In the fifties after many failed attempts to sell his songs, he finally was signed up with Capitol Records and recorded a few rock and roll songs without much chart success. Just before he was drafted into the Army, he wrote a song called 'The All American Boy' and did a demo for his friend, Bill Parsons, to learn and record it. Instead of using the version Bill Parsons did later, the record company, Fraternity Records, decided to use the original demo done by Bobby Bare. The record reached number 2 on the Billboard Top 100, but it was wrongly credited to Bill Parsons.
His real big break came when RCA boss and guitarist Chet Atkins signed him to the RCA label. The first song he released on this label, 'Shame On Me', sold nearly a million copies and pushed Bobby Bare to fame overnight. His second RCA release, 'Detroit City' won him a Grammy for the best song of the year. Then a surge of hits followed, including '500 Miles Away From Home', 'Four Strong Winds' and others. He has also recorded two very successful albums with Skeeter Davis and has also dueted with Lacy J. Dalton and Rosanne Cash and additionally had a major hit as part of a trio with Norma Jean (singer) and Liz Anderson in 1967 titled 'The Game of Triangles'.
He moved to Mercury label in 1970 and had two big hits from early Kris Kristofferson compositions, 'Come Sundown' and 'Please Don't Tell Me How The Story Ends' before returning to RCA label where he produced his own records. Later Bare moved to CBS label and in 1979, he helped establish Rosanne Cash's career by singing with her on "No Memories Hangin' Round". Bare's singles for Columbia Records included 'The Jogger', 'Tequila Sheila', 'Gotta Get Rid Of This Band', 'When Hippies Get Older' and 'Numbers'. He later recorded for EMI with little success.
Bobby Bare is a versatile singer, and in the 70s started to release novelty songs recorded live with selected audiences. One of such songs, 'Marie Laveau' about a witch, reached the number one position on the country chart. This song was written by his friend, a very talented song writer, poet, author and cartoonist Shel Silverstein. He also penned many other songs for Bobby Bare including a Grammy nominated hit called 'Daddy What If' which he recorded with his five year old son, Bobby Bare Jr, who later became a star on his own. Bobby Bare later recorded a very successful album with his family and penned mainly by Shel called 'Singing in The Kitchen'. It was nominated for best group category in Grammy Awards but was declined by Bobby himself.
He later took chances recording strange, controversial material as 'Dropkick Me Jesus (Through The Goalposts Of Life)' (a 1976 Grammy nominee) and the expletive-driven 'Redneck Hippie Romance' with much success.
Bobby Bare is also the first to come up with a concept album called 'Bird Named Yesterday' which was very successful. His most successful concept album is 'Lullaby Legends and Lies'.
Bobby Bare was also given an opportunity to star in the movies. He did a Western with Troy Donahue called A Distant Trumpet, and a few episodes of a TV series called No Time for Sergeants. He turned his back on Hollywood to pursue his career in Country Music.
In 1998 he formed the band Old Dogs together with his friends Jerry Reed, Mel Tillis and Waylon Jennings.
In addition to the above, Bobby Bare is credited for introducing Waylon Jennings to RCA. He is also one of the first to record from many well known song writers such as Jack Clement, Harlan Howard, Billy Joe Shaver, Mickey Newberry, Tom T. Hall, Kris Kristofferson, and many others. He later had a TV series called 'Bobby Bare & Friends, A Song Writer Showcase'. Recently, he has recorded a new album after over 20 years called 'The Moon Was Blue' produced by his son. His son, Bobby Bare, Jr., is also a musician.
which one is to blame
Bobby Bare Lyrics
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The nicest thing that's come my way is you but I cannot offer you my heart or name
Oh it isn't fair to do me like you do I wonder which one of us is to blame
Somehow I can't blame myself although I guess I should
And I can't place the blame on you I would have if I could
We've made ourselves the gossip of the town
The things we've done can only bring us shame
We've let our passion drag our honor down I wonder which one of us is to blame
Your nearness makes me tremble with desire your ruby red lips set my soul aflame
But for you I'd be a beggar thief or liar I wonder which one of us is to blame
Somehow I can't blame myself...
I wonder which one of us is to blame
In Bobby Bare's song "Which One Is to Blame," the lyrics explore the complex emotions and guilt associated with a romantic relationship that cannot be pursued further due to certain constraints. The lyrics express a sense of longing and desire for the other person while also acknowledging the impossibility of a deeper commitment. Both parties are aware of the societal pressures and disapproval that come with these desires and indulgences.
The singer wonders which one of them is to blame for their predicament. While acknowledging the niceness of the other person, they cannot offer them their heart or name, and it is not fair for the other person to treat them the way they do. However, the singer cannot blame either themselves or the other person for their predicament as they have succumbed to their passions and desires. The two have become the town's gossip, and their actions have caused shame and brought their honor down.
The song showcases the internal struggle of the two individuals and how they are unable to resist their feelings. The lyrics are emotionally charged, providing insight into the complexities of human relationships and the toll they can take on our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
I wonder which one of us is to blame
The singer is uncertain who should take responsibility for their situation.
The nicest thing that's come my way is you but I cannot offer you my heart or name
Although the singer values the person in their life, they cannot fully commit to them.
Oh it isn't fair to do me like you do I wonder which one of us is to blame
The singer feels that they are being treated unfairly but is unsure who is at fault.
Somehow I can't blame myself although I guess I should
The singer is reluctant to take responsibility for their actions and would rather place blame elsewhere.
And I can't place the blame on you I would have if I could
The singer recognizes that their actions are not solely the fault of the other person, but they are still unsure who should be blamed.
We've made ourselves the gossip of the town
The singer and their partner's behavior has caused them to be talked about negatively by others in their community.
The things we've done can only bring us shame
The singer is aware that their actions are immoral and will ultimately lead to negative consequences.
We've let our passion drag our honor down I wonder which one of us is to blame
The singer acknowledges that their desire for each other has caused them to act in ways that are dishonorable and is uncertain who is responsible for this outcome.
Your nearness makes me tremble with desire your ruby red lips set my soul aflame
The singer is extremely attracted to their partner, physically and emotionally.
But for you I'd be a beggar thief or liar I wonder which one of us is to blame
The singer is willing to do anything for their partner, even if it means committing illegal or immoral acts, but is unsure who is at fault for their behavior.
Somehow I can't blame myself...
The singer cannot bring themselves to accept full responsibility for their actions.
I wonder which one of us is to blame
The singer is still unsure who should be held accountable for their situation.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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