In Joan Armatrading's song "Free," the lyrics depict a situation in which the speaker is trying their best to please someone else but constantly faces disappointment. The person they are addressing seems to have impossibly high expectations and demands, wanting the best of everything even at unreasonable times. Despite their efforts to provide affection and material possessions, the speaker still feels unappreciated. The other person labels them as their lover, but the speaker questions whether they truly deserve to be treated poorly. It seems that the other person wants the speaker to suffer. However, the speaker decides to give the other person their freedom, even though they never owned them and never desired to. They offer their freedom with the intention of letting both parties live their lives separately. The speaker acknowledges that they can only tolerate so much pain. Overall, the song "Free" explores the theme of unfulfilled expectations and the decision to let go of a relationship that lacks appreciation and mutual respect. It conveys a sense of empowerment and self-preservation as the speaker chooses to prioritize their own well-being and live their own life.
