Freed From Desire - prod. Molella, Phil Jay

"Freed From Desire" is a powerful anthem that champions spiritual and personal freedom over materialism. At its core, the song, written by Gala Rizzatto, is a critique of a society obsessed with wealth, power, and fame. The lyrics repeatedly emphasize that the singer's love interest lacks these conventional markers of success but is rich in “strong beliefs.” This central theme suggests that true value lies in one's principles and integrity, not in material possessions. Gala has described the song as a “fight the power” anthem born from her observations of social and economic disparities in New York City. The song's message is heavily influenced by Buddhist philosophy, which challenges the cycle of constant craving (desire) as a source of suffering. The line “Freed from desire, mind and senses purified” acts as a mantra, advocating for a state of enlightenment and inner peace achieved by detaching from material wants. It's a call for unity and a rejection of the consumerist mindset, encouraging listeners to seek happiness in meaning and connection rather than accumulation.

The song's central narrative revolves around a profound appreciation for a love that transcends materialism and societal status. The singer repeatedly declares that her beloved has no money, power, or fame, but possesses something far more valuable: strong beliefs. This refrain, repeated with an almost hypnotic insistence, forms the bedrock of the song's message. It’s a powerful statement against a world that often measures worth by wealth and influence. The lyrics champion a different kind of richness, one rooted in personal conviction, integrity, and inner strength. This love is not defined by what a person has, but by who they are and what they stand for.

The narrative then expands from this personal declaration to a broader social critique. The lyrics observe a pervasive societal ill: the insatiable desire for more. “Want more and more, people just want more and more,” the song laments, pointing out a cycle of endless craving that fails to deliver true satisfaction. In contrast, the singer’s beloved is searching for “freedom and love,” positioning these as the ultimate, more meaningful goals. This juxtaposition creates a clear philosophical divide between the empty pursuit of material possessions and the fulfilling quest for spiritual and emotional liberty.

The song's iconic chorus, “Freed from desire, mind and senses purified,” elevates the narrative to a spiritual or philosophical plane. It's presented as the ultimate state of being, a form of enlightenment achieved by detaching from the endless cycle of wanting. This phrase acts as a mantra, a powerful affirmation of liberation. The purification of mind and senses suggests a clarity and peace that can only be found when one is no longer a slave to their desires. It’s a call to look inward for happiness rather than outward toward external validation or material gain.

The song also weaves in natural and sensory imagery to describe the essence of this profound love, comparing it to “the sound of the forests” and “the smell of the sea.” These metaphors suggest something primal, pure, and untamed, contrasting sharply with the artificial constructs of fame and fortune. This love is as fundamental and essential as nature itself. The optimistic assertion, “One day you’ll see,” serves as a prophecy, a confident belief that the world will eventually recognize the true value of a love founded on principles rather than possessions. It’s a message of hope and an unwavering belief in the power of authenticity and inner worth over superficial societal standards.

"Freed From Desire" was written by Italian singer-songwriter Gala Rizzatto and produced by Italian producers Molella and Phil Jay. Released in 1996, the song was the lead single from her debut album, "Come into My Life". Gala wrote the song while living in New York as a student in the early 1990s. Her experiences in the city, particularly the stark contrast between the wealthy elite and the struggling yet vibrant communities, heavily influenced the song's lyrical themes. She was inspired by the disparity she witnessed and her readings on Buddhism and Taoism. Specifically, the song was dedicated to her first love, a young dancer from Senegal, and his community of dancers and drummers in Harlem, who she felt possessed a happiness and communal support that seemed absent in wealthier circles. The song was recorded in Italy after Gala returned from New York. Gala has stated that the creative process was a confluence of three main ideas: her social observations, her rekindled passion for dance after an injury, and falling in love. Despite its massive success, Gala signed a very unfavorable contract and has fought for years to reclaim the rights and royalties to her song, leading her to re-record it in 2024.

The song employs several powerful symbolic and metaphorical elements to convey its message.

• Desire as a Prison: The central concept of being “freed from desire” frames desire not as a simple want but as a form of bondage. This aligns with Buddhist teachings where craving (Taṇhā) is a fundamental cause of suffering. The song presents liberation from this cycle of wanting as the ultimate form of freedom and purification.
• Beliefs as Wealth: The repeated line, “My love has got no money, he's got his strong beliefs,” establishes a clear metaphorical substitution. Here, strong beliefs, principles, and personal integrity are presented as a more valuable and enduring form of currency than actual money, power, or fame.
• Natural Imagery: The lyrics use imagery from the natural world, comparing love to “the sound of the forests” and “the smell of the sea.” This likens the song's ideal form of love and existence to something primal, pure, and elemental, contrasting with the artificial constructs of consumer society. It suggests that this way of life is more authentic and fundamental to human experience.

The emotional atmosphere of "Freed From Desire" is overwhelmingly one of triumph, defiance, and euphoric joy. The song's high-energy Eurodance beat, driving bassline, and powerful synthesizer melodies create an immediate sense of uplifting energy and excitement. Gala's vocal performance is strong and confident, imbuing the lyrics with a sense of unwavering conviction. This musical foundation is paired with a message of liberation and empowerment. The lyrics reject societal pressures for materialism and instead celebrate inner strength and principled living. This creates a defiant tone, a joyful rebellion against consumer culture. The collective, chant-like nature of the chorus and the famous "Na na na" hook fosters a feeling of unity and shared celebration, making the listener feel part of a powerful, positive movement. The emotion is not just happy, but deeply liberating and cathartic, as if a great weight has been lifted by being “freed from desire.”

"Freed From Desire" became a massive international hit upon its release, topping the charts in several European countries, including France and Belgium, and peaking at number 2 in the UK. Its impact, however, has extended far beyond the 1990s charts. In the 2010s, the song experienced a phenomenal resurgence as a sporting anthem. This was famously kicked off in 2016 by fans of Wigan Athletic football club who adapted the tune into the chant "Will Grigg's on Fire". The chant went viral during the UEFA Euro 2016 tournament and was adopted by fans of numerous other teams worldwide, who customize the lyrics for their own players. Its simple, catchy melody and the “na na na” chorus make it perfect for stadium crowds. The song has been used as official goal music by several national teams in FIFA World Cups and was featured prominently in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Beyond sports, the song has been embraced as an anthem for various protest movements, including LGBTQ+ pride events, women's marches, and teachers' strikes, where its message of fighting the system and seeking freedom resonates strongly. Gala herself has acknowledged and celebrated the song's new life as a unifying anthem for the people.

The song's rhyme and rhythm are key to its infectious and anthemic quality. The lyrical structure is straightforward, relying on a simple, repetitive pattern rather than a complex rhyme scheme. The verses primarily use repetition for emphasis, with lines like "My love has got no money, he's got his strong beliefs" being reiterated. The rhyme is most evident in couplets like "Want more and more / People just want more and more / Freedom and love / What he's looking for," creating a sense of lyrical flow. The chorus, "Freed from desire / Mind and senses purified," features a perfect rhyme that makes it highly memorable. The rhythmic structure is built on a classic Eurodance beat with a tempo of approximately 129 BPM. This driving rhythm, combined with the syncopated bassline, creates a powerful sense of energy and movement. Gala's vocal rhythm is emphatic and syncopated, often delivering the lyrics in a punchy, declarative style that rides over the beat. The most rhythmically compelling part is the wordless “Na na na na na” chant, which is incredibly simple and allows for universal participation, a key factor in its adoption as a sports anthem.

"Freed From Desire" utilizes a combination of compelling musical and literary techniques to create its iconic and enduring appeal.

• Musical Techniques: The track is a quintessential example of 1990s Eurodance, characterized by a driving, four-on-the-floor beat, a prominent and catchy bassline, and a memorable synthesizer riff that hooks the listener from the start. The tempo is upbeat and energetic, typical of the genre, compelling listeners to dance. Gala's vocal delivery is powerful and declarative, conveying a sense of conviction and urgency that perfectly matches the song's lyrical message. The production by Molella and Phil Jay features layers of synth pads and rhythmic elements that create a full, atmospheric club sound.
• Literary Techniques: The most prominent literary device is repetition. The phrases “My love has got no...” and “he's got his strong beliefs” are repeated multiple times, acting as an anaphora that drills the song's core message into the listener's mind. The chorus itself, “Freed from desire, mind and senses purified,” functions as a mantra, a short, repetitive phrase intended for spiritual focus, reinforcing the song's philosophical and Buddhist underpinnings. The structure is simple and direct, making the lyrics easy to remember and sing along to, which has contributed to its longevity as an anthem.

What is the meaning behind Gala's 'Freed From Desire'?

The song is a critique of materialism and consumer culture. Inspired by Buddhist philosophy, it advocates for finding happiness through personal principles and freedom from the constant desire for wealth, power, and fame, suggesting true value lies in one's 'strong beliefs.'

When was 'Freed From Desire' released and who produced it?

'Freed From Desire' was released in 1996. It was performed and co-written by the Italian artist Gala and produced by Italian producers DJ Molella and Phil Jay.

Why is 'Freed From Desire' so popular at football matches?

Its popularity began in 2016 with the viral chant 'Will Grigg's on Fire' by Wigan Athletic fans. The song's simple, repetitive melody and the catchy 'Na na na' chant make it an ideal and easily adaptable anthem for large crowds in stadiums.

What inspired Gala to write 'Freed From Desire'?

Gala was inspired by several factors, including her observations of social inequality in New York, her love for a Senegalese dancer who valued community over wealth, and her personal readings of Buddhist and Taoist philosophy.

What does the line 'mind and senses purified' mean?

This line is a direct reference to a Buddhist concept. It suggests achieving a state of enlightenment and inner peace by liberating oneself from the constant cycle of craving and material desire, leading to mental and sensory clarity.

What genre of music is 'Freed From Desire'?

The song is a classic example of 1990s Eurodance, also categorized as Italodance and Euro House.

Has Gala re-recorded 'Freed From Desire'?

Yes, Gala re-recorded the song and released it in 2024. This was an effort to reclaim ownership and control over the track after signing an unfavorable contract for the original release, from which she received few royalties.