In the CD Molten Gold - An Anthology, Free drummer Simon Kirke shared his experience creating "All Right Now" after a disappointing show in Durham, England. The band's setlist of slow blues songs was not well-received by the audience, leading them to realize the need for a high-energy closing number. In a stroke of inspiration, bass player Andy Fraser came up with the iconic riff and lyrics in just 10 minutes while bouncing around in the dressing room. This hit song also marked the first time vocalist Paul Rodgers contributed his talents to the band before going on to successful ventures with Bad Company, The Firm, and Queen. "All Right Now" tells the story of a man picking up a woman on the street and bringing her home for a passionate encounter. This move is referred to as his opening gambit.
Lyrics:
There she stood in the street
Smiling from her head to her feet
I said, "Hey, what is this, now baby", maybe
Maybe she's in need of a kiss
I said, "Hey, what's your name, baby?
Maybe we can see things the same"
Now don't you wait or hesitate
Let's move before they raise the parking rate
All right now, baby, it's all right now
All right now, baby, it's all right now
Let me tell you now
I took her home to my place
Watchin' every move on her face
She said, "Look what's your game, baby
Are you trying to put me in shame?"
I said, "Slow, don't go so fast
Don't you think that love can last?"
She said, "Love, Lord above
Now you're tryin' to trick me in love"
All right now, baby, it's all right now
This song really took off after Free's performance at the Isle of Wight Festival on August 31, 1970 where over 600,000 people attended. According to Los Angeles disc jockey Joe Benson, "All Right Now" was playing somewhere around the world once every 45 seconds during an on-air interview with Paul Rodgers. Unfortunately, Free was unable to replicate this success with their next single, "Stealer," which reached only #49 in America and failed to chart in the UK. In a interview with Simon Kirke, he shared that while the song propelled them into stardom, it also became a burdensome weight as they struggled to produce another hit. Island Records pressured them for a follow-up, but it proved to be a challenge. We took it to heart and the band broke up. So, realistically, 'All Right Now' was not very good for the band.