The longing in my heart
Has stirred a faded memory
Of my young heart beating fast
Behind the willow tree
I was counting out loud,
And I only peeked a time or two
And the only purpose in in my was finding you
singing "Ollie, Ollie, Everybody Free!"
Now was I Chasing you or were you chasing me?
We all grow up
and put away our childhood games
But deep insdie I wonder
If we really change
'Cause I'm still seeking
though I've learned to hide so well
And I can still remember how it felt
Singing "Ollie, Ollie, Everybdoy Free!"
Will I ever find someone pursuing me
And then you caught me by surprise
I found my tears are in your eyes
I hear my heart inside of you
At least I've found somebody who
Can free my soul and love me too
I can't believe we hide so long
And run so well
When all the while
We're aching to be caught and held
But it's only in surrender
That our freedom comes
And so I run abandoned
To your waiting arms
Singin "Ollie, Ollie, Everybody Free!"
I belong to you and you belong to me!
...Singing "Ollie, Ollie, Everybody Free!"
Lyrics Page
Everybody Free
906 views
Jul 27, 2026 updated
Verified editorial review
Michael W. Smith's song reflects on the journey from childhood to adulthood, using the game of hide-and-seek as a metaphor for the human longing to be found and loved. The lyrics describe how, despite growing up and learning to hide our true selves, we still yearn for someone to pursue us. The song culminates in the realization that true freedom comes through surrender, as the singer runs into the arms of a loving God. It speaks to the universal desire for connection and the joy of being fully known and accepted.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team