Chris Bell (January 12, 1951–December 27, 1978) was a singer, songwriter, a… Read Full Bio ↴Chris Bell (January 12, 1951–December 27, 1978) was a singer, songwriter, and guitarist born in Memphis, Tennessee. Along with Alex Chilton, he led the power pop band Big Star, which recorded albums during the early 1970s. Chris Bell left the group after their first album, #1 Record, but contributed some music and lyrics to their second LP, 1974's Radio City. He recorded as a solo artist for the remainder of the 1970s; two of these influential solo recordings, "I Am the Cosmos" and "You and Your Sister," were released on a 1978 single on Car Records. These two songs became popular among collectors of Big Star-related items, and they were later covered on the 1991 Blood album.

Bell began to concentrate on solo work after leaving Big Star, recording demos at Ardent Studios and Shoe Recording in Memphis with old friends including Richard Rosebrough, Terry Manning, Bill Cunningham, Ken Woodley, and occasionally Chilton and Jim Dickinson. During the late 1970s, a few of Bell's pop song lyrics began to evince influences from his newfound interest in Christian spirituality. He worked at his father's restaurant as he grappled with clinical depression. Although he released the single in 1978, none of his solo material was released on a full length album during his lifetime.

Bell died in December 1978 when he lost control of his small Triumph sports car, sometime after 1 a.m. on the morning of the 27th, on his way home from Ardent Studios. The car struck a wooden light pole on the side of the road, killing him instantly. His funeral was held the next day, December 28th, the birthday of former bandmate Chilton.

Bell's music and that of Big Star became popular with alternative rock musicians in the 1980s through word of mouth. Well known artists including R.E.M. and The Replacements began touting the recordings of Big Star as significant works. Finally, almost 14 years after his death, the songs from his Car Records single and several of his other 1970s recordings were released on 1992's I Am the Cosmos full-length CD on Rykodisc.

I Am The Cosmos
Chris Bell Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Every night I tell myself,
"I am the cosmos,
I am the wind"
But that don't get you back again
Just when I was starting to feel okay
You're on the phone
I never wanna be alone
Never wanna be alone

I hate to have to take you home
Wanted too much to say no, no,
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Never wanna be alone
I hate to have to take you home
Want you too much to say no, no
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah
My feeling's always happening
Something I couldn't hide
I can't confide
Don't know what's going on inside
So every night I tell myself
"I am the cosmos,
I am the wind"
But that don't get you back again
I'd really like to see you again
I really wanna see you again
I'd really like to see you again
I really wanna see you again
I'd really like to see you again
I really wanna see you again

I never wanna see you again
Really wanna see you again

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Chris Bell's "I Am The Cosmos" are a reflection of the singer-songwriter's inner thoughts as he struggles with loneliness and the longing to reconnect with someone he cares about deeply. The opening lines, "Every night I tell myself, 'I am the cosmos, I am the wind,'" reflect Bell's desire to feel powerful and in control, but the following lyrics reveal that this self-affirmation is not enough to overcome the pain of being alone. Bell expresses his vulnerability and need for companionship, conveying his feelings in lines like "Wanted too much to say no, no" and "My feeling's always happening, something I couldn't hide."

The chorus of the song emphasizes Bell's ambivalence towards the person he's addressing. He expresses his desire to see them again, singing, "I'd really like to see you again, I really wanna see you again," but also admits, "I hate to have to take you home, wanted too much to say no." These conflicting emotions reflect the love and pain that often come hand in hand in relationships.

Overall, "I Am The Cosmos" is a poignant exploration of isolation, longing, and the contradictions of human emotion. The song is a beautiful example of Bell's poetic lyrics and emotive vocals, marking him as a talented and influential musician.

Line by Line Meaning

Every night I tell myself,
Every night, I try to reassure myself

"I am the cosmos,
"I am the universe,

I am the wind"
I am the forces of nature"

But that don't get you back again
But that doesn't bring you back to me

Just when I was starting to feel okay
Right when I thought I was getting better

You're on the phone
You call me

I never wanna be alone
I never want to be by myself

Never wanna be alone
Never ever want to be lonely

I hate to have to take you home
I'm upset that I have to take you back home

Wanted too much to say no, no,
I wanted you too much to say no

Yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah

My feeling's always happening
My emotions are always present

Something I couldn't hide
Something I couldn't keep to myself

I can't confide
I can't reveal

Don't know what's going on inside
I don't understand what's happening inside me

So every night I tell myself
So every night, I try to reassure myself

"I am the cosmos,
"I am the universe,

I am the wind"
I am the forces of nature"

But that don't get you back again
But that doesn't bring you back to me

I'd really like to see you again
I would really like to see you again

I really wanna see you again
I really want to see you again

I never wanna see you again
I never want to see you again

Really wanna see you again
Really want to see you again

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHRISTOPHER HAMILTON BELL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@Samurai-ss5qs

2y↑14

Every night I tell myself
I am the cosmos
I am the wind
But that don't get you back again

Just when I was starting to feel okay
You're on the phone
I never wanna be alone
Never wanna be alone
I hate to have to take you home

Wanted too much to say no, no
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah

Never wanna be alone
I hate to have to take you home
Want you too much to say no, no
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah

My feeling's always happening
Something I couldn't hide
I can't confide
Don't know what's going on inside
So every night I tell myself
I am the cosmos
I am the wind
But that don't get you back again
I'd really like to see you again
I really wanna see you again
I'd really like to see you again
I really wanna see you again
I'd really like to see you again
I really wanna see you again
I never wanna see you again
Really wanna see you again

@gregorythomas5804

8y↑29

Ode to delusion... excellent

Every night I tell myself 'I am the cosmos, I am the wind'
But that don't get you back again
I'd really like to see you again
I really wanna see you again
I'd really like to see you again
I really wanna see you again
I'd really like to see you again
I really wanna see you again
I never wanna see you again
Really wanna see you again

All comments from YouTube:

@guidototh6091

3y↑106

No one, except Chris Bell, sounded like this in 1975. 15-20 years later hundreds of musicians sounded like this. He was way ahead of his time.

@SB-se7vb

2y↑10

Well stated.

@demonofdeath2020

1y↑2

why so painful and true !!! you didnt have to state such a deep true !!!

@forgottengrooves6073

45w

True, except he recorded this in '78.

@guidototh6091

44w↑2

@@forgottengrooves6073 It was released on a small label in 1978 but the song and rest of the albums was recorded in France and Memphis in 1974-1975.

@forgottengrooves6073

44w↑2

@@guidototh6091 Oops, my mistake; thank you for the correction 👍

4 More Replies...

@marcosandrada4239

1y↑15

One of The Best Songs Of the Whole Universe !!!!! Chris Bell is Singing with Jesus and God and is spreading Joy for Us !!! Love U Chris Bell Forever !!!!!!!!! Thank You!!!!!!

@RyanDowningMusic

3y↑60

If this song doesn’t play at my funeral, don’t even bother carrying my casket to the chapel/grave. I won’t rest peacefully. It’s my only wish for my end of it all.
Chris was an absolute genius. So sad that he and Big Star both couldn’t find a good label to support them.

@jdustan

2y↑3

yep.. no distribution.

@johnbigbooty

Ryan, make the drive up to Memphis and let's eat at the shrine. At Mortimer's.

@chrislovescoke2599

🤣🤣🤣🤣

@chrislovescoke2599

@Ryan Downing Ryan your comment cracked me up! I loved it!!! Sorry I should have put some words with those laughs!

@robkidd5214

I wont. Bury yourself bruh...

2 More Replies...

@robertmcmanus9185

2y↑19

Chris Bell had a knack for writing deeply personal songs without sounding overwrought. Too many musicians push it too far when they let their emotions run out of their veins. Bell had the knack for making his tunes sound so personal but ensuring they sounded genuine and not over the top. This one is a gem.

@paulsandor3522

2y↑27

How did I miss this?! I have the first two Big Star albums but didn't know this existed. Wow! I'm sure Teenage Fanclub was no stranger to this cosmic gem.

@redadamearth

2y↑3

Highly recommend the Big Star documentary made a few years ago (it's free on Youtube right now, actually), as it goes into the whole thing. Chris Bell was the soul of "Big Star" and always was. It's awful that he left the band after the first album, as IMO, they just never sounded as great again.

@ShanntahnPininchula

1y↑2

@Adam Stevenson You're spot on the money.

@maxheadroom3000

1y↑1

The whole album is solid. Run, don’t walk! 🏃🏽

@chrisrosales4219

40w↑2

Wait, you don't have Sister Lover/Third!? Buy both that and I am the Cosmos immediately!

@lyndanet5116

19w

Yeah but that’s inspiration

@tolan65

3y↑63

This is a song about vulnerability; trying to find courage in the face of terrible mental illness and fear. It’s a powerful human expression. You just want to give him a hug.

@danstar455

If you think you or someone you love has clinical depression, most likely its mold illness due to genetics and clearing mold. See Dr Shoemaker CIRS Syndrome. Get the genetic tests (Life Extension has most in the Labs category).

@keithbate9405

2y↑2

Have you heard the equally beautiful track "amethyst" by Low . About someone with mental issues being trapped in their own mind.

@RadioPsychicAstrologyByPepper

@Keith Bate I need to check this out, I've played stuff by Low before I had not heard of this yet thank you, friend.

@keithbate9405

@@radiopsychicastrologyforin3214 You are welcome and I hope you liked the track as much as I do !

@melodymakermark

1y↑3

Chris was a troubled and obviously talented young man. A “sweet soul”, to borrow from Alex Chilton.

3 More Replies...

@grahamclews9461

6y↑50

The guitar solo kills me every time... awesome

@TheHotfreaks

2y↑2

Yes..the tragic outcome.
Troubled soul..and wrapped his triumph tr7 around a tree while co.ing back from working in his very wealthy father's burger joint.

@sebastianofreccua3195

2y↑2

Yes, same. The solo SINGS!

@robertmcmanus9185

2y↑1

Truly brilliant solo and an amazing song. Leaves most of Big Star in the dirt; in my books that's saying something. Haunting, aching, and perfect.

@paulwhite7972

37w

Perfect. There are very few perfect guitar solos but this is one of them.

@thelastperfectman4139

35w

As others have said, this is possibly the most perfect guitar solo—it stays with you (as does the song overall)

@chzcnewsletter5229

5y↑26

"Every night I tell myself I am the cosmos, I am the wind. But that don't you get back again." One of my favorite first lines of any pop song.

@galleryofrogues

Good tattoo idea

@divinesoul75

1y↑7

Chris was from another world. his music never leaves my mind

@KOSMICKEN09

7y↑46

This song is so haunting...absolutely brilliant stuff.

@Samurai-ss5qs

2y↑14

@galleryofrogues

1y↑3

I cannot describe how ahead of it’s time music like this was.

@sequentialcircles

16w

Wow, this is sick.

My dad, (an avid rock collector since 1960) heard this on AM radio the other day and called me to tell me about this song. He couldn't believe he never heard it until then.

@ChrisBellNYCSocial

6y↑40

I share a name with this man. His music is amazing!

@blaumausfrau

4y↑15

the ultimate and most exquisate song ever written about a broken heart...

@susanedrington4878

7y↑9

I love Chris.....his music gives me goosebumps...

@scott7521

2y↑13

One of the saddest gut wrenching songs ever

@68rodman

7y↑23

It is so easy to mourn Chris Bell! I sure as hell do! But i think we should celebrate him for this and many other beautiful memories!

@waz3128

49w↑2

His arbitrary read ''Son of a local restaurateur died''. I doubt his dad's restaurant is still open, but Chris's music is still being discovered today

@lennon_9dream133

4y↑1

Una de las grandes y maravillosas obras de arte de la música contemporánea. Obra de culto para los oyentes avanzados. Colosal!!!!

@kayjay111111

8y↑159

This beautiful, tortured, pained, talented genius. Oh, what we would have been gifted with musically had you stayed with us.

@Zanshinkyo

8y↑4

I couldn't have said it better myself.

@susanedrington4878

7y↑2

If only....you said it perfectly.

@Nazzz65

5y↑2

''Drove a Triumph sports car...''

@beauyerks7413

4y↑3

Well put both Chris and Alex were bonified songwriting virtuosos, had they worked together more ans not succumed to lifes demons, they might have gone down in history as the American Lennon/McCartney! Its both a blesding and a curse that we have the Bigstar albums and this by Chris....,a blessing to hear their genius, but a curse because its ALL we have of their legacy.

@alejandrovelasquez6017

4y↑2

kayjay111111 he was so great I liked the story of how his fans saw him working at a burger joint telling him he was a god

4 More Replies...

@joypresleyify

1y↑3

I hear a Beatles influence, but this is true creative genius!

@chriskennedyck

3y↑9

What an amazing two tracks this and the b-side "You and Your Sister" were. An amazing two sides of music

@nate-ox5lw

16w

This song is so damn good

@mainmaam

2y↑2

Very haunting. Great album.

@itiohoyocampbell4572

7y↑2

Talented band and love the music too.

@ROYALPRIX

8y↑71

RIP Chris Bell. Jan. 12th, 1951 - December 27th, 1978. This song is why I write these days.

@ajnut

8y↑4

+Pat Lynch Another member - and massively overlooked member - of the 27 club.

@user-nj3lg7wi5r

8y↑2

Death by car accident.

@elisecliftonklitz

6y↑2

Love you Chris

@ericcampbell6370

4y↑34

Big Star, Badfinger and
The Raspberries. That's what I call music!

@eduardomota2429

3y↑4

Grant lee Buffalo too

@leebatt7964

Badfinger was an amazing band, they are worthy of so much more attention than they got. Chris Bell and Big Star as well.

@robertmcmanus9185

2y↑2

@Eduardo Mota Excellent point Eduardo. I never got to see Big Star, The Raspberries or Badfinger (nor, sadly Grant Lee Buffalo) but Grant Lee Phillips played so much GLB when I saw him a few years ago it was some solace!! This song is amazing.... My fave Bell tune outside of Big Star

@chrislovescoke2599

Yes lots of similarities there! I was thinking of the Raspberries while listening to this song.

@wackydoodlerobertson

17w

wonderful band @@eduardomota2429

@thesprawl2361

2y↑6

If this is all you've heard of Bell, try his equally gorgeous Speed Of Sound

@vanillaslice3016

46w↑2

If i had a time machine>? I would find Chris and share my love for his art, maybe break out a 12 string and play a few of his tunes desperately hoping his vocals would dance above my strums. I would not reveal to him his future but rather I would attempt to softly influence Chris in a different direction because we all know he had so much more beautiful things to share with us.

@TheAim1977

9y↑6

Wonderful song. Thanks for uploading this.

@westerrnredcedar

2y↑22

May Allah embrace his beautiful soul
In the realm of beauty and forgive his transgressions. This song embodies the irreducible human condition. “I never want to be alone”. We were not created to be alone, we were created to love one another and all of creation. We were created by the breath of the divine. This is a Sufi song if I’ve ever heard one. This song inspires humility and forbearance with others. Who knows what another might be carrying. Time is short we are all precious, be gentle with each other. We are the cosmos we are the wind but we still long for love and connection, especially the brightest among us…

@MisterRlGHT

1y↑2

Or as Bob Dylan's granny told him: "Always be kind, because everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."

@kennethkuehnle9872

47w↑1

I love the lyrics/words "If that don't get you back again!"...

@kevinsteviestevenson4001

2y↑2

Sad, sad, sad, yet incredibly beautiful. Poor Chris.

@genepoole1771

2y↑2

This is as good as it gets.

@johnflushing9328

2y↑1

When people talk about Big Star they usually only bring up Alex Chilton but forget Chris Bell. Well after hearing this it shows there's alot more to them than the late Mr. Chilton! Beautiful song!

@DrRestezi

3y↑9

This is as beautiful as it is heartbreaking and tragic. The word is Devastating.

@Armin2U

9y↑21

We will miss Chris Bell....

@tomcass2.030

2y↑1

the true talent of Big Star, Alex was added to because he was the Letter star, the rest of the guys had already worked on the concept in Rock City

@ShanntahnPininchula

Yes. He was the energy and creativity behind the band, though Chilton gets all the love. You can hear such a drastic change in Big Star (for the worse) after Chris left the band.

@vannoord44

9y↑7

wonderful song

@bulldogg233

4y↑1

God bless you, Chris Bell

@anthonyhunt701

7y↑24

Chris, with Alex on backround vocals..............The Big Star song that never was.........

@John-cq4xp

5y↑3

Chilton not on this, all vocals by Chris with just a drummer and organ player apart from himself.

@toddlittle9095

5y↑5

I think Alex was on the B-side song of the 45. not on this one.

@marystewart9756

5y↑4

Alex sang on "You And Your Sister".

@billygoth

8y↑2

Excellent 🎵🎵🎵

@baliscotsurf

6y↑2

ione thing not mentioned alot is...he could straight up ROCK!! on guitar

@frankbrinkmann2510

Genius. Period.

@jackblaze8684

7y↑9

Chris bell ....damn man ...bad luck I wish he was alive his albums 1*record and others are there in top50 out of top 500 albums by rolling stones.......damn ...R.I.P CHRIS BELL............WE ALL MISS U

@kakhak

Rest in peace, dear Chris.

@shuroom57

5y↑2

Acid-soaked beauty; perfection.

@mavr9361

Beautiful then and now.

@zoomsp91

6y↑7

The guy that made Breaking Bad must have not known this song because it fits perfectly with the kind of music in that show

@ventarfield7115

9y↑51

Epic photo his brother took of him for an epic record.

@Tehownilator

+Ben Garfield I believe his manager took the picture..

@ventarfield7115

8y↑1

+Chris Laforest interesting. I heard the story on the documentary about them traveling to Japan together and spending an afternoon on an epic hike. supposedly the picture was taken when the two of them where alone. I will have to look deeper

@Tehownilator

8y↑2

Ben Garfield I'm gonna defer to your opinion because I thought I was getting my info from the same place.

Cheers!

@ivanvalencia5626

8y↑1

+Chris Laforest Sorry to tell you this, but you must be very confused. Ben Garlfied was actually right: it was his brother who took the photo. My source: same documentary.

@Tehownilator

8y↑3

+Iván Valencia you must be confused, because I already retracted my comment. thanks for the passive aggression though, always a delight.

6 More Replies...

@thesprawl2361

2y↑2

I've always thought this was the musical definition of the word 'yearning'

@davidswubc

7y↑87

Chris Bell was the $1000 clue on Jeopardy today in the Musicians who died at age 27 category. 4/24/17

@elisecliftonklitz

6y↑9

That is hip. Go Alex Tribec

@dspf68

5y↑10

Go Alex Chilton lol

@elisecliftonklitz

3y↑3

So cool. Alex Tribec knew of Big Star and Chris Bell being in the "27 club". I was watching that day!!

@dylan9449

3y↑7

May both Chris Bell and Alex Trebek rest in peace

@joeseymour4824

3y↑5

Wow I believe I saw Jeopardy! that day and had forgotten all about it! Thanks for mentioning that! :)

2 More Replies...

@frankbrinkmann151

5y↑2

Pure Beauty

@roellassche1403

6y↑2

Heard this 76,great thanks,he was the real shit,bles you man,forever

@migzz7976

Musical Genius

@lalinternahumana4257

6y↑2

Great Song

@trojanostar

3y↑2

0:12 maan i love those drums AND bass

@henrybandola3453

Very Emotional Rock Song

@dspf68

5y↑3

that's actually Alex on guitar. Wow!!

@Kelvin-iy6vy

4y↑8

No it isn’t. All Chris.

@elisecliftonklitz

Wow. Didn't know that

@davidellis5141

4y↑5

Alex is on " You & Your Sister " not this.

@dspf68

3y↑1

sorry got that wrong.

@Ronnie5691

Just heard about him and BIG Star. Picked up a book to read and it was There was a light book Chris Bell

@tidepoolbay

Chris was so Great! WooF!

@Isahiyella

51w

My feeling's always have been something I couldn't hide
I can confide
Don't know what's going on inside

@jamescassara1341

3y↑2

On this day in 1978 Chris was killed when he lost control of his newly purchased Triumph TR 7 after a late night band rehearsal. This posthumous 1992 release gives a glimpse of what might have been.

@chipco5150

4y↑1

Apparently Mr. Bell was in a pretty good place emotionally before he passed away from a car accident. The song is tortured, but Chris, in later life, was likely not. His passing remains tragic.

@SB-se7vb

It would have been tragic nonetheless.

@therealcriscodisco

9y↑110

Big Star and everything associated with them is underrated

@bobgreen623

9y↑2

+Chase Graham They were certainly a name to drop at one time among UK guitar bands of a certain style e.g. Teenage Fanclub etc.

@GlorifiedTruth

7y↑6

I never heard of Big Star before watching the Netflix documentary, so when I saw it, I expected them to be bullshit. I was surprised how much I liked them. Also, I'd never really got the whole Alex Chilton thing, but now I get it. If anyone hasn't seen the Netflix feature, I recommend it.

p.s. I'm here because I had a dream with this song in it last night.

@ThomasWilliamMusic

And forgotten. I never heard this incredible record until just recently.

@jimbailey5681

5y↑2

I certainly hold in high regard the opinion of a person who has a verb for a first name.

@bzfgt1

@Jim Bailey And an adjective responded to him...

1 More Replies...

@canalcreations

magic. pure and simple.

@charliewartelle6720

1y↑1

So many parallels with Syd Barrett, except that Big Star and Chris Bell didn’t get to be a legend until after He died.

@gregorythomas5804

8y↑29

@mmather233

you get it

@alejandrovelasquez6017

Gregory Thomas he wrote such power in one sentence the rest was easy

@waz3128

4y↑4

Its the '' never'' during the fade out that kills me the most . I get the sense ' i am the cosmos, I am the wind' is a mantra he keeps saying to himself to stop him from wanting the person he is singing about. For me its an ode to how this shit doesn't work and conceding that he is not in control.

@SB-se7vb

@waz 312 I was about to comment the exact same thing. The “never” is like a quiet gut punch.

@izmangr

4y↑3

yes, he's actually the member of 27 club. he deserves it

@TonyMontanaLuque

7y↑14

Why does it hurt so much? Such a tortured soul

@dspf68

died way too young! #27

@toddlittle9095

5y↑2

what a song... damn

@MacFeeley

7y↑6

Shoot me for saying it, but.....let's have a cleaned-up remix of this track. About time..

@erock2229

6y↑4

Omnivore Records just reissued this record in Sept of 2017.

@harrambou9468

MacFeeley can we have a more of Just Chris and light guitar like in the intro lol

@michaelangeloshortis2970

@Harrambou https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9QJdsd2knc I think the closest thing is this?

@arthurkyriazis

8y↑7

tremendous

@orphanriot837

3y↑4

Happy Birthday, Chris!

@AndySalinger33

6y↑13

Chris was a Christian. That means something. “I really wanna see you again”...and we will see him again. Just my 2 cents.

@elisecliftonklitz

4y↑1

True

@MeegsB

4y↑1

Andy Trullinger Jesus is the way, the truth, and the light :)

@TheEDZEPPELINBAND

@Meegs B the life, not light...
Lucifer is the light.
Look it up.

@TheEDZEPPELINBAND

2y↑1

Good to hear that...what he did was TOO beautiful for this world.

@Roobinfunk

5y↑2

really love u chris..

@Isahiyella

Speed it up to 1.25 in the YT cog menu, totally changes the vibe.

@donmynack

52w

So cool to post this. Very, very cool.

@pachucodreams

9y↑16

So tortured.The first thing that comes to mind with this kind of indecision and self-torment is "Lithium".

@chrismeyers101

9y↑2

13mwb Interesting connection...I see it. Song just tears me up.

@ajnut

9y↑2

Chris Meyers It's the final verse and coda that get me. So much despair, so beautifully rendered.

@420dopethrone

+13mwb you ever listen to Television Personalities? or (Nikki Sudden and Dave Kusworth) Jacobites? :P

@pachucodreams

Don Koovey Yes, I love Television Personalities! I do not know Jacobites, however. Any songs or album you recommend??

@420dopethrone

13mwb their LP Robespierre's Velvet Basement is amazing, but there's a song from that time that isn't on the album called "Every Girl", that album is a good place to start though. :)

@cbalducc

Why was Chris Bell such a “tortured soul”?

@XxSTAR1977WARSxX

4y↑3

cbalducc he might’ve been gay, but he was also religious and from the south so that’s a tough situation

@michevicus2987

2y↑1

He also suffered of bypolar disorder.

@JonJon-pj9ly

8y↑61

Can I cry now?

@rudivincent7442

6y↑1

Jon Jon I was asking myself the same thing

@zoomsp91

5y↑2

Every time I listen to it I think I'm gonna manage, but "I really wanna see you again" always draws a tear

@davidellis5141

When you 👀 the documentary and John Fry cries !

@Roobinfunk

do it bro

@jesusregalado846

Let ´em flow, Jon

1 More Replies...

@barakpick

This is beautiful, but to painful and raw for me to enjoy it for too long. i just get sad quickly

@jamesmurphy186

4y↑3

The notes above incorrectly list the writers. Chris Bell wrote this song.

@KreapOfficial

6y↑8

Never wanna be alone....

@mattgilbert7347

8y↑36

Too sensitive for the business, or the world. Tragic.Almost single-handedly invented 70's power-pop.

@ZyxthePest

8y↑9

+Matt Gilbert I'd say he's one of the major players, at least from the deep and dark emotional perspective of the genre, that would go on to influence 90s power-pop acts like Weezer and Matthew Sweet. I think later bands, like Cheap Trick and The Knack opened the doors to more commercial acceptance, which is a bummer considering how brilliant Bell was. He certainly deserved to be headlining the first shows those bands were playing.

@dspf68

5y↑1

Alex Chilton

@The4preston

4y↑2

"Almost" single-handedly. You also have to give credit to Chris's partner in crime, Alex Chilton, and Badfinger.

@jimcoats9374

4y↑4

Think you’d have to include the Raspberries and Todd Rundgren as power-pop pioneers too from that time.

@elisecliftonklitz

@saint jack 🎶please baby go all the way! Classic

@waltm8011

5y↑2

Search for Van Duren ....member at the last days of the Big Star and underated songwriter

@mdtys

2y↑1

that solo tho *chef's kiss*

@pedro-wb6bl

Just when I was starting to feel okay
You're on the phone...

@jamescooper8629

6y↑4

Some of you have made issue as to the fact that Chris' brother took this picture because you thought it was his manager... you are all right.... His brother David WAS his manager!

@jumpmp9653

7y↑8

I Am The Cosmos

@conorkennedy3304

3y↑4

the only song that matters

@ShoeGazer

9y↑4

@Renato-gc2hg

5y↑5

Is it just me or wold this be in Guardians of the Galaxy??

@susanedrington4878

7y↑5

I wanted this 45 so badly on my birthday a few years ago and someone bid $200...I was at $150....maybe someday...

@John-cq4xp

5y↑5

You can find reissues from 2009 and 2018 on Discogs if you don't need the original release they are affordable at a fraction if the price. The recent one was a Record Store Day release in a gatefold 7" sleeve.