You Are Free

Album: Integrity Blues (2016)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Jimmy Eat World frontman Jim Adkins explained the meaning behind this song during a track-by-track interview with Kerrang!:

    "This is about how the solution to an issue is usually a very simple one, but it's uncomfortable. And the emotional infrastructure we'll build to go around facing that is ten times more effort than it would take to actually step one step across what's uncomfortable. It happens all the time (laughs).

    Quitting drinking was one of those things for me, just thinking you can solve the problem on your own, and then realizing, 'No, you can't,' for a long time , and then finally giving into that and saying, 'OK well I probably shouldn't drink….'

    Once I made the decision that I just shouldn't anymore, then it was easy. But it was really difficult when I was trying to control it on my own, as opposed to just saying drinking is not on the table anymore."

    Adkins added :"At some point you've got to take responsibility for your personal condition, and realize that no one is going to do it for you."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & FireSongwriter Interviews

The longtime bassist of Earth, Wind & Fire discusses how his band came to do a holiday album, and offers insight into some of the greatest dance/soul tunes of all-time.

Edie Brickell

Edie BrickellSongwriter Interviews

Edie Brickell on her collaborations with Paul Simon, Steve Martin and Willie Nelson, and her 2021 album with the New Bohemians.

Rick Astley

Rick AstleySongwriter Interviews

Rick Astley on "Never Gonna Give You Up," "Cry For Help," and his remarkable resurgence that gave him another #1 UK album.

Rick Springfield

Rick SpringfieldSongwriter Interviews

Rick has a surprising dark side, a strong feminine side and, in a certain TV show, a naked backside. But he still hasn't found Jessie's Girl.

George Harrison

George HarrisonFact or Fiction

Did Eric Clapton really steal George's wife? What's the George Harrison-Monty Python connection? Set the record straight with our Fact or Fiction quiz.

Hawksley Workman

Hawksley WorkmanSongwriter Interviews

One of Canada's most popular and eclectic performers, Hawksley tells stories about his oldest songs, his plentiful side projects, and the ways that he keeps his songwriting fresh.