About the song
Jerry Reed and Glen Campbell, two iconic figures in the realm of country music, joined forces to create a truly memorable collaboration in “Guitar Man”. Released in 1967, this timeless track showcases the exceptional talents of both artists, blending Reed’s extraordinary guitar skills with Campbell’s smooth and soulful vocals.
“Guitar Man” is a narrative song that delves into the challenges and triumphs of a musician’s life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a talented guitar player navigating the ups and downs of the industry, offering a blend of humor and authenticity. Reed’s intricate guitar work, combined with Campbell’s heartfelt delivery, brings this story to life in a way that is both engaging and inspiring.
Upon its release, “Guitar Man” achieved significant commercial success, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. This accomplishment was a testament to the song’s broad appeal and the exceptional chemistry between Reed and Campbell. The track’s success not only underscored Reed’s prowess as a guitarist but also highlighted Campbell’s remarkable ability to convey emotion through his voice.
Throughout their careers, both Jerry Reed and Glen Campbell received numerous accolades and awards, including Grammy nominations and other industry honors. Their collaboration on “Guitar Man” remains a cherished part of their legacies, celebrated for its skillful musicianship and memorable performance.
For those who appreciate classic country music with a rich blend of guitar virtuosity and compelling vocals, “Guitar Man” is a shining example of Jerry Reed and Glen Campbell’s artistry. The song’s engaging narrative and exceptional musical execution continue to captivate listeners, reflecting the extraordinary talent of two of country music’s most beloved figures.
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Lyrics
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 a hauntin’ them nightclubs
Just lookin’ for a place to play
Well, I thought my pickin’ would set ’em on fire
But nobody wanted to hire a guitar manWell, I nearly ’bout starved to death down in Memphis
I run outta money and luck
So I bummed me a ride down to Macon, Georgia
On a overloaded poultry truck
I thumbed on down to Panama City
Started checkin’ 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