You know that feeling when a song just clicks? Not because it’s a technical masterpiece, but because it feels like a heavy weight finally being lifted off your chest. That’s the magic behind Set It Free sing, the powerhouse track performed by Scarlett Johansson in the 2016 Illumination hit Sing. It isn’t just a catchy pop-rock tune. It’s a literal plot device that transforms Ash, the teenage porcupine, from a sidekick into a star.
Most movie soundtracks are filler. They’re background noise for popcorn munching. But this one? It’s different. It was written specifically to mirror the emotional arc of a character who had been told to "be smaller" her entire life. Honestly, it’s one of the few animated musical moments that feels genuinely earned.
The Story Behind the Song
When we first meet Ash, she’s stuck. She’s playing second fiddle to a boyfriend who doesn't value her talent. He wants her to stay in the background. He wants her to be quiet. Then comes the breakup. Then comes the heartbreak. Then comes the song.
Set It Free sing was actually written by Dave Bassett, a songwriter who knows a thing or two about hits. He’s worked with Rachel Platten on "Fight Song," so he understands how to write an anthem about empowerment. It’s not a coincidence that the track feels so anthemic. It was designed to be a "sonic middle finger" to anyone who tries to cage a creative spirit.
Scarlett Johansson’s performance is what really sells it. People forget she’s actually a musician—remember her Tom Waits cover album? She brings a raspy, authentic rock edge to Ash that a traditional musical theater voice couldn't touch. It sounds raw. It sounds like she’s actually figured something out about herself in real-time.
Why "Set It Free" Works for Kids and Adults
Kids love the beat. They love the bright colors on screen when the stage explodes into rock-and-roll glory. But for the adults sitting in the theater? The lyrics hit a bit deeper.
"I followed your rules, I did what you said."
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How many of us have spent years doing exactly that? Whether it’s in a job we hate or a relationship that’s gone stale, the sentiment of the Set It Free sing performance is universal. It’s about the exact moment you stop asking for permission to be yourself.
The song functions as a catharsis. In the context of the film, Buster Moon’s theater is literally falling apart. Everything is a mess. But when Ash starts those first few chords on her electric guitar, the external chaos doesn't matter anymore. That's a powerful lesson in resilience. It teaches that your voice is your own, regardless of whether the building around you is standing or crumbling.
The Musical Structure
Musically, the song is a masterclass in the "build." It starts with a simple, driving guitar riff. It feels steady, maybe a bit cautious. Then, as the chorus hits, it opens up. The drums get heavier. The vocals get louder.
It’s a classic pop-rock formula, but it’s executed with such sincerity that it doesn't feel manufactured. If you listen closely to the bridge, you can hear the shift in intensity. That’s where the "set it free" mantra really takes hold. It’s repetitive because it needs to be. It’s a chant. A declaration.
Comparing Ash to Other Sing Characters
In the Sing universe, every character represents a different struggle. Johnny is about breaking family expectations. Meena is about overcoming paralyzing stage fright. Rosita is about reclaiming an identity outside of motherhood.
But Ash? Her struggle is about creative autonomy.
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When she sings Set It Free sing, she isn't just performing a cover like many of the other characters do throughout the movie. She’s performing her own original work. This is a massive distinction. It signifies that she has moved from being an interpreter of someone else’s art to being the creator of her own. That’s a huge leap for a teenager—or anyone, really.
The Cultural Impact of the Track
Even years after the movie’s release, this song stays in the rotation. It’s a staple for talent shows and karaoke. Why? Because it’s accessible. You don't need to be a soprano to hit the notes, but you do need to have soul.
It also sparked a lot of conversation about Scarlett Johansson’s versatility. While she’s better known as Black Widow, her contribution to the Sing franchise gave her a chance to showcase a different kind of "superpower."
- It reached millions on Spotify.
- The YouTube clip of the performance has hundreds of millions of views.
- It paved the way for the sequel, Sing 2, where Ash’s character becomes even more central to the plot as she recruits a reclusive rock legend.
Honestly, the sequel wouldn't work if this first song hadn't landed so perfectly. We needed to believe Ash was a legitimate rock star before she could go toe-to-toe with Clay Calloway (voiced by Bono). Set It Free sing established that credibility instantly.
The Technical Side of the Performance
Recording for an animated movie is weird. You’re in a booth. There’s no audience. There are no pyrotechnics. You have to conjure all that energy out of thin air.
Johansson has talked in interviews about the process of finding Ash’s "growl." It wasn't about being pretty. It was about being loud. The sound engineers did a great job of keeping her voice front and center, letting the "grain" of her vocal cords come through. It makes the character feel more "human," even though she’s an animated porcupine with quills that fly out when she gets too excited.
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Common Misconceptions About the Song
A lot of people think "Set It Free" was a cover of an existing 80s rock song. It sounds so familiar, right? But no. It’s an original. That’s a testament to the songwriting team’s ability to capture a specific era of "heartland rock" vibes while keeping it fresh for a modern audience.
Another misconception is that it’s just a "breakup song." While the breakup with Lance is the catalyst, the song is actually about the self. It’s about the singer, not the guy she left behind. The lyrics focus on her journey, her freedom, and her future.
What We Can Learn From Ash’s Journey
There’s a practical takeaway here. Ash was stuck because she was trying to fit into a box that was built for someone else.
- Identify the "Lance" in your life. Is it a person? A job? A limiting belief?
- Find your riff. What is the thing that makes you feel like you? For Ash, it was that electric guitar.
- Don't wait for a perfect stage. Ash sang her heart out in a makeshift outdoor theater while the literal walls were gone.
- Write your own lyrics. Don't just sing the songs other people write for you.
How to Channel the "Set It Free" Energy
If you’re feeling stuck, sometimes you just need to blast a song that reminds you of your own agency. Set It Free sing is that song.
Stop worrying about whether you’re doing it "right" according to someone else’s standards. The characters in Sing are all flawed. They all mess up. But they all find a way to step into the light.
Ash’s story tells us that being "difficult" is often just another word for being "independent." When she stopped trying to be the perfect girlfriend and started being a "difficult" artist, she found her success. There’s a lesson in there for all of us.
Next Steps for Your Own "Set It Free" Moment:
To really embrace the message of the song, start by auditing where you are playing "second fiddle" in your own life. Identify one area where you’ve been holding back your true opinion or talent to keep the peace. Then, much like Ash, find a small way to express that truth this week. Whether it's starting a side project, finally speaking up in a meeting, or just singing at the top of your lungs in the car, the act of "setting it free" starts with a single note. Don't wait for the theater to be rebuilt to start your performance.