Harry Truman

Chicago

About Harry Truman

"Harry Truman" is a song written by Robert Lamm for the group Chicago and recorded for their album Chicago VIII (1975), with lead vocals by Lamm. The first single released from that album, it reached number 13 on the U. S. Billboard Hot 100. It also reached number 23 on the Adult Contemporary chart. In Canada, the song peaked at number 16. Written after the resignation of U. S. President Richard Nixon, the lyrics are a tribute to a former President that Lamm felt the American people could trust — straight-talking Harry S. Truman. "America needs you, Harry Truman". Despite its popularity at the time, the Beatlesque "Harry Truman" only appears on two of Chicago's compilation albums: Group Portrait (now out of print) and The Box. It is rarely performed in the band's live shows. This song was "performed" by Chicago in late 1974 as part of the 1975 Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve special, in which Chicago guitarist Terry Kath can be seen mocking the band's lip-synching by holding cue cards depicting the song's lyrics. 


Year:
2009
3:03
137 
#1

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America needs you
Harry Truman
Harry could you please come home
Things are looking bad
I know you would be mad
To see what kind of men
Prevail upon the land you love

America's wondering
How we got here
Harry all we get is lies
We're gettin' safer cars
Rocket ships to mars
From men who'd sell us out
To get themselves a piece of power

We'd love to hear you speak your mind
In plain and simple ways
Call a spade a spade
Like you did back in the day
You would play piano
Each morning walk a mile
Speak of what was going down
Each honesty and style

America's calling
Harry Truman
Harry you know what to do
The world is turnin' round and losin' lots of ground
Oh Harry is there something we can do to save the land we love
Oh woah woah woah

America's calling
Harry Truman
Harry you know what to do
The world is turnin' round
And losin' lots of ground
So Harry is there something we can do to save the land we love
Oh
Harry is there something we can do to save the land we love
Harry
Harry is there something we can do to save the land we love

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Chicago

Chicago (i/ʃɪˈkɑːɡoʊ/ or /ʃɪˈkɔːɡoʊ/) is a rock band from the city of the same name. They were originally founded as Chicago Transit Authority before shortening their name before their breakout second album. They became known for their use of horns in their songs such as 25 or 6 to 4. The band nearly split following founding member Terry Kaths death but they decided to stay together. They became known for their rock ballads throughout the 80s. The band still tours to this day. more »

14 fans

Written by: ROBERT LAMM, ROBERT WILLIAM LAMM

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Spirit Music Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Release Year
The song "Harry Truman" was released in 1975, by the band Chicago.
Album
It's the opening track on their tenth album titled "Chicago VIII."
Genre
The song belongs to the genre of rock with a fusion of jazz.
Lyrics
The lyrics were written as a tribute to the 33rd President of the United States, Harry Truman.
Lead Vocals
Robert Lamm, one of the band’s founding members, provided the lead vocals for this song.
Songwriter
"Harry Truman" was written by the same lead vocalist, Robert Lamm.
Chart Performance
Despite its political undertones, the song managed to reach number 13 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
Historical Context
The song was written during the time of political unrest under the Nixon administration. The lyrics expressed a longing for a leader like Truman to return and bring sense and simplicity back to a complicated and chaotic political landscape.
Musical Composition
The song begins with a solo piano intro, then takes on a folksy sound, and it includes a traditional Chicago brass section, giving it a unique blend of musical elements.
Other Appearances
The song has been covered by other artists and featured on various music compilations. It has also made appearances on television shows and films, notably in the 1991 film "Stepping Out."
Unique Song
"Harry Truman" is unique in the sense that it's one of the few popular songs that is both a political commentary about the state of the U.S. and a tribute to a specific president.

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    Harry Truman

    9,683
    92     10

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1975

    Billboard #13


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