Get ready to lose your mind because Sam Smith is back, and they’re bringing something special with them. After months of silence, the “Unholy” sensation has confirmed their long-awaited return to music—and it’s about to blow your mind. If you thought 2023’s Gloria was unforgettable, wait until you hear what Sam has been hiding up their sleeve.

A Tease That Has Fans on the Edge of Their Seats

On Tuesday, July 22, Sam Smith teased their explosive return on Instagram, leaving fans desperate for more. With each cryptic post, Smith unveiled a new detail about their upcoming song, “To Be Free,” and with every reveal, the excitement reached a fever pitch. But what exactly is To Be Free? Why does it have fans freaking out? Let’s break it down.

The Sneak Peek: A Soulful A Cappella Performance

The first teaser came in the form of a raw, a cappella clip that sent chills down every listener’s spine. Sam Smith, as vulnerable and powerful as ever, sang the hauntingly beautiful lines, “Floating like a feather / Hope waits down the line.” These lyrics, paired with their soulful voice, set the stage for what’s to come. But that’s not all. In the post’s caption, Sam shared even more lyrics: “Pray your heart be lighter / Brave and free like mine.”

The emotions were already running high, but this was just the beginning.

The Reveal: The Title and What It Means

The next teaser left fans shocked. Sam confirmed the title of the track: To Be Free—and hinted at something much deeper than just a song. In another post, Sam shared more about the creation of the track, revealing that they wrote it five years ago. That’s right, FIVE years ago. The song has been a long time coming, and its significance runs deep. “To Be Free” is more than just a piece of music; it’s a personal journey, one that Sam describes as “special” in every sense.

“I wrote this song with my dear friend Simon Aldred. It’s one vocal and guitar take from start to finish, made complete by the beautiful injection of the incredible choir we’ve been working with across this new project,” Sam shared. This wasn’t just any collaboration—it was a soul-deep connection, a moment captured perfectly in sound.

As if the tease wasn’t enough, Sam also revealed that the release would be happening on Thursday, July 24 at 5 p.m. BST, 12 p.m. EST. Fans immediately began counting down the minutes.

The Big Twist: A Glimpse of the Music Video

Just when fans thought they couldn’t handle the anticipation, Sam shared a final post from the set of the upcoming music video. The clip was a stark contrast to the stripped-back, acoustic nature of the song. The video showed people running into a bar and dancing, giving us just a hint of what’s to come. Sam’s caption? Simple yet powerful: “Your excitement for To Be Free is everything. Can’t wait for you to hear this one.”

What does it all mean? Could this song be a celebration of freedom, both musical and personal? From the raw vulnerability of the a cappella teasers to the lively visuals of the music video, it’s clear that Sam is exploring the complexities of living authentically—and the journey that led them to embrace their non-binary identity.

A Song of Authenticity: Is This About Sam’s Non-Binary Journey?

The teaser’s raw, emotional energy has led many fans to speculate that To Be Free might be tied to Sam’s personal journey toward embracing their non-binary identity. After coming out as non-binary in 2019 and sharing that they’ve “always felt queer” and “always felt non-binary trans,” Sam has been an inspiration for millions in the LGBTQ+ community.

The lyrics alone seem to reflect that journey, with lines like

“Hope waits down the line”

“Brave and free like mine.”

Sam has always been open about their struggles and triumphs, and To Be Free could very well be their most personal song yet—offering a glimpse into the internal battle for freedom, self-acceptance, and love.

Fans Are Losing It Over the Teasers

Naturally, fans couldn’t contain their excitement. The comments section was flooded with love, admiration, and eagerness for the song’s release. One fan wrote, “Cannot wait,” while another added, “And just like that… a kiss of heaven.” Fans are already predicting the track’s success, with one person cheekily saying, “This song about to go platinum in my house.”

But it wasn’t just the fans who were floored by Sam’s vocals. “This is the Sam we fell in love with,” commented one follower, while another said, “I love your voice… Already loving this song.” It’s clear that Sam’s return is more than just a new song—it’s a moment that fans have been waiting for, and they can’t wait to experience it in full.

What’s Next for Sam Smith?

Sam hasn’t released any new music since Gloria in 2023, which included the chart-topping Unholy collaboration with Kim Petras. Since then, Sam has been focusing on their other passions, like launching the LGBTQ+ charity The Pink House, which aims to provide a safe space for queer individuals to find community and healing. But now, it’s time for Sam to take the spotlight once again—and To Be Free is just the beginning.

Sam’s return to music isn’t just about a new track; it’s about reclaiming their space in the music industry and sharing their truth with the world. And fans are so ready for it.

Mark Your Calendars: To Be Free Is Coming

With just days left until the release of To Be Free, the excitement is reaching a boiling point. This isn’t just another song; it’s an anthem of freedom, identity, and living authentically. Sam Smith is ready to take us on a journey, and we can’t wait to be part of it.

Don’t miss out on the magic—To Be Free drops Thursday, July 25 at 5 p.m. BST and 12 p.m. EST. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable ride. The world isn’t ready for what Sam Smith is about to give us.