Free Software Song by Richard Stallman

Free Software Song

The Free Software Song is a filk song by Richard M. Stallman, founder of the Free Software Foundation and creator of the GNU operating system, sings a song about free software. The song is set to the melody of the Bulgarian "Sadi Moma".

This song is used by both Stallman’s supporters and critics to support their positions. Jamie Zawinski has used this song as an explanation for why he thinks co-operation with Stallman is impossible. A version of this song is also performed by a band (the GNU/Stallmans) during the credits of the documentary Revolution OS.

Video Clip

This clip was recorded at the UAB - Bellaterra (Barcelona) on April 7, 2008.

Free Software Song by Richard Stallman

Text

Join us now and share the software;
You’ll be free, hackers, you’ll be free.
You’ll be free, hackers, you’ll be free.


Hoarders can get piles of money,
That is true, hackers, that is true.
But they cannot help their neighbors;
That’s not good, hackers, that’s not good.


When we have enough free software
At our call, hackers, at our call,
We’ll kick out those dirty licenses.
Ever more, hackers, ever more.


Join us now and share the software;
You’ll be free, hackers, you’ll be free.
You’ll be free, hackers, you’ll be free.

Story of Writing the Song (by Richard Stallman)

I wrote the free software song at a filksinging session at a science fiction convention. It was a "bardic circle" session, which means each person in turn around the hall had the chance to either sing or ask someone else to sing. I had just had my turn, and there were 20 or more people there, so I knew it would be a long time before I had another turn. I decided to pass the time writing a filksong. This meant I was not starting with any particular inspiration in mind. I had to look for what to write about and how.

So first I asked myself, what topic should it be about? I realized I had never written a filksong relating to free software, so I figured it was time I did.

Then I asked myself, what tune should I use? I realized I had never written a filksong using Bulgarian dance music, so I figured that would be a good thing to do for once. I chose Sadi Moma because it is not too fast or complicated, and is easy to sing.

By the time it was my turn again, the song was ready. After I sang it, someone else in the room said, "That has an anthem-like quality. You should show it to Richard Stallman." (That year was the time I was a little famous and I was a guest at the convention.)

I said, "I am Richard Stallman."

She said, "Oh, I’m sorry!"

I responded, "Don’t be sorry, it’s fun when that happens."