living
'Cause you're born free

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Andy Williams

Howard Andrew "Andy" Williams (December 3, 1927 – September 25, 2012) was an American popular music singer. He recorded seventeen Gold- and three Platinum-certified albums. He hosted The Andy Williams Show, a TV variety show, from 1962 to 1971, as well as numerous television specials. Most recently, he performed at his Moon River Theatre in Branson, Missouri, which was named after the Johnny Mercer and Henry Mancini song "Moon River", with which he is closely identified. more »

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Written by: DON BLACK, JOHN BARRY

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


6 facts about this song

Andy Williams rendition
Andy Williams, known for his smooth vocal style, covered the song "Born Free" in 1967. - Williams’s version was used in the popular TV series ‘The Virginian’ in the same year.
Brian May's adaptation
Brian May, the lead guitarist of the band 'Queen', performed an instrumental version of "Born Free" during the '46664' concert organized by Nelson Mandela. - He teamed up with singer Kerry Ellis for a strong, emotive performance.
Don Black's contribution
Lyricist Don Black actually co-wrote the song "Born Free" along with John Barry. - His work on "Born Free" won him and Barry an Oscar for Best Original Song in 1966.
Matt Monro's original version
The song was originally recorded and performed by Matt Monro for the 1966 film of the same name. - Matt Monro's recording of "Born Free" reached #10 on the UK Singles Chart in early 1967.
Roger William's instrumental version
Roger Williams, a notable pianist, conducted an instrumental version. - His rendition reached #7 on Billboard Hot 100 in the United States in 1966, making it his second biggest hit.
The Hesitations version
The Hesitations, a soul group, released their version of "Born Free" in 1968 on their album of the same name. - Their unique rendition blended elements of soul and R&B music with the original pop-oriented melody.

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