Guitar Man song by Elvis Presley
About The Song
Title: Guitar Man
Artist: Elvis Presley
Genre: Rock, Country
Release Date: November 1967
Album: Clambake (Soundtrack)
Writers: Jerry Reed
Key Themes: “Guitar Man” is a song that celebrates the life of a musician, emphasizing the joys and challenges of being a guitarist and performer. The lyrics tell the story of a guitar player who faces various setbacks but perseveres through his love for music. The song captures the spirit of dedication and passion for the art of playing the guitar.
Musical Style: Elvis Presley’s rendition of “Guitar Man” combines elements of rock and country. The song features a distinctive guitar-driven sound, reflecting the theme of the lyrics. Elvis’s vocals are accompanied by a lively arrangement that includes prominent guitar riffs, showcasing the musical versatility for which he was known.
Cultural Impact: While “Guitar Man” wasn’t as commercially successful as some of Elvis’s earlier hits, it has become a fan favorite and is appreciated for its unique sound and narrative. The song has been covered by various artists, but Elvis’s rendition remains the most well-known.
Legacy: “Guitar Man” has endured as a testament to Elvis Presley’s ability to adapt to different musical styles. It showcases his love for guitars and music while highlighting the storytelling aspect of his performances. The song’s legacy lies in its portrayal of the challenges and rewards of a musician’s life.
Elvis Presley’s “Guitar Man” stands out as a distinctive entry in his discography, portraying a narrative that resonates with musicians and fans alike. Its combination of rock and country influences, along with Elvis’s charismatic delivery, contributes to the song’s enduring appeal.
Video
Lyrics
“Guitar Man”
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Left my mama a goodbye note,
By sundown I’d left Kingston,
With my guitar under my coat,
I hitchhiked all the way down to Memphis,
Got a room at the YMCA,
For the next three weeks I went huntin’ them nights,
Just lookin’ for a place to play,
Well, I thought my pickin’ would set ’em on fire,
But nobody wanted to hire a guitar man.
Well, I nearly ’bout starved to death down in Memphis,
I run outta money and luck,
So I bought me a ride down to Macon, Georgia,
On a overloaded poultry truck,
I thumbed on down to Panama City,
Started pickin’ out some o’ them all night bars,
Hopin’ I could make myself a dollar,
Makin’ music on my guitar,
I got the same old story at them all night piers,
There ain’t no room around here for a guitar man
We don’t need a guitar man, son
So I slept in the hobo jungles,
Roamed a thousand miles of track,
Till I found myself in Mobile Alabama,
At a club they call Big Jack’s,
A little four-piece band was jammin’,
So I took my guitar and I sat in,
I showed ’em what a band would sound like,
With a swingin’ little guitar man.
Show ’em, son
If you ever take a trip down to the ocean,
Find yourself down around Mobile,
Make it on out to a club called Jack’s,
If you got a little time to kill,
Just follow that crowd of people,
You’ll wind up out on his dance floor,
Diggin’ the finest little five-piece group,
Up and down the Gulf of Mexico,
Guess who’s leadin’ that five-piece band,
Well, wouldn’t ya know, it’s that swingin’ little guitar man.
[The TV-special verse:]
Well, I came a long way from the carwash,
Got to where I said I’d get
Now that I’m here I know for sure
I really ain’t got there yet
Think I’ll start all over
Swing my guitar over my back
I’m gonna get myself back on the track
I’ll never, never ever look back
I’ll never be more than what I am
Wouldn’t you know
I’ m a swinging little Guitar man