Handbags and Gladrags
Manfred Mann
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Ever seen a blind man cross the road Try'na make the other side Ever seen a young girl growing old Try'na make herself a bride What becomes of you my love When they have finally stripped you of The handbags and the glad rags That your grand dad had to sweat, so you could buy Once I was a young man and I thought All I had to do was smile So listen all you young girls Who bought everything that's in style Cause once you think you're in, you're out For you don't mean a thing without The handbags and the glad rags That your grand dad had to sweat, so you could buy Sing a song of sixpence for your sake And take a bottle full of rye Four and twenty blackbirds in a cake And bake 'em all in a pie They told me you missed school today So I suggest you just throw away The handbags and the glad rags That your grand dad had to sweat, so you could buy And what becomes of you my love When they have finally stripped you of The handbags and the glad rags That your grand dad had to sweat, so you could buy
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Written by: Michael D'abo
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
9 facts about this song
Original Composition"Handbags and Gladrags" was originally written by Mike d'Abo, who was a member of the band Manfred Mann. This explains the association of the song with Manfred Mann, even though it has been covered by many artists since.
|
First RecordingThe first recording of the song was actually by Chris Farlowe in 1967. Farlowe's version became a top-40 hit in the UK.
|
Manfred Mann VersionManfred Mann's Earth Band did not officially record their own version of "Handbags and Gladrags" until 1972, five years after it was first recorded by Chris Farlowe.
|
Iconic CoversThe song has been covered by numerous popular artists, including Rod Stewart and Stereophonics. The Rod Stewart version even made it into the US top-50 charts.
|
TV Show ThemeStereophonics' cover of "Handbags and Gladrags" gained considerable fame as the theme song for the BBC television show 'The Office' (UK version).
|
Difference in LyricsNotably, the original version of the song performed by Chris Farlowe and the Manfred Mann version contain a verse that is usually left out in most modern covers. It lamented the futility of wearing fashionable clothes when in the end everyone will be buried in the same earth.
|
PopularityThe Rod Stewart version remained his highest charting single for almost a decade, and the song has been praised for its powerful lyrics and melody.
|
IntentMike d'Abo has said in interviews that he wrote "Handbags and Gladrags" as a warning to teenage girls about the emptiness of valuing style over substance.
|
Timeless QualityDespite being over five decades old, "Handbags and Gladrags" is still a well-loved song with a timeless message that resonates with many.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Handbags and Gladrags Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/6597369/Manfred+Mann/Handbags+and+Gladrags>.
Discuss the Handbags and Gladrags Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In