Lucky Man

Emerson, Lake & Palmer

About Lucky Man

"Lucky Man" is a song by the English progressive rock supergroup Emerson, Lake & Palmer, from the group's 1970 self-titled debut album. Written by Greg Lake when he was 12 years old and recorded by the trio using improvised arrangements, the song contains one of rock music's earliest instances of a Moog synthesizer solo. "Lucky Man" was released as a single in 1970 and reached the top 20 in the Netherlands. The song also charted in the United States and Canada. The single was re-released in 1973 and charted again in the U. S. and Canada. 


Year:
1970
4:37
2,864 
#7

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He had white horses
And ladies by the score
All dressed in satin
And waiting by the door

Ooh, what a lucky man he was
Ooh, what a lucky man he was

White lace and feathers
They made up his bed
A gold covered mattress
On which he was led

Ooh, what a lucky man he was
Ooh, what a lucky man he was

He went to fight wars
For his country and his king
Of his honor and his glory
The people would sing

Ooh, what a lucky man he was
Ooh, what a lucky man he was

A bullet had found him
His blood ran as he cried
No money could save him
So he laid down and he died

Ooh, what a lucky man he was
Ooh, what a lucky man he was

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Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Emerson, Lake & Palmer, also known as ELP, were a sporadically active English progressive rock supergroup. They found success in the 1970s and have sold over forty million albums and headlined large stadium concerts. The band consisted of Keith Emerson (keyboards), Greg Lake (bass guitar, vocals, guitar) and Carl Palmer (drums, percussion). They were one of the most popular and commercially successful progressive rock bands. Emerson and Lake both died in 2016. more »

5 fans

Written by: Gregory Lake

Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Lucky Man" is a song by the English progressive rock supergroup Emerson, Lake & Palmer, from the group's 1970 self-titled debut album. It was written by Greg Lake when he was 12 years old.
Band Members
The band, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, was made up of three members - Keith Emerson on keyboards, Greg Lake on bass guitar, guitars and vocals and Carl Palmer on drums and percussion.
Inspiration
"Lucky Man" was reportedly written by Greg Lake about an ideal medieval fantasy figure who loses everything through being overtly ambitious.
Song Success
The song reached number 48 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 25 in Canada in 1970.
Musical Influence
"Lucky Man" is noted for its pioneering use of the Moog synthesizer, played by Keith Emerson at the end of the song. It was one of the first times the instrument was used in a popular song.
Accidental Inclusion
Lake had written "Lucky Man" when he was a kid, and brought it out during the recording sessions for ELP's debut album. The band had come up one song short, so Lake suggested the song he'd written as a boy and it made the cut.
Lyrics
The lyrics reflect the tragedy of a man who had everything, yet his lust for power led to his downfall. This was an unusual theme for a hit song.
Moog Solo
The Moog synthesizer solo at the end of "Lucky Man" was a completely improvised performance by musician Keith Emerson.
Popularity
"Lucky Man" has become one of Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s most popular tracks, and has been a number one requested song on many classic rock radio stations.
Greg Lake's Death
After Greg Lake's death in 2016, Carl Palmer, the only surviving member of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, performed "Lucky Man" as a tribute to Lake and Keith Emerson (who also died in 2016) at his concerts.

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    Lucky Man

    13.8M
    89,103     2,485

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1971

    Billboard #48


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