About The Song
Elvis Presley’s iconic status in the world of music is undeniable. With hits like “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Hound Dog,” he revolutionized rock ‘n’ roll. However, among his vast discography, there’s a lesser-known gem that showcases a different side of the King: “Guitar Man”. This track, often overlooked, offers a glimpse into Presley’s personal journey and his unwavering spirit.
Released in 1968 as part of his comeback special, “Guitar Man” is more than just a song; it’s a narrative. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young man leaving behind the familiar and venturing into the unknown. It’s a tale of ambition, determination, and the relentless pursuit of a dream. Presley’s raw and soulful vocals imbue the song with a sense of authenticity, making it easy for listeners to connect with the character he portrays.
The song begins with the protagonist leaving behind the monotony of his old life. He quits his job, leaves a note for his mother, and sets off with nothing but his guitar and a dream. The journey is fraught with challenges, but the allure of the unknown keeps him going. He travels from town to town, playing in small clubs, hoping to make a name for himself.
What makes “Guitar Man” so compelling is its universal theme of self-discovery. Many listeners can relate to the feeling of leaving behind everything they know in pursuit of a greater purpose. The song reminds us that it’s never too late to chase our dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem.
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Lyric
Well, I quit my job down at the car wash,
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, sonSo 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, sonIf 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