“Outside” is a funky, upbeat dance-pop song by George Michael, released in October 1998 as the lead single from his greatest hits album Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael. The song is known for its ironic, playful tone and disco-inspired production, as well as its connection to Michael’s highly publicized 1998 arrest.
Outside is a cheeky celebration of sexual freedom, playfully referencing his desire to live openly and without shame. The song serves as a bold and humorous response to Michael’s arrest for “lewd conduct” in a Beverly Hills public restroom, which forced him to publicly come out as gay.
The track is a funky blend of disco, house, and pop, featuring a groovy bassline, shimmering synths, and a catchy dance beat. Michael’s smooth, confident vocals add to the song’s tongue-in-cheek yet empowering energy.
The song was a commercial success, reaching No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and performing well across Europe. In the United States, the single reached No. 3 on the Dance Club Songs chart.
The music video, directed by Vaughan Arnell, is a satirical, tongue-in-cheek take on the scandal, featuring police officers dancing in a glittery disco-inspired restroom, mirrored walls, and flashing sirens. It was praised for its bold humor and refusal to shy away from controversy, turning a personal scandal into a statement about sexual liberation and societal hypocrisy.