I'm a Man

Bo Diddley

About I'm a Man

"I'm a Man" is a rhythm and blues song written and recorded by Bo Diddley in 1955. Inspired by an earlier blues song, it was one of his first hits. "I'm a Man" has been recorded by a variety of artists, including the Yardbirds, who adapted it in an upbeat rock style.


Year:
1996
2:59
74 

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Now when I was a little boy
At the age of five
I had somethin' in my pocket
Keep a lot of folks alive

Now I'm a man
Made twenty-one
You know baby
We can have a lot of fun

I'm a man
I spell m-a-n, man

All you pretty women
Stand in line
I can make love to you baby
In an hour's time

I'm a man
I spell m-a-n, man

I goin' back down
To kansas to
Bring back the second cousin
Little john the conqueroo

I'm a man
I spell m-a-n, man

The line I shoot
Will never miss
The way I make love to 'em
They can't resist

I'm a man
I spell m-a-n, man

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Bo Diddley

Ellas Otha Bates (December 30, 1928 – June 2, 2008), known by his stage name Bo Diddley, was an American rhythm and blues vocalist, guitarist, songwriter (usually as Ellas McDaniel), and rock and roll pioneer. He was also known as The Originator because of his key role in the transition from the blues to rock, influencing a host of acts, including Buddy Holly, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, The Velvet Underground, The Who, The Yardbirds, Eric Clapton,Elvis Presley,The Beatles, and George Michael, among others. He introduced more insistent, driving rhythms and a hard-edged electric guitar sound on a wide-ranging catalog of songs, along with African rhythms and a signature beat (a simple, five-accent rhythm) that remains a cornerstone of rock and pop. Accord… more »

3 fans

Written by: Ellas McDaniel

Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Genre Classification
"I'm a Man" is primarily classified under the genre "Rhythm and Blues". Its iconic beat and powerful guitar riffs solidify its place in R&B history.
Release Date
The song was recorded and released in the year 1955, making it one of the earliest examples of the Chicago blues sound.
Song Creation
The song was created by Bo Diddley, born Ellas Otha Bates, a highly influential figure in the development of rock 'n' roll.
Influence
Due to its distinctive "hambone" rhythm, "I'm a Man" is considered one of the songs that paved the way for the development of the 'Rock and Roll' genre.
Song Structure
Diddley's song utilizes the 'call-and-response' structure, a common characteristic in African and African American music.
Chart Success
The track became a huge success, reaching number one on the Billboard R&B chart and staying there for two weeks.
Legendary B-Side
Interestingly, "I'm a Man" was the B-side of the single record that featured Diddley's self-titled track, "Bo Diddley".
Cover Versions
"I'm a Man" has been covered by numerous well-known artists, including Muddy Waters with whose versions the song gained even more popularity.
Influence on Other Artists
It has greatly influenced many rock musicians and has been recorded by artists like The Yardbirds, The Who, and George Thorogood.
Induction into Hall of Fame
In 2010, "I'm a Man" was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame due to its massive influence on other genres of music.

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