The Guitar Man

Bread

About The Guitar Man

"The Guitar Man" is a song written by David Gates and originally recorded by the rock group Bread. It first appeared on Bread's 1972 album, Guitar Man. The song is a mixture of the sounds of soft rock, including strings and acoustic guitar, and the addition of a wah-wah effect electric guitar, played by Larry Knechtel. It peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and their third number-one hit on the easy listening chart, (following "If" and "Baby I'm-a Want You").  


Year:
1996
3:47
425 
#3

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Who draws the crowd and plays so loud
Baby it's the guitar man
Who's gonna steal the show
You know, baby, it's the guitar man

He can make you love
He can make you cry
He will bring you down
Then he'll get you high
Somethin' keeps him goin'
Miles and miles a day
To find another place to play

Night after night who treats you right
Baby, it's the guitar man
Who's on the radio
You go listen to the guitar man

Then he comes to town
And you see his face
And you think you might
Like to take his place
Somethin' keeps him driftin'
Miles and miles away
Searchin' for the songs to play

Then you listen to the music
And you sing along
You want to get the meaning
Out of each and every song
Then you find yourself a message
And some words to call your own
And take them home

He can make you love
He can get you high
He will bring you down
Then he'll make you cry
Somethin' keeps him movin'
But no one seems to know
What it is that makes him go

Then the lights begin to flicker
And the sound is getting dim
The voice begins to falter
And the crowds are getting thin
But he never seems to notice
He's just got to find
Another place to play

Either way
Got to play
Either way
Got to play

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Bread

Bread is a staple food prepared by cooking a dough of flour and water and often additional ingredients. more »

3 fans

Written by: David Gates

Lyrics © DAVID GATES D/B/A KIPAHULU MUSIC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Song Creation
"The Guitar Man" is a song written by David Gates and originally performed by the American soft rock band 'Bread'. It was recorded and released in 1972.
Album Release
The song was part of Bread's fifth album, "Baby I'm-a Want You".
Music Ranking
"The Guitar Man" peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Billboard Easy Listening
The song enjoyed popular success and was a top-10 hit on the Billboard Easy Listening chart, where it reached No. 7.
Song Theme
The song revolves around the theme of how important a musician, specifically a guitarist, can be in people's lives.
Musical Style
This song is typical of the soft rock style that characterized Bread's music, with its mellow, emotive tone.
David Gates’ View
The lead singer of Bread, David Gates, stated that the song was about the powerlessness of being a musician—providing joy and inspiration for others but often lacking the same in their personal lives.
UK Chart
"The Guitar Man" also gained prominence in the UK Singles Chart, peaking at No.16.
Song Covers
"The Guitar Man" has been covered by several artists including Cake in 2004 for their album "Pressure Chief".
Recognized Signature
"The Guitar Man" remains a recognized and frequently played track, thus becoming one of Bread's signature songs.
Album Track Length
The song has a duration of approximately 3 minutes and 46 seconds on the album.
Continuity
The track is known for its innovative arrangement, where there is no break between the first and second verses, helping to maintain the song's flow.
Song Credit
Although being a product of the band, Bread, David Gates was the sole writer of "The Guitar Man".

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    The Guitar Man

    13.5M
    38,036     1,652

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1972

    Billboard #11


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