Guitar Man

Bread

About Guitar Man

"The Guitar Man" is a song written by David Gates and originally recorded by the rock group Bread. It first appeared on Bread's 1972 album, Guitar Man. The song is a mixture of the sounds of soft rock, including strings and acoustic guitar, and the addition of a wah-wah effect electric guitar, played by Larry Knechtel. It peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and their third number-one hit on the easy listening chart, (following "If" and "Baby I'm-a Want You").  


Year:
1998
3:46
92 

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Who draws the crowd and plays so loud
Baby it's the guitar man
Who's gonna steal the show
You know, baby, it's the guitar man

He can make you love
He can make you cry
He will bring you down
Then he'll get you high
Somethin' keeps him goin'
Miles and miles a day
To find another place to play

Night after night who treats you right
Baby, it's the guitar man
Who's on the radio
You go listen to the guitar man

Then he comes to town
And you see his face
And you think you might
Like to take his place
Somethin' keeps him driftin'
Miles and miles away
Searchin' for the songs to play

Then you listen to the music
And you sing along
You want to get the meaning
Out of each and every song
Then you find yourself a message
And some words to call your own
And take them home

He can make you love
He can get you high
He will bring you down
Then he'll make you cry
Somethin' keeps him movin'
But no one seems to know
What it is that makes him go

Then the lights begin to flicker
And the sound is getting dim
The voice begins to falter
And the crowds are getting thin
But he never seems to notice
He's just got to find
Another place to play

Either way
Got to play
Either way
Got to play

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Bread

Bread is a staple food prepared by cooking a dough of flour and water and often additional ingredients. more »

3 fans

Written by: David Gates

Lyrics © DAVID GATES D/B/A KIPAHULU MUSIC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Date
"Guitar Man" was released on October 21, 1972, by Elektra Records.
Composition
David Gates, the lead singer of the band Bread, wrote and composed the single "Guitar Man".
Album
It's the opening track on Bread's sixth and final studio album, "Guitar Man".
Inspiration
Gates wrote the song in response to the popularity of the 'guitar man' figure in the music scene of the 1970s.
Musical Style
It features an acoustic guitar introduction and solo, showcasing Gates' virtuosic ability to play the guitar, and is considered to fall into the categories of soft rock and acoustic rock.
Commercial Success
The single reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and top 10 in several other countries.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by several artists, like Cake and Johnny Cash, reflecting its enduring popularity.
Concert Performances
The song was frequently performed live by David Gates after Bread's disbandment and was often met by standing ovations.
Iconic Lyrics
The lyrics depict a travelling troubadour living a life of solitude and music, "Who's gonna steal the show, you know, baby, it's the guitar man".
Legacy
Even though Bread disbanded in 1973, the song has maintained its status as an iconic Bread and Gates tune, and it continues to be played frequently on classic rock and easy listening radio stations.

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