Gil Scott-Heron’s “Free Will” is a striking and thoughtful piece that highlights his signature mix of poetry, jazz, blues, funk, and proto-rap. Serving as the title track of his second studio album, it was released in August 1972 on Flying Dutchman Records.

Here’s a breakdown of information regarding “Free Will” lyrics:

Lyrical Content and Themes

• Personal Responsibility and Societal Critique: The lyrics of “Free Will” open the album with a meditation on personal responsibility. Scott-Heron criticizes those who benefited from the civil rights movement but did little to improve society, embodying his role as “America’s conscience”.
• Search for Truth and Disillusionment: The song speaks to a desire for exploration and finding truth, contrasting with a weariness of constant societal pressures and political posturing. The lines “Say you want to go exploring, you got to find some truth. Can’t stand one more day of Christians shouting down at you. You say you don’t dig politics that never was your bag. People who could run for office wave their private flag” highlight this sentiment.
• The Elusiveness of Peace: A recurring refrain in the song is “But Peace won’t be still of its own free will,” suggesting that peace requires active effort and cannot be achieved passively.
• Self-Exploration: The album Free Will generally delves into themes of self-exploration, along with police brutality and the consequences of violence.
• Scott-Heron’s Style: Scott-Heron’s lyrics are known for being cerebral, witty, scathing, and honest, often speaking for the “downtrodden and disenfranchised.” His delivery on “Free Will” is described as subdued and conversational, making his potent lyrics accessible.

Album Information

• “Free Will” is featured on the album of the same name, which was Gil Scott-Heron’s final studio album for Flying Dutchman Records.
• The album was produced by Bob Thiele and recorded in March 1972 at RCA Studios in New York City.
• Free Will followed his acclaimed debut album Pieces of a Man (1971) and continued his collaboration with keyboardist Brian Jackson.
• The album is musically divided, with the first side featuring Scott-Heron and the full band (including Jackson), and the second side functioning more as a live “rap session” with Jackson on flute and percussionists.
• Other notable tracks on the album include “The Get out of the Ghetto Blues,” “Speed Kills,” and “Ain’t No New Thing.”