About the song
Free’s “All Right Now”,buckle up, because we’re diving headfirst into a true classic of the hard rock canon. Released in 1970 as part of their third album, Fire and Water, this anthem transcended its time to become a timeless rock radio staple.
Free themselves were a force to be reckoned with in the late 60s and early 70s. Fronted by the powerhouse vocals of Paul Rodgers, their sound blended elements of blues and psychedelic rock, culminating in a raw and energetic style. While their career was tragically short-lived, disbanding in 1973, their legacy lives on through iconic tracks like “All Right Now.”
The song’s origins are particularly interesting. According to drummer Simon Kirke, “All Right Now” was born out of frustration. After a particularly underwhelming gig in Durham, England, the band retreated to their dressing room feeling dejected. It was there, amidst the post-show blues, that bassist Andy Fraser began strumming the now-legendary opening riff. With Rodgers adding lyrics that echoed a defiant “we’re alright,” the song practically wrote itself in under ten minutes.
And what a riff it is! Built on a deceptively simple three-chord progression, it’s the power and rawness that truly define it. Paul Kossoff’s searing guitar tone cuts through the mix, his fingers dancing across the fretboard with a bluesy swagger. Rodgers, meanwhile, delivers the vocals with a gritty, soulful urgency that perfectly captures the song’s rebellious spirit.
“All Right Now” is more than just a catchy riff and powerful vocals, though. It’s a song that taps into a primal feeling of liberation and defiance. The lyrics, though seemingly simple, resonate with a universal desire to overcome adversity and feel good about yourself. It’s a sentiment that transcends generations, making the song as relevant today as it was in 1970.
The song’s impact is undeniable. It reached number two on the UK Singles Chart and cracked the top five on the US Billboard Hot 100. But its influence goes far beyond chart success. “All Right Now” has been covered by countless artists, from Guns N’ Roses to Queen, a testament to its enduring power. It’s become a ubiquitous presence in movies, television shows, and sporting events, forever etched in the collective rock and roll consciousness.
So, the next time you hear those opening chords blaring from the speakers, take a moment to appreciate the brilliance of “All Right Now.” It’s a testament to the power of music to uplift, inspire, and remind us that sometimes, all we need is a simple declaration: we are alright.
Video
Lyrics
“All Right Now”
There she stood in the street
Smilin’ from her head to her feet;
I said, “Hey, what is this?
Now maybe, baby,
Maybe she’s in need of a kiss.”
I said, “Hey, what’s your name?
Maybe we can see things the same.
“Now don’t you wait, or hesitate.
Let’s move before they raise the parking rate.”
All right now, baby, it’s a-all right now.
All right now, baby, it’s a-all right now.
(Let me tell you now)
I took her home to my place,
Watchin’ every move on her face;
She said, “Look, what’s your game?
Are you tryin’ to put me to shame?”
I said “Slow, don’t go so fast, don’t you think that love can last?”
She said, “Love, Lord above,
Now you’re tryin’ to trick me in love.”
All right now, baby, it’s a-all right now.
All right now, baby, it’s a-all right now