Intro
[instrumental: accordion and acoustic guitar, 4 bars]
[tempo: upbeat, 110–120 BPM]
[dynamics: mezzo-forte → forte]
[rhythm: light swing with a marching pulse]
---
Verse 1
I stand at the table and speak calm and low [low voice]
Don’t tell me how to live, don’t tell me how to breathe [sharp, accented]
My steps are my rules, my road is my home [confident]
Freedom burns in my chest, I won’t hide that flame [warmly]
If you want to argue, then argue; if you want to leave, go [smirk]
But don’t teach me how to be a man [firm]
I make my own law, and I’ve got the strength to keep it [final chord]
[pause: 1 bar; clink of glasses]
---
Chorus
I am a free man, don’t touch my wings [full choir, loud]
Don’t tell me how to live, don’t try to change my soul [backing: “don’t change me”]
Raise your glass for those who choose their own way [toast: lift glass]
We drink to freedom, to the right to be ourselves [crowd: “to be ourselves!”]
Stay if you want, leave if you must [softer]
But don’t dictate how I breathe or how I love [chorus finale, crescendo]
[short instrumental break, 2 bars; crowd shout]
---
Verse 2
How many times they said: “That’s not how it’s done, son” [ironically]
I answer with a song, not empty words [smiling]
My mistakes are mine, I don’t hide them in the dark [clear]
They made me who I am, standing here before you [proud]
Don’t ask me to be someone I’m not [intimate, low]
I choose truth, even if it cuts deep [sincere]
Freedom isn’t a whim — it’s the breath inside my chest [slow, lingering]
[applause; lights dim for a beat]
---
Bridge
[melody slows; saxophone solo, 8 bars]
Take your advice if you must, but spare me orders [whisper]
Love me if you can, but don’t lock me in a cage [softly]
I welcome help, but I refuse commands [resolute]
Freedom is a choice, not a sentence [emotional peak]
[drum build-up, 4 bars]
---
Chorus Repeat
I am a free man, don’t touch my wings [everyone, louder]
Don’t tell me how to live, don’t try to change my soul [backing: “don’t change me”]
Raise your glass for those who choose their own way [toast: “to us!”]
We drink to freedom, to the right to be ourselves [crowd: “freedom!”]
Stay if you want, leave if you must [with a grin]
But don’t dictate how I breathe or how I love [finale, forte]
[audience call-and-response: lead invites crowd to sing last line; clap in time]
---
Finale
[instrumental: tempo quickens, 4 bars]
[dynamics: forte → subito piano on last bar]
[gesture: raise glass, smile, nod to the crowd]
[last whispered line] — I am free.
[applause; invite a final toast and communal singing]
NelRo
