It was released on 20 March 2022 as the third single from the Smile's debut album, A Light for Attracting Attention, by XL Recordings.

[1] The song was first performed by the singer, Thom Yorke, in October 2021 at the Royal Albert Hall.

[2] The song was also played on December 2, 2021, on a live Instagram post featuring the band rehearsing new tracks with one of these being "Free in the Knowledge".

[7] Nathaniel Fitzgerald of Tuned Up wrote that it broke from the album's "hyperactive jazz drums and angular guitar in favour of a delicate acoustic, electric piano, and wash of strings".

[8] Writing for Beatsperminute.com, Rob H. described the track as an "acoustic dreamer" that features Yorke reflecting on "horrors experienced in modern life", noting the slow buildup of strings and horns from the London Contemporary Orchestra.