Shapes of Things

The Yardbirds

About Shapes of Things

"Shapes of Things" is a song by the English rock group the Yardbirds. With its Eastern-sounding, feedback-laden guitar solo and anti-war/pro-environmental lyrics, several music writers have identified it as the first popular psychedelic rock song. It is built on musical elements contributed by several group members in three different recording studios in the US and was the first Yardbirds' composition to become a record chart hit. When it was released as a single on 25 February 1966, the song reached number three in the UK and the top-ten in the US and Canada. The song features Jeff Beck's musical use of feedback, which he learned to control by finding the guitar's resonant points and bending the strings. Music writers have called his work groundbreaking and cited its influence on Paul McCartney and Jimi Hendrix. Several live Yardbirds recordings with Beck and later with Jimmy Page have been released. In 1968, Beck reworked it for the lead track on his debut album Truth. The new arrangement, along with other album tracks, has been described as a precursor of heavy metal. "Shapes of Things" is included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's permanent exhibit of the "Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll" and several artists have recorded renditions of the song. 


Year:
2006
2:27
16 
#1

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Shapes of things before my eyes,
Just teach me to despise.
Will time make men more wise?
Here within my lonely frame,
my eyes just heard my brain.
But will it seem the same?

(Come Tomorrow) Will I be older?
(Come Tomorrow) May be a soldier.
(Come Tomorrow) May I be bolder than today?

Now the trees are almost green.
But will they still be seen?
When time and tide have been.
Fall into your passing hands.
Please don't destroy these lands.
Don't make them desert sands.

Chorus, Lead.

Soon I hope that I will find,
Thoughts deep within my mind.
That won't displace my kind.

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The Yardbirds

The Yardbirds are an English rock band that had a string of hits in the mid 1960s, including "For Your Love", "Over Under Sideways Down" and "Heart Full of Soul". The group is notable for having started the careers of three of rock's most famous guitarists: Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page, all of whom were in the top five of Rolling Stone's 100 Top Guitarists list (Clapton at No. 2, Page at No. 3, and Beck at No. 5). A blues-based band that broadened its range into pop and rock, the Yardbirds had a hand in many electric guitar innovations of the mid-1960s, such as feedback, "fuzztone" distortion and improved amplification. Pat Pemberton, writing for Spinner, holds that the Yardbirds were "the most impressive guitar band in rock music". After the Yardb… more »

2 fans

Written by: Paul Samwell-Smith, Jim McCarty, Keith Relf

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


14 facts about this song

Origin
"Shapes of Things" is a well-known song released by the British rock band "The Yardbirds" in 1966.
Jeff Beck's Involvement
Renowned guitarist, Jeff Beck performed this song while he was a part of The Yardbirds.
Song Performance
The song is notable for its famous, powerfully-distorted guitar solo, played by Jeff Beck.
Significance
"Shapes of Things" represents a significant stepping stone in the journey from blues to rock and roll and further towards psychedelic and hard rock music.
Songwriting
The song was written by The Yardbirds' members Paul Samwell-Smith, Keith Relf and Jim McCarty.
Chart Performance
It peaked at number three in the UK Singles Chart and number 11 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Cover Versions
The famous rock band, "Led Zeppelin", performed a guitar-driven version of "Shapes of Things" during their early live shows.
Inspirations
The song was inspired by free jazz and Eastern music styles.
Anti-War Message
The song’s lyrics are considered an early example of a protest song and have a strong anti-war message.
Re-release
In 2003, the song was re-released and included in Rolling Stone magazine's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list.
Evolution
The song marked an evolution in sound from The Yardbirds' blues roots towards more psychedelic influences.
Legendary Band Transition
"Shapes of Things" represents a transition phase for The Yardbirds, as Jeff Beck later left the band and was replaced by Jimmy Page, who went on to form rock legend band Led Zeppelin.
Musical Style
Jeff Beck's guitar solo on "Shapes of Things" was one of the earliest displays of psychedelic fuzz tone and feedback in rock music.
Legacy
It is often remembered as one of the best examples of Jeff Beck's innovative guitar work.

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    Shapes of Things

    1M
    7,407     164

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1966

    Billboard #11


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