Freedom

“Freedom” (also known as “Freedom ’90″) is a song written and performed by George Michael, released on Columbia Records in October 1990. The “’90″ added to the end of the title is to prevent confusion with a Wham! song also titled “Freedom“. “Freedom ’90″ was the second US single from the album Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1. The song was a highly-praised confessional project from Michael, acknowledging his fortune and luck from his early days with Wham! – referring directly to Andrew Ridgeley as his “buddy”. The cleverly worded song was initially promoted as describing Michael’s effort to break free from his publishing contract with Sony Music. However, as Michael’s sexuality came to light a few years later with his arrest in a public bathroom in April 1998, the song became equally recognized as a one that describes the struggles of being a closeted homosexual. Michael has since been open about his orientation.