Born Eugene Booker McDaniels, a name he used in later life, in Kansas City … Read Full Bio ↴Born Eugene Booker McDaniels, a name he used in later life, in Kansas City on February 12, 1935, Gene was a former gospel singer, signed to Liberty Records in the early 1960's where he scored American hits with original version of "Tower Of Strength" (covered successfully in the UK by Frankie Vaughan) and "A Hundred Pounds Of Clay", a UK hit for Craig Douglas. However, his influence on UK copyists brought him on a nationwide cinema tour with Gary U.S. Bonds and Johnny Burnette as well as an appearance in "It's Trad Dad", one of a series of pop-based movies of the time. His classy voice should have served him a lifetime of success, and songs like the above mentioned, plus "Point Of No Return", "Chip Chip" and "Another Tear Falls" stand the test of time. He re-emerged in the 1970's with a rock/funk album, "Outlaw", on Atlantic as Eugene McDaniels, and moved to record production. He died on July 29, 2011, but it was not national news till four days later.

The Forgotten Man
Gene McDaniels Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

If you ever get out to Hasbrook Heights
And you're dying to see some sights
Don't be lonely, just phone me
I'll come and get you
I'll show you a good time

You won't need a motel in Hasbrook Heights
No one ever has a sleepless night

Now at my house it's your house
Go kick your shoes off

Start having a good time
Each day is like a week's vacation
Come rest up bring along your swim suit
That's how we get dressed up

You can get away
From it all at Hasbrook Heights
If you're tired of neon lights
We've got sun beams and moon beams
And friendly people
They'll show you a good time

Throw some things in a grip
Take the early train
It's a beautiful trip
Don't forget the name

Hasbrook Heights
Hasbrook Heights

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Gene McDaniels's song "The Forgotten Man" are an invitation to Hasbrook Heights, a small town that seems to offer a peaceful and welcoming refuge from the stress and alienation of modern urban life. The singer assures the listener that he/she won't feel lonely because he will personally show them around, and they will feel right at home in his house. What follows is an idealized description of Hasbrook Heights, portrayed as a kind of utopia where people are friendly, sleep peacefully, and have fun in the sun and moonlight, wearing swimsuits instead of fancy clothes. The song ends with a recommendation to catch an early train, take a short trip, and experience the magic of Hasbrook Heights.

"The Forgotten Man" is a song that captures the mood of a time when many people felt that the American dream had lost its luster and were looking for a more authentic and meaningful way of life. Hasbrook Heights is a symbol of that longing for simplicity, community, and personal connections that urbanization and consumerism seemed to have destroyed. Perhaps the most striking aspect of the lyrics is the personal invitation extended by the singer, who offers not only a visit to a place but also a glimpse of a possible alternative world where people can be themselves and find happiness in the company of others.

Line by Line Meaning

If you ever get out to Hasbrook Heights
In case you find yourself in Hasbrook Heights

And you're dying to see some sights
If you're looking to explore

Don't be lonely, just phone me
Don't be alone, call me for company

I'll come and get you
I'll pick you up

I'll show you a good time
I'll make sure you enjoy yourself

You won't need a motel in Hasbrook Heights
No need for a hotel in Hasbrook Heights

No one ever has a sleepless night
It's always peaceful at night

Now at my house it's your house
My home is your home

Go kick your shoes off
Relax and make yourself comfortable

Start having a good time
Let the fun begin

Each day is like a week's vacation
Time seems to slow down here

Come rest up bring along your swim suit
Bring your bathing suit to rest and relax

That's how we get dressed up
That's all you need to wear

You can get away
You can escape

From it all at Hasbrook Heights
All your troubles can be left behind in Hasbrook Heights

If you're tired of neon lights
If the bright city lights have worn you out

We've got sun beams and moon beams
We have natural light from the sun and moon

And friendly people
And welcoming locals

They'll show you a good time
They'll make sure you enjoy yourself

Throw some things in a grip
Pack a bag

Take the early train
Leave early by train

It's a beautiful trip
The journey is scenic

Don't forget the name
Remember the town's name

Hasbrook Heights
That's where you need to go

Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BURT BACHARACH, HAL DAVID

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

Andy Lockett

brilliant song - Gene might well be the Forgotten Man himself, a great singer.

strictlynorton

6y↑1

One of the true greats... Gene is instantly recognisable. First spin for me. Excellent post Brico. Ktf

John LaStrada

Gene was always a great singer and this is a good Bacharach-David song for him too. Though I never cared for Liberty Records' constant adding of strings & heavy orchestration on many of their releases, I did love their studio drummer who had a great sound on his skins on many of these singles. Bobby Vee's records were all wonderfully produced. I suspect the drummer may have been Hal Blaine. He was used heavily in the early '60s.