There have been mat least three groups called The Originals.

1. The … Read Full Bio ↴There have been mat least three groups called The Originals.

1. The Originals were a successful Motown R&B and soul group during the 1960s and 1970s.
The group found modest success in the first half of the decade, often working as backup singers for recordings by artists such as Jimmy Ruffin ("What Becomes of the Broken Hearted", 1966) and David Ruffin ("My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)", 1969). The Originals found their biggest success under the guidance of Motown legend Marvin Gaye, who co-wrote and produced two of the group's biggest singles, "Baby I'm For Real", and "The Bells". Both songs became seminal soul music recordings, and both songs have since been covered: 1990s R&B group After 7 re-recorded "Baby I'm For Real" and made it a hit again in 1992, while another 1990s R&B group Color Me Badd re-recorded "The Bells" for one of their albums.

While the group went on to have more modest success in both the soul and disco fields near the end of the decade, including "Down To Love Town," a #1 dance chart hit, the songs they made with Marvin Gaye are their most memorable notable.

2. The Originals were a short-lived ska band from the United Kingdom, best known for their track 'No One Like You', which was in fact released under their previous name The Volecanoes but became best known as an Originals song. Later incarnation's of the band, led by bassist Arthur Kay, were called Arthur Kay & The Originals or Arthur Kay's Originals.

3. The Originals were an alter ego of The Champs, known for their 1958 hit Tequila,

rhinestone cowboy
The Originals Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Keepin′ walkin' these streets so long singin′ the same old song
He knows every crack on those dirty sidewalks of Broadway
Where hustle's the name of the game
And nice guys get washed away like the snow and the rain
There's been a load of compromisin′ on the road to his horison
But he′s gonna be where the lights are shinin' on him
Like a Rhinestone Cowboy ridin′ out on a horse in a star spangled rodeo
Like a Rhinestone Cowboy gettin' cards and letter from people he don′t even know

And offers coming over the phone

He really don't mind the rain and a smile can hide all the pain
But you′re down when you're ridin' the train that′s taking the long way
And he dreams of the things he′ll do
With a subway token and a dollar tucked inside his shoe

There'll be a load of compromisin′
Like a Rhinestone Cowboy

Overall Meaning

"Rhinestone Cowboy" is a song by Glen Campbell, and it is one of the most popular country songs of all time. It portrays the journey of a musician who has been working the streets for a long time, singing the same old song, and he knows every crack on the dirty sidewalks of Broadway. He has been compromising a lot on his way to become successful, but he has not given up hope. He wishes to be at a place where the lights are shining on him, like a Rhinestone Cowboy riding out on a horse in a star-spangled rodeo.

The song tells us about the struggles that a musician must go through before they become successful. It also warns us about the dirty game called "hustle," and the fact that nice guys get washed away. The musician in the song has been taking the long way, but he has not lost his smile despite the rain and the pain. His dreams will come true, and he will be offered cards and letters from people he doesn't even know. The song ends on a hopeful note, and it tells us that despite all the compromise and difficulties, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Line by Line Meaning

Keepin? walkin' these streets so long singin? the same old song
He has been walking through these streets for a long time, singing the same old song.

He knows every crack on those dirty sidewalks of Broadway
He is well acquainted with every single crack on the dirty sidewalks of Broadway.

Where hustle's the name of the game
He is in a place where success depends on one's ability to work hard and hustle.

And nice guys get washed away like the snow and the rain
In this place, kind-hearted individuals are easily overshadowed and forgotten, much like snow and rain get washed away.

There's been a load of compromisin? on the road to his horison
He has faced numerous compromises on his journey towards his goals and aspirations.

But he?s gonna be where the lights are shinin' on him
Despite the compromises, he is determined to reach a place where the spotlight shines on him and his talents.

Like a Rhinestone Cowboy ridin? out on a horse in a star spangled rodeo
He envisions himself as a glamorous, glitzy Rhinestone Cowboy riding out on a horse in a star-spangled rodeo.

Like a Rhinestone Cowboy gettin' cards and letter from people he don?t even know
He anticipates receiving numerous cards and letters from people he has never even met, all recognizing and appreciating his success.

And offers coming over the phone
He imagines receiving numerous offers over the phone, perhaps for new opportunities or collaborations.

He really don't mind the rain and a smile can hide all the pain
Even when he faces setbacks, he remains undeterred and maintains a positive attitude, masking any internal pain with a smile.

But you?re down when you're ridin' the train that?s taking the long way
While riding a train that takes the long route, he may start to feel down and discouraged.

And he dreams of the things he?ll do
Despite any discouragement, he continues to dream about all the things he will accomplish.

With a subway token and a dollar tucked inside his shoe
He starts his journey with just a subway token and a dollar hidden in his shoe, but he is determined to succeed despite the odds stacked against him.

There'll be a load of compromisin?
He knows that there will be many more compromises along the way to achieving his dreams, but he remains committed and undeterred.

Writer(s): Darren Sampson, John Matthews, Larry Weiss

Contributed by Alexander O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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