Chest Fever

The Band

About Chest Fever

"Chest Fever" is a song recorded by the Band on its 1968 debut, Music from Big Pink. It is, according to Peter Viney, a historian of the group, "the Big Pink track that has appeared on most subsequent live albums and compilations", second only to "The Weight". The music for the piece was written by guitarist Robbie Robertson. Total authorship is typically credited solely to Robertson, although the lyrics, according to Levon Helm, were originally improvised by Levon Helm and Richard Manuel, telling the story of a man who becomes sick when he is spurned by the woman he loves. Robertson has since said the lyrics were nonsensical, used only while the instrumental tracks were recorded. "I'm not sure that I know the words to 'Chest Fever'; I'm not even so sure there are words to 'Chest Fever'." He has also stated the entirety of the song does not make sense. At the Woodstock Festival in 1969, the Band performed on the final day, between Ten Years After and Blood, Sweat, and Tears. They opened the set with "Chest Fever". 


Year:
1989
5:13
245 
#2

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I know she's a tracker
Any style that would back her
They say she's a chooser
But I just can't refuse her
She was just there, but then she can't be here no more

And as my mind unwheels
I feel the freeze down in my knees
But just before she leaves, she receives

She's been down in the dunes
And she's dealt with the goons
Now she drinks from a bitter cup
I'm trying to get her to give it up
She was just here, I fear she can't be there no more

And as my mind unwheels
I feel the freeze down in my knees
But just before she leaves, she receives

It's long, long when she's gone
I get weary holding on
Now I'm coldly fading fast
I don't think I'm gonna last very much longer

She's stoned said the Swede,
And the moon calf agreed
But I'm like a viper in shock
With my eyes in the clock
She was just there somewhere and here I am again

And as my mind unweaves
I feel the freeze down in my knees
But just before she leaves, she receives

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The Band

The Band were a Canadian-American roots rock group that originally consisted of Rick Danko (bass guitar, double bass, fiddle, trombone, vocals), Levon Helm (drums, mandolin, guitar, vocals), Garth Hudson (keyboard instruments, saxophones, trumpet), Richard Manuel (piano, drums, baritone saxophone, vocals) and Robbie Robertson (guitar, vocals). The members of the Band first came together as they joined rockabilly singer Ronnie Hawkins's backing group, The Hawks, one by one between 1958 and 1963. more »

9 fans

Written by: Jaime Robertson

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Background
"Chest Fever" is a song by "The Band," a Canadian-American rock group. It appeared on their debut album "Music from Big Pink" in 1968.
Song Inspiration
The song was inspired by the music of Sir Edward Elgar, drawing much from his 'Enigma Variations'.
Composition Details
The song is known particularly for its iconic organ intro, nicknamed "The Genetic Method," which was improvised by Garth Hudson, the band's multi-instrumentalist.
Band Member Contribution
All five members of "The Band" performed on "Chest Fever," with Richard Manuel on lead vocals, Rick Danko on bass, Levon Helm on drums, and Robbie Robertson on guitar, along with Garth Hudson on organ.
Songwriting Credit
Despite its strong collaborative nature, the songwriting credit for "Chest Fever" controversially went only to Robbie Robertson.
Frequent Concert Opener
In live performances, "Chest Fever" was often used as an opener for The Band's sets.
Jagged and Uncustomary Structure
The song has a distinctive structure. It comprises of an intro, two verses, a frenzied instrumental breakdown, a third verse, and then a return to the intro.
Lyrics
The lyrics of "Chest Fever" do not tell a clear narrative story; instead, they are a surreal blend of imagery and babble. This was reportedly because Robertson wrote them hurriedly, with no intention of them being any more than a placeholder.
Cover Versions
Various artists have covered "Chest Fever" over the years - including artists as diverse as Three Dog Night and Widespread Panic.
Initial Reception
Upon release, "Chest Fever" was overshadowed by the album's hit song, "The Weight." However, it gradually gained status as a fan-favorite due to its unique style and impressive organ intro.

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