Ode To Mel Bay
Chet Atkins & Tommy Emmanuel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
you got to hold it in this manner in order to play like this
now w'ere happily strummin and you ought to hear us play
we owe it all to you Mel Bay
Mel Bay everytime we play we always thinking of you and hope you have a nice day
were available for dances and ready to sign aoutographs if anyone should ask
we're better than we ever thought we could
please send us another book and we'll play twice as good
The lyrics of Chet Atkins/Tommy Emmanuel's song "Ode to Mel Bay" pay homage to the influential guitar instructor, Mel Bay. Bay's instructional books, including "Mel Bay's Modern Guitar Method," were instrumental in shaping generations of guitar players. The song starts with the recognition that he taught them how to hold a pick in order to play the guitar in the right way. They express gratitude towards him that they are now joyfully strumming their guitars and are better than they ever thought they could be. They offer to perform at dances and sign autographs because they are very thankful to him for his phenomenal teachings. They attribute all their success to him and ask him to send them another book so that they could get even better.
The song reveals the immense contribution Mel Bay has made to the world of guitar playing, with his instructional books having been used by countless guitar enthusiasts to learn and refine their skills. The song also speaks to a deep respect and admiration for the impact that one teacher can have on a student's life. It is a heartfelt tribute to a legend of guitar education and a testament to the power of great teaching.
Line by Line Meaning
mel bay in your manual you taught us how to hold a pick
Addressing Mel Bay himself for being the one who taught them the correct way to hold a guitar pick via his instructional manual
you got to hold it in this manner in order to play like this
Mel Bay's emphasis on the importance of holding the pick in a specific manner in order to successfully play the guitar
now w'ere happily strummin and you ought to hear us play
The joyous sentiment of being able to play the guitar successfully thanks to Mel Bay's teachings
we owe it all to you Mel Bay
A direct statement of gratitude towards Mel Bay for his instructional aid in bettering their guitar-playing abilities
Mel Bay everytime we play we always thinking of you and hope you have a nice day
A tribute to Mel Bay's lasting impact on their guitar playing, as they always think of him when playing and wish him well
were available for dances and ready to sign aoutographs if anyone should ask
A hopeful statement that they may receive opportunities to play live gigs thanks to their improved guitar abilities, and they are willing to sign autographs if asked
we're better than we ever thought we could
A reflection on how far they have come in their guitar playing, and how they have surpassed their own expectations thanks to Mel Bay's teachings
please send us another book and we'll play twice as good
A request for further instructional materials from Mel Bay, with a promise that they will continue to improve greatly with his aid
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MARK DENNY, MICHAEL SUPE GRANDA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rickyjoeshippyful
Mel Bay's Guitar Method is how I learned to read music, and that is an irreplacable asset as a musician.
@BlueMoonGuitar
Mel Bay books are AWESOME! The guy was amazing. The FIRST to light the way and actually write instruction materials for the guitar that MADE SENSE! I really liked this song too LOL!!! Thanks! Keep Rockin'!
@josephbiancorosso3179
I learned how to play classical guitar after years of rock n roll. Mel Bay rocks!
@ericstahl5612
Two of my favorite guitarists (RIP Chet)
@olderendirt
I just found out about this song and that Shel Silverstein wrote the lyrics. I started learning with this method in the mid 1970s so it was really fun to find.
@donlang7964
chet atkins and tommy emmanuel, in the spirit of flat and scruggs, homer and jethro! thanks chet and tommy!
@jesterd14
I played this for my guitar teacher who starts out students on Mel Bay's Guitar Method 1 and he listened and the part where they play Red River Valley with all the missed notes had him cracking up. I've got a friend who is a an engineer and has his own studio and has been playing for over 35+ years, and I played this for him, and he went and got his book out from when he first began playing in 1976, still had the price sticker on it... $1.25. His brother learned to play just from that book.
@RandomerThanAverage
I still have my first Mel Bay book around here someplace. That was great. That these greats can poke fun at themselves and the whole process of learning just gives me more respect for them.
@PhilipPoland1987
And the vilolin solo, great, what a taste!!
@bluesexplosionrob
The little solos inbetween made me cry with laughter.