I'm Free (Heaven Helps The Man)

Album: Footloose soundtrack (1984)
Charted: 22
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Songfacts®:

  • Footloose is best remembered for putting Kevin Bacon on the map. The movie also gave Kenny Loggins' career a major boost, with the title theme being his first #1 hit on the Hot 100. In this song, a man is going to win the girl he loves in spite of his fear of the many obstacles he faces. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Mike - Santa Barbara, CA
  • Loggins wrote this with Dean Pitchford, the film's screenwriter. Pitchford wrote the lyrics while the singer was on tour in Southeast Asia. When he came back, they finished the song together, along with "Footloose."
  • Loggins co-produced this with David Foster, who played the synthesizer on the track. The pair collaborated several times before, including on Loggins' songs "Heart To Heart" and "Forever."
  • In the music video, directed by Brian Grant, Loggins is a convict who escapes prison so he can run away with his girlfriend (Virginia Madsen). With the help of a street gang, they successfully evade the police. Grant is a prolific director who worked extensively with Olivia Newton-John ("Physical"), among other acts.
  • This was used on the TV shows Family Guy ("Stewie Loves Lois" - 2006) and Cold Case ("Shuffle, Ball Change" - 2007).
  • The movie's soundtrack went to #1 in America, where it sold 5 million copies by the end of the year (9 million by 2001). Loggins' next big soundtrack contribution was for Top Gun in 1986 with "Danger Zone" and "Playing With the Boys."
  • This was also featured in the 2013 video game Grand Theft Auto V.

Comments: 2

  • Esskayess from Dallas, TxThe only way to play this song is LOUD...as loud as your speakers/ears can handle. What a natural rush it provides.
  • Sara from Silver Spring, MdThis is the other top hit from Footloose the other being the title song. It is played as the kids ride on motorcycles knowing that they're free. The spoken chorus on this song is known as "The Screamers".
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