For the love of rock
Vol IX, Issue 5 – Tin Man (01 Nov 2024)
www.intheloveofrock.com
Name of song– Tin Man
Band- America
Writer– Dewey Bunnell
Album- Holiday
Release year– 1974
Peak chart positions
# 1 – US Billboard Adult Contemporary
# 2 – US Radio and Records
# 5 – Canadian adult contemporary chart
# 6 – US Cash Box Top 100
# 6 – US Record World
# 7 – Canada RPM Top Singles
| Resources– Wikipedia.org |
Tin Man
“America”, an acoustic trio, formed in London in late sixties, is an unforgettable soft cum folk cum country rock band of the seventies. They were formed as music loving regular jamming friends in London. All of them were sons of American Air Force personnel, stationed in London, UK. Dewey Bunnell, Dan Peek and Gerry Beckley, began performing acoustic harmony melody like Crosby, Still and Nash. The trio gained considerable success with numerous hit singles and memorable tunes for the rock fans to enjoy for decades ahead. “A horse with no name”, “Sister golden hair”, “I need you”, “Ventura Highway”, “Daisy Jane”, “Tin Man”, “You can do magic”, are some of the examples of their musical and lyrical prowess.
After their self-titled debut album was released in 1970, they began to be recognized as a musical force to reckon with. With subsequent albums “Homecoming” and “Hat Trick”, they became increasingly popular. It was their fourth album “Holiday”, produced by George Martin in 1974, which established “America” as one of the most important American folk rock bands of the seventies.
“Tin Man” is the first and most successful single from “Holiday”. The song is a wonderful conglomeration of complex lyrics and hauntingly beautiful and catchy melody intertwined with intricate acoustic guitar work. Undoubtedly, this song is Dewey Bunnell’s most important contribution to “America”. The song starts with a soft, acoustic guitar rhythm and bass with a captivating hook. Soon, the lyrics pour out in a fantasy world of “The Wizard of Oz”. The song is inspired from the character of Tin Woodman from Dewey Bunnell’s favorite book “The Wizard of Oz”. The surreal lyrics, the childhood memories, catchy hymn, jazzy guitar melody, and soft drums by Willie Leacox, all lead to an excellent climax of folk rock genre.
Yes, it’s true that “America” has given numerous songs to the rock fans to cherish for decades, but “Tin Man” is undoubtedly one of the most important one! It is no wonder that “Tin Man” hits it right where it matters to any seventies rock fan!!!!Happy listening!!! Resources- Wikipedia.org, allmusic.com
Tin Man
Sometimes late when things are real
And people share the gift of gab between themselves
Some are quick to take the bait
And catch the perfect prize that waits among the shells
But Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man
That he didn’t, didn’t already have
And cause never was the reason for the evening
Or the tropic of Sir Galahad
So please believe in me
When I say I’m spinning round, round, round, round
Smoke glass stain bright color
Image going down, down, down, down
Soapsuds green like bubbles
Oh, oh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Oh, Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man
That he didn’t, didn’t already have
And Cause never was the reason for the evening
Or the tropic of Sir Galahad
So please believe in me
When I say I’m spinning round, round, round, round
Smoke glass stain bright color
Image going down, down, down, down
Soapsuds green like bubbles
Oh, oh, ooh, ooh, ooh
No, Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man
That he didn’t, didn’t already have
And Cause never was the reason for the evening
Or the tropic of Sir Galahad
So please believe in me
Oh, oh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, Oh, oh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Oh, oh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh,
Ooh!
Lyrics link – https://genius.com/America-tin-man-lyrics
Video link – https://youtu.be/HFXXhdDbFGg