Two-Bit Manchild

Neil Diamond

About Two-Bit Manchild

"Two-Bit Manchild" is a song written and performed by Neil Diamond. It appears on Neil's 1968 album Velvet Gloves and Spit, and was released as an A-side with a B-side of "Broad Old Woman (6 a.m. Insanity)". It is a "strong and interesting" song according to Robert Jamieson."Two-Bit Manchild" also appears on the Neil Diamond compilation albums Glory Road 1968-1972, Play Me: The Complete Uni Studio Recordings Plus, Gold, and Reflections. The site Allmusic recommends "Two-Bit Manchild" as one of the top four songs on the album Velvet Gloves and Spit, calling it, "a fascinating adaptation of his Brill Building-era sound to a personal/introspective lyric and approach (picture the Monkees' sound melded to a singer/songwriter persona). " It has also been described as "brilliant and very Bang-ish" and a "jewel". The opening riff is also reminiscent of Day Tripper by The Beatles. 


Year:
1968
3:05
123 

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I'm walkin'
But I'm going nowhere at all
I'm 'bout to head any place in the world
But the place that I am

I'm talkin'
Hey, heh, heh
But baby, you don't understand
Na na na na na na na na na

Bad times, I can't take 'em
Good times, got to make 'em
Got to find 'em, got to taste 'em
Hey, and I do, I say I do

Mama I do
Two bit manchild I was
Born for nothin' mostly
Good time with sometime women

Nothin' ain't ever hold me
You can't change me none
Na na na na na
You want me

And I can't deny , I 'm a man
But I go no eyes for a tight pair of shoes
When my bare feet'll do
You need me

Hey, heh, heh
The wind is where I got my roots
Na na na na na na na na na
Bad times, I can't take 'em

Good times, got to make 'em
Got to find 'em, got to taste 'em
Hey and I do, I say I do
Mama I do......

Two bit manchild I was
Born for nothin' mostly
Good times with sometime women
Nothin' ain't ever hold me

You can't change me none
Na na na na na
I do, I say I do
Mama, Mama I do...

Two bit manchild I was
Born for nothin' mostly baby
Good time women
Good time lovin'

Hear what I 'm saying, baby
Two bit manchild
Good for nothin'

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Neil Diamond

Neil Leslie Diamond (born January 24, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter with a career spanning over five decades from the 1960s until the present. As of 2001, Diamond had sold over 115 million records worldwide including 48 million in the United States alone. He is considered to be the third most successful adult contemporary artist ever on the Billboard chart behind Barbra Streisand and Elton John. His songs have been covered internationally by many performers from various musical genres. more »

11 fans

Written by: NEIL DIAMOND

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


20 facts about this song

Artist Background
"Two-Bit Manchild" is a song by Neil Diamond, a renowned American songwriter and singer. Diamond has enjoyed a successful music career for over five decades, composed numerous hit songs, and sold over 100 million records globally.
Song Details
"Two-Bit Manchild" forms part of Diamond's second studio album, "Velvet Gloves and Spit," released in 1968.
Chart Performance
Despite being popular among his fanbase, the song did not chart as high as some of his other hits. "Two-Bit Manchild" ranked at number 66 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
Song Style
The song is recognized for its upbeat tempo, distinctive guitar work, and the classic rock 'n roll style that was very prevalent during the time it was released.
Album Review
Diamond's "Velvet Gloves and Spit" album, containing the single "Two-Bit Manchild," was lauded for its experimental sound. Some listeners consider it a departure from his previous works.
Lyrics
Lyrically, "Two-Bit Manchild" is a narrative about a young, restless individual who treads his path and isn't afraid to stand out from the crowd.
Collaboration
Lincoln Chase, an American songwriter and arranger best known for his collaborations with Shirley Ellis, co-wrote "Two-Bit Manchild" with Neil Diamond.
Production
The song was produced by famous composers and producers Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich, who have collaborated with numerous other mainstream artists.
Cover Versions
Although not as widely covered as some of Diamond's other compositions, "Two-Bit Manchild" remains a favorite among certain tribute bands and performers.
Song Meaning
Some fans speculate that "Two-Bit Manchild" reflects Diamond's own experiences, as the song's rebellious and lonesome themes mirror his early struggles in the music industry.
Artist Origin
Neil Diamond, the performer of "Two-Bit Manchild", is an American singer-songwriter born in Brooklyn, New York.
Album Details
The song "Two-Bit Manchild" is part of the album "Velvet Gloves and Spit" which was Diamond's fifth studio record, released in 1968.
Song Genre
"Two-Bit Manchild" falls under the musical genres of Pop and Soft-rock, a style Neil Diamond was renowned for in his early career.
Personal Connection
Neil Diamond has described "Two-Bit Manchild" as being autobiographical, a reflection of his younger self struggling in the music industry.
Chart Ranking
Despite being a fan favorite, "Two-Bit Manchild" did not make a significant impact on the charts; however, other songs in the album like "Brooklyn Roads" became big hits.
Songwriting Style
Like most of his songs, Diamond wrote "Two-Bit Manchild" himself, demonstrating his unique songwriting ability which has earned him an induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Label Classification
"Two-Bit Manchild" was released under the MCA Records label, which later reissued the album in 1970.
Popular Culture
Diamond's song "Two-Bit Manchild" has been referenced in a number of pop culture scenarios, attesting to its enduring popularity decades after its release.
Recording Details
The song was recorded at the American Sound Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, a famous studio where many renowned musicians have performed.
Lyrical Interpretation
The lyrics of "Two-Bit Manchild" are often interpreted as a young man's determination to grow and prove his worth, a theme common in many of Diamond's songs.

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    Two-Bit Manchild

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1968

    Billboard #66


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