In 1972, Rafferty and his old school friend Joe Egan formed the outfit Stealers Wheel, a group that proved beset by legal wranglings yet brimming with talent. They had a huge hit with "Stuck in the Middle With You", a pop/rock track deliberately aping the style of Bob Dylan that has had massive airplay for decades. That song also was immortalized in the infamous torture scene in the motion picture 'Reservoir Dogs', the film's soundtrack introducing the group to a new generation. Despite their knack for The Beatles-like melodic rock, Stealers Wheel disbanded in 1975.
Rafferty spent quite a while in a sort of forced legal limbo before he could record again, spending his time wisely as he developed his sound. In 1978, Rafferty cut a solo album, 'City to City', which would catapult him right into international stardom. Earning praise from many music critics, the release included the song with which he remains most associated: "Baker Street". Known for its gripping lyrics and haunting saxophone solo by Raphael Ravenscroft, the single reached #3 in the U.K. and #2 in the U.S. The album itself also received a boost as another single, "Right Down the Line", picked up major attention.
"Baker Street" has remained a mainstay of radio airplay for decades and popped up several times in popular culture, an example being its placement in the 'Good Will Hunting' soundtrack. Notable cover versions include a release by Undercover that also made the Top 3 in the U.K .singles chart in 1992. American rockers Foo Fighters also made their own version, swapping the saxophone solo for a guitar solo.
His next album, Night Owl, also did well, and the title track was a UK No. 5 hit in 1979. The follow-up single "Get It Right Next Time", made the UK Top 40.
Subsequent albums, such as Snakes and Ladders (1980), Sleepwalking (1982), and North and South (1988) all fared less well, due partly to Rafferty's general reluctance to perform live. "Don't Give Up On Me", from his 1992 collection On A Wing and a Prayer, is a much-featured oldie on BBC Radio 2. In 2021, a posthumous album, Rest In Blue, was released to positive reception.
DISCOGRAPHY
With the Humblebums
First Collection of Merry Melodies (1969)
The New Humblebums (1969)
Open Up The Door (1970)
With Stealers Wheel
Stealers Wheel (1973)
Ferguslie Park (1974)
Right Or Wrong (1975)
Solo
Can I Have My Money Back? (1971)
City To City (1978)
Night Owl (1979)
Snakes And Ladders (1980)
Sleepwalking (1981)
North And South (1988)
On A Wing And A Prayer (1992)
Over My Head (1994)
Another World (2000)
Rest In Blue (2021)
Get It Right Next Time
Gerry Rafferty Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He said "there's so much of this life of mine that I don't understand"
You shouldn't worry I said that ain't no crime
Cause if you get it wrong you'll get it right next time, next time.
You need direction, yeah you need a name
When you're standing in the crossroads every highway looks the same
After a while you can recognize the signs
Life is a liar yeah life is a cheat
It'll lead you on and pull the ground from underneath your feet
No use complainin', don't you worry, don't you whine
Cause if you get it wrong you'll get it right next time, next time.
You gotta grow, you gotta learn by your mistakes
You gotta die a little everyday just to try to stay awake
When you believe there's no mountain you can climb
And if you get it wrong you'll get it right next time, next time.
Next time, you-hum
The lyrics to Gerry Rafferty's song "Get It Right Next Time" tell a story of a conversation between the singer and a man on the street. The man is struggling to understand his life, but the singer reassures him that making mistakes is not a crime; it's a natural part of life. He encourages the man to keep moving forward, to not worry or whine, and to learn from his mistakes. The chorus of the song emphasizes the idea that if we get things wrong, we'll have a chance to get it right the next time around.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of needing direction and a name when standing at a crossroads. Every highway looks the same when you're unsure of where to go, but with time, experience, and recognizing the signs, we can find our way. The idea that life is a liar and a cheat also comes up in the lyrics, but rather than dwelling on it, the singer urges the listener to keep moving forward.
Overall, the message of the song is that mistakes happen, but it's important to learn from them, keep pushing forward, and eventually, we'll get it right.
Line by Line Meaning
Out on the street I was talkin' to a man
I was having a conversation with a guy on the road
He said "there's so much of this life of mine that I don't understand"
He expressed his confusion about the intricacies of life
You shouldn't worry I said that ain't no crime
I advised him not to stress as it wasn't a punishable offense
Cause if you get it wrong you'll get it right next time, next time.
Because if he makes a mistake, he can learn from it and do better in the future.
You need direction, yeah you need a name
You require guidance and clarity in your actions
When you're standing in the crossroads every highway looks the same
When you're lost and have to choose a path, all options seem equally uncertain
After a while you can recognize the signs
With time and experience, you can identify the cues that will lead you right
So if you get it wrong you'll get it right next time, next time.
Thus, if you falter, it's an opportunity to eventually get it right.
Life is a liar yeah life is a cheat
Life is not honest, it deceives you, and it is not fair
It'll lead you on and pull the ground from underneath your feet
It lures you and then suddenly snatches the rug from under you.
No use complainin', don't you worry, don't you whine
You can't change things by complaining, it's pointless to fret or grumble
Cause if you get it wrong you'll get it right next time, next time.
Failure is not final; you can always make amends.
You gotta grow, you gotta learn by your mistakes
To progress, you must accept that failures are an essential part of learning.
You gotta die a little everyday just to try to stay awake
You must make sacrifices to maintain your consciousness and perception
When you believe there's no mountain you can climb
When you think you can't overcome an obstacle
And if you get it wrong you'll get it right next time, next time.
Remember, there's always a new chance, despite past mistakes.
Lyrics Β© BMG Rights Management
Written by: Gerald Rafferty
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@williamjones6276
I first discovered Gerry Rafferty from his hit "Baker Street" and have been a fan ever since even still after his sudden passingπ
I was in Navy "A" School at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1978 when I first heard "Street."
Then it was "Right Down The Line" next and then I went out and bought Rafferty's Greatest Hits πΏ and started to sing along to "Street" "Right Down The Line" and "Home and Dry" much to the surprise of some of my buddies who were all into R&B and Rap.
"Hey William you like that stuff?" they said in reference to Rafferty's music.
To which I replied: "Hell yeah I like his music! What a Black man can't like this type of music?" I added.
Then I said:
"You guys need to grow the fuck up and expand your world and your mind because great music ain't Black nor White, it's just great music."
I never heard a peep out of them after that!
@SuburbanAutodidacticPolymath
"Get It Right Next Time" by Gerry Rafferty is a musical gem that beautifully captures the essence of its era while also possessing a timeless quality that continues to resonate with listeners today. This song stands as a testament to Rafferty's songwriting prowess and his ability to craft melodies that are both infectious and soulful.
The opening guitar riff instantly transports you to a sonic landscape that's simultaneously warm and melancholic β like a sun-kissed evening that's tinged with a touch of nostalgia. As the song unfolds, Rafferty's distinctive vocals draw you in, infusing every line with a sense of sincerity and depth. The lyrics themselves are a reflection on life's twists and turns, emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes and aiming to "get it right next time."
What's truly remarkable about "Get It Right Next Time" is its musical arrangement. The song effortlessly blends elements of folk, rock, and pop, creating a sound that's both familiar and refreshingly original. The layers of instrumentation, from the crisp acoustic guitar to the smooth saxophone solos, add a rich texture to the track that's as captivating as the lyrics themselves.
One of the most enchanting aspects of the song is how it captures the uncanny landscape of emotions that Rafferty explores. There's an underlying optimism that runs through the music, even as the lyrics delve into life's uncertainties. This delicate balance between introspection and hopefulness is what makes "Get It Right Next Time" resonate deeply with listeners of all generations.
As the chorus swells and Rafferty sings, "Get it right next time, life's a game of chance you're playin'," there's a universal truth that comes to the forefront. The song becomes an anthem for embracing life's challenges, learning from missteps, and moving forward with renewed determination.
"Get It Right Next Time" has aged beautifully, proving that great music is indeed timeless. Gerry Rafferty's ability to craft a song that captures the essence of an era while remaining relevant and impactful is a testament to his artistry. Whether you're a fan of classic rock or someone discovering the song for the first time, "Get It Right Next Time" is a musical journey that's well worth taking.
The Internet Friend
@garygarrett4277
In 1972 Gerry Rafferty formed a group "Stealers Wheel".Most notably a song he wrote,"Stuck In The Middle With You". After years of heavy drinking for most of his life.He died of liver failure at the home of his daughter in Gloucestershire.On January 4,2011,he was just 63.His music will live on with me for a lifetime.π’π’
@kwakkers68
Thanks for sharing this potted history, I didn't know about this sad aspect.
Always loved this track. What a talent he was! RIP
@mistermusic140
Gerry was an AMAZING artist!! Unfortunately, he was human like the rest of us...RIP Gerry Rafferty
@Keith-hs2sc
He and Billy Connally... Where "The Humblebums" from the ship yards, before all their fame. One carried on drinking, the other quit.
@djm.326
Thank you so much for informing what happened. And yea, like someone said...human like all of us. We all are going to a great spirit world afterwards anyway. ALL of us. I have my sources. Until we meet again, and get it right next time, RIP from this particular world Gerry : )
@wulltaylor
A friend of mine who knew him man and boy. Said Gerry was incredibly shy and introvert
@midnightblue3226
I'm 65 in a month...never thought I'd make it....have been incurably ill for the last 5 years....every day is a struggle now but music helps because it takes me back...."if you get it wrong you'll get it right next time", i haven't got many next times left but i have always tried to right wrongs and this song reminds me of that....love to all out there, may you always strive to do the right thing, you may not always succeed but if you learn along the way then your efforts will not be in vain...i wish you loads of next times....β€....
@mattarnold3494
maybe we will get it right next time! cheers over there
@charleswhite758
You are looking forward to the biggest "Next Time" of all, as we all will do one day. Chin up!
@andrewjohnstone963
Give this man a cuddle β€ all of gods children got to have cuddles β€