About the song
Glen Campbell’s “Gentle on My Mind” is a classic that has left an indelible mark on the world of country music. Released in 1967, this song became one of Campbell’s signature hits, showcasing his exceptional vocal talent and heartfelt delivery. Written by John Hartford, “Gentle on My Mind” is a beautifully crafted piece that captures the essence of love, freedom, and the simple joys of life.
The inspiration for “Gentle on My Mind” came to Hartford after watching the film “Doctor Zhivago.” Moved by the movie’s themes of love and loss, Hartford penned the song in just a few hours. The lyrics reflect a sense of wanderlust and the bittersweet nature of relationships, painting vivid pictures of rivers, roads, and the gentle presence of a loved one in the singer’s mind.
When Glen Campbell recorded “Gentle on My Mind,” he brought a unique warmth and sincerity to the song. His rendition resonated deeply with audiences, and it quickly gained widespread acclaim. The song was included on Campbell’s album of the same name, further establishing his reputation as a leading artist in the country music genre.
“Fentyle on My Mind” achieved significant chart success, peaking at number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 44 on the Billboard Country Singles chart. Despite its modest chart positions, the song’s impact was profound. It earned Campbell multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Country & Western Solo Vocal Performance, Male, and Best Country & Western Recording. John Hartford also won the Grammy for Best Country & Western Song, solidifying the song’s place in music history.
The song’s gentle, flowing melody and poetic lyrics have made it a timeless favorite. Over the years, “Gentle on My Mind” has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, including Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, and Dean Martin, each bringing their unique interpretation to the piece.
For many, “Gentle on My Mind” evokes a sense of nostalgia and serenity, capturing the fleeting moments of beauty in everyday life. Glen Campbell’s tender rendition continues to touch hearts, making the song a beloved classic that transcends generations.
Campbell’s ability to convey deep emotion and connection through his music is exemplified in “Gentle on My Mind.” It remains a testament to his artistry and the song’s enduring appeal. As listeners continue to discover and cherish this song, it stands as a shining example of the power of music to evoke memories, feelings, and a sense of timelessness.
Video
Lyrics
It’s knowing that your door is always open
And your path is free to walk
That makes me tend to leave my sleeping bag
Rolled up and stashed behind your couch
And it’s knowing I’m not shackled
By forgotten words and bonds
And the ink stains that are dried upon some line
That keeps you in the back roads by the rivers of my memory
That keeps you ever gentle on my mind
It’s not clinging to the rocks and ivy
Planted on their columns now that bind me
Or something that somebody said
Because they thought we fit together walking
It’s just knowing that the world will not be cursing or forgiving
When I walk along some railroad track and find
That you’re moving on the back roads by the rivers of my memory
And for hours you’re just gentle on my mind
Though the wheat fields and the clothes lines
And the junkyards and the highways come between us
And some other woman’s cryin’ to her mother
‘Cause she turned and I was gone
I still might run in silence, tears of joy might stain my face
And the summer sun might burn me ’til I’m blind
But not to where I cannot see you
Walkin’ on the back roads, by the rivers flowing gentle on my mind
I dip my cup of soup back
From a gurglin’ cracklin’ Calderon in some train yard
My beard, a roughening’ coal pile
And a dirty hat pulled low across my face, through cupped hands
‘Round the tin can, I pretend to hold you to my breast and find
That you’re waiting from the back roads by the rivers of my memories
Ever smilin’, ever gentle on my mind