Ray Edward Cochran was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota; however, as his parents were from Oklahoma, he considered himself an Oklahoman, and introduced himself as such in interviews. He took music lessons in school, but eventually quit the band to play drums. Rather than take piano lessons, Cochran began learning guitar, playing the country music he heard on the radio. As time went on, Cochran moved to Los Angeles, California in 1953. Together with Hank Cochran, Eddie formed The Cochran Brothers, though the two shared no relation.
Around the same time, Cochran worked as a session musician, but aspired to be a songwriter and artist in his own right, and recorded a demo with songwriting partner and future manager, Jerry Capeheart. Cochran's first notable foray into the public eye was as one of the many performing artists featured in the musical comedy film The Girl Can't Help It starring Jayne Mansfield, eventually resulting in a recording contract with Liberty. He would follow up on this appearance by appearing in several films of the same genre. He also performed as a support act for such stars as Gene Vincent and Little Richard, who were among Cochran's co-stars in the aforementioned film.
For his recordings, Cochran often used experimental techniques that would later become part and parcel for other recording artists, notably recording numerous overdubs in order to create the rich, distinctive guitar sound for "Summertime Blues" and "C'mon Everybody". "Twenty Flight Rock", the song Cochran performed in The Girl Can't Help It, was the very first song a young Paul McCartney played for John Lennon as his audition for Lennon's group, The Quarrymen, which would later metamorphose into The Beatles.
Cochran was killed in an automobile accident in Chippenham, Wiltshire, England during a tour of Britain with Gene Vincent. Vincent and Cochran's fiancee, who were both in the car, survived the crash. Scholars have noted that, somewhat eerily, Cochran's last single release in his lifetime was "Three Steps to Heaven", although the song's lyrical context has nothing to do with death. Cochran's death occurred little over a year after the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, to whom he paid tribute in his recording of the song "Three Stars", which remained unreleased until 1966.
A majority of Cochran's recorded legacy would be released posthumously; in his lifetime, only one album, Singin' to My Baby (1957), was ever released. Perhaps owing to the brevity of his career, Cochran never attained the same star status as other rockers of the era; however, his lyrical themes of teenage desires and rebellion, being somewhat more morose and raucous than his contemporaries, had a profound influence on many of the greatest artists of the '60s and '70s, such as The Beatles, The Who, and The Rolling Stones.
That's What It Takes to Make a Man
Eddie Cochran Lyrics
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I remember how it all began
The doctor grabbed my feet, slapped me on the cheek
That's what it takes to make a man
Even as a baby they were pinnin' things on me
Daddy called me mother's little lamb
But you should have seen 'em rave
When I gave the dog a shave
They thought I was a genius, when I first went to school
Then I flunked my very first exam
And for all the books I've read
There' s just sawdust in my head
That's what it takes to make a man
Well I finally finished highschool, tried some college too
Then I did a hitch with Uncle Sam
I fought the enemy, sergeants I'll agree
That's what it takes to make a man
Well I went back to my hometown
Where the mayor was my friend
Said he knew a job that I could lend
Well I got that job alright
Cleaned the streets up every night
That's what it takes to make a man
Well I got a new position in a dry good store down town
Bought my gal a golden wedding band
But she up and fled the scene
When it turned her finger green
That's what it takes to make a man
Oh yeah, that's what it takes to make a man
The lyrics of Eddie Cochran's song "That's What It Takes To Make A Man" tell a story of perseverance and the challenges faced throughout life. The song explores how various experiences shape an individual and contribute to their personal growth.
The opening lines describe a lifetime filled with misery, setting a tone of struggle and adversity right from the beginning. The reference to the doctor slapping the baby's cheek symbolizes the harsh realities of life and the idea that enduring pain and difficulty is necessary to become a strong and capable man.
As the song progresses, it becomes evident that the singer constantly faced high expectations and pressure to live up to certain standards. Being called "mother's little lamb" implies a delicate and gentle nature, which contrasts with the image of a typical man. However, the singer defies expectations by giving the dog a shave, showing a rebellious and independent side. This suggests that breaking free from societal norms and expectations is what it takes to establish a strong identity.
The lyrics also touch upon educational experiences. Initially regarded as a genius, the singer falls short by failing the first exam, symbolizing setbacks and disappointments. Despite reading numerous books, they claim to have "sawdust in my head," implying a lack of practical knowledge or success in intellectual pursuits. This highlights the notion that true growth comes not just from knowledge, but from navigating real-life challenges.
The later verses shift focus to the singer's experiences in the military and their return to their hometown. Serving in the military is portrayed as an essential part of becoming a man, as it involves facing enemies and gaining the approval of authority figures like sergeants. Returning home, the singer finds a job cleaning streets, once again showing resilience and the willingness to undertake menial tasks as part of the journey towards becoming a man.
The lyrics end with the singer finding a new job and purchasing a wedding band for his partner. However, the relationship falls apart when the ring turns her finger green. This disappointment further emphasizes the idea that setbacks and difficulties are inevitable in life, and they contribute to the process of becoming a man.
In summary, Eddie Cochran's "That's What It Takes To Make A Man" tells a story of facing life's challenges and enduring setbacks as essential components of personal growth and development. The lyrics convey the message that it takes perseverance, resilience, and the ability to defy expectations to become a true man.
Line by Line Meaning
Well it seems I've had a lifetime filled with misery
My life has been filled with continuous suffering and unhappiness
I remember how it all began
I recall the beginning of my life journey
The doctor grabbed my feet, slapped me on the cheek
As soon as I was born, the doctor forcefully handled me and smacked my face
That's what it takes to make a man
Such actions are necessary to toughen and mold a person into a resilient individual
Even as a baby they were pinnin' things on me
Even in my infancy, people were expecting and assigning responsibilities to me
Daddy called me mother's little lamb
My father affectionately referred to me as a gentle and innocent child
But you should have seen 'em rave
However, you should witness the excitement they displayed
When I gave the dog a shave
When I shaved our dog, they were amazed by my unexpected actions
That's what it takes to make a man
Such daring acts reveal the determination and bravery required to become a man
They thought I was a genius, when I first went to school
Everyone believed I was exceptionally intelligent when I started attending school
Then I flunked my very first exam
However, I failed my initial examination
And for all the books I've read
Despite reading numerous books
There's just sawdust in my head
My mind seems to hold insignificant or useless knowledge
That's what it takes to make a man
Such academic struggles are part of the process of transforming into a man
Well I finally finished high school, tried some college too
Eventually, I completed high school and attempted college as well
Then I did a hitch with Uncle Sam
Afterward, I enlisted in the military
I fought the enemy, sergeants I'll agree
I engaged in combat against the enemy, and even the sergeants would acknowledge my efforts
That's what it takes to make a man
Such experiences on the battlefield are necessary to shape one into a man
Well I went back to my hometown
I returned to my place of origin
Where the mayor was my friend
In that town, I had a friendly relationship with the mayor
Said he knew a job that I could lend
The mayor mentioned a job opportunity that I could take on
Well I got that job alright
Indeed, I secured that job successfully
Cleaned the streets up every night
My task was to diligently clean the streets every evening
That's what it takes to make a man
Commitment and hard work define the path to manhood
Well I got a new position in a dry good store downtown
I obtained a new position in a store downtown that sold various dry goods
Bought my gal a golden wedding band
I purchased a gold wedding ring for my girlfriend
But she up and fled the scene
Unfortunately, she abruptly left without any explanation
When it turned her finger green
She left upon discovering that the ring caused her finger to turn green
That's what it takes to make a man
Heartbreak and disappointment contribute to the journey of becoming a man
Oh yeah, that's what it takes to make a man
Indeed, enduring and overcoming various challenging experiences is vital for one's transformation into a man
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
fred120364
I loved this one too, fine to have some country/picking stuff! Never stop sharing your fabulous vids! And if you had time to perform some tutos sometimes, it would be very helpful! ("Gene and Eddie" would be a good one, as it's never covered and mixing lots of different techniques)
fred120364
I definitely agree for a Gina version of yours! And any other Brian Setzer song you'd like to cover too, he still is the most amazing guitar player for me!
Ste Brennan
Thank you so much Fred for all your wonderful comments and support, they're all sincerely appreciated!!
I'm very sorry for only just replying now ....a bad move on my part, so sorry mate!!
To be honest, the tutorials kind of stopped because my gear was so inefficient to make them regular and with ease.
I've just bought of few new bits and have plans to get back into the tutorials this week hopefully.
Yeah, Gene & Eddie has tons of gold in it, in particular the recorded version on Blast Off and the live versions from around that period too.
Any other favourite songs you'd perhaps like me to look at? I was thinking about tackling Gina this week.
Although it seems simple, to play it well and for it to sound good is trickier than it appears .....plus I absolutely love that song so much !! ha ;)
Thanks again for all your kind words Fred, they really mean a lot to me pal, cheers!!
blondegretsch
excellent mon ami . le contraire m'aurait étonné . j'adore !!!
Roland Pucci
j'adore !!!
coupe662
awesome!!!!!
micaelsv
A lot of old "Freight Train" in the last song
coupe662
do you listen to Chet atkins?