Free - The Stealer (Unreleased studio version with an amazing extended Kossoff solo)
The Stealer is the second track from "Highway" that was the fourth studio album by English rock band Free. It was recorded extremely quickly in September 1970 following the band’s success at the Isle of Wight Festival but with an attitude of relaxation, having achieved worldwide success with their previous album Fire and Water and the single “All Right Now”. It is a low-key and introspective album compared with its predecessors.
"Highway" was their last album to be recorded in a position of success and security, as its failure contributed to the emotionally insecure Kossoff's growing drug addiction and the band's temporary split, from which it never truly recovered. Some, including drummer Simon Kirke, also cite the death of Kossoff's idol Jimi Hendrix (which occurred during the sessions for this album on 18 September 1970), as an important factor in his eventual breakdown.
Lyrics
I went down to the centre of town
And my feet was a burning ground
She stood on the corner merrily as can be
I said hey good lookin won't you come with me
She said yeah
I am the stealer
Came to steal your love
The sun was shining
The world was right
I said "tell me baby wha'cha doin' tonight"
I'm goin' round the corner
Where the music's loud
I'm tired of the city
Won't you come on round
I said yeah!
I'm the stealer
Come to steal your love
Steal your love oh yeah!
Goin' round the corner
Where the music's loud
I'm tired of the city
Won't you come on round
I said yeah
I am the stealer
Come to steal your love
Steal your love
Steal your love
Steal your love
I am going to steal you love away I am going to steal you love away Steal your love
Songwriters: PAUL RODGERS / ANDY FRASER / PAUL KOSSOFF
The Stealer lyrics © Blue Mountain Music Ltd.