Peak
7
Weeks
20
Score
2,944
Chart Year
1986
Scores & Rankings
Chart Performance
Peak Position7
Peak DateAug 30, 1986
Weeks at Peak3
Weeks Charted20
Weeks in Top 4013
Weeks in Top 103
Weeks at #20
Weeks at #10
Scoring
Summary Calc1,144
Weekly Calc1,800
Total Score2,944
Rankings
Year Ranking#66
Decade Ranking#644
Billboard Year#70
Top 5000#4,045
Details
- Label
- MCA Records
- Genre
- Film Soundtrack
- Media Type
- 45s
- Duration
- 3:57
- Composer(s)
- Rod Temperton
- Entered Chart
- Jun 14, 1986
- Peak Date
- Aug 30, 1986
- Released
- June 1986
- Recorded
- 1986
- Catalog #
- MCA 52857
- B-Side
- The Freedom Eights
Music Video
Notes
"Sweet Freedom" is a 1986 song by American musician Michael McDonald from his compilation album of the same name, written by Rod Temperton. It was originally featured on Running Scared's soundtrack, before the 1986 re-release of McDonald's 1985 album No Lookin' Back. The track peaked at No. 7 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart (his last top 10 hit in that chart), No. 12 in the UK, and No. 14 in Canada. The single's music video directed by Leslie Libman featured McDonald, along with actors Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines, in the film Running Scared
No more runnin' down the wrong road Dancin' to a different drum Can't you see what's goin' on Deep inside your heart? Always searchin' for the real thing Livin' like it's far away Just leave all the madness in yesterday You're holdin' the key when you believe it Shine, sweet freedom Shine your light on me You are the magic You're right where I wanna be Oh, sweet freedom, carry me along We'll keep the spirit alive on and on We'll be dancin' in the moonlight Smilin' with the risin' sun Livin' like we've never done Goin' all the way Reachin' out to meet the changes Touchin' every shining star The light of tomorrow is right where we are There's no turnin' back from what I'm feeling Shine, sweet freedom Shine your light on me You are the magic You're right where I wanna be Oh, sweet freedom, carry me along We'll keep the spirit alive on and on 'Coz there'll be starlight all night When we're close together Share those feelings dancin' in your eyes Tonight they're guiding us Shinin' till the mornin' light
Chart History (20 weeks)
| Week | Chart Date | Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jun 14, 1986 | 76 | 50 |
| 2 | Jun 21, 1986 | 65 | 61 |
| 3 | Jun 28, 1986 | 56 | 70 |
| 4 | Jul 5, 1986 | 46 | 80 |
| 5 | Jul 12, 1986 | 39 | 87 |
| 6 | Jul 19, 1986 | 32 | 94 |
| 7 | Jul 26, 1986 | 24 | 102 |
| 8 | Aug 2, 1986 | 18 | 108 |
| 9 | Aug 9, 1986 | 15 | 111 |
| 10 | Aug 16, 1986 | 12 | 114 |
| 11 | Aug 23, 1986 | 11 | 115 |
| 12 | Aug 30, 1986 | 7 | 119 |
| 13 | Sep 6, 1986 | 7 | 119 |
| 14 | Sep 13, 1986 | 7 | 119 |
| 15 | Sep 20, 1986 | 13 | 113 |
| 16 | Sep 27, 1986 | 28 | 98 |
| 17 | Oct 4, 1986 | 36 | 90 |
| 18 | Oct 11, 1986 | 58 | 68 |
| 19 | Oct 18, 1986 | 72 | 54 |
| 20 | Oct 25, 1986 | 98 | 28 |