No one could have predicted the band’s metamorphosis from their humble beginnings in the early ’60s in the London suburbs as the Metropolis Blues Quartet. By 1963, they were calling themselves the Yardbirds, with a lineup featuring Keith Relf (vocals), Paul Samwell-Smith (bass), Chris Dreja (rhythm guitar), Jim McCarty (drums), and Anthony “Top” Topham (lead guitar). The 16-year-old Topham was only to last for a very short time, pressured to leave by his family.
I'M A MAN
Yardbirds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Standing in line,
Make love to babe,
In my own time
Cause I'm a man,
Turned twenty one,
I spell M-A-N, man
To Kansas too
Bring back a pretty girl,
Just like you,
Cause I'm a man
I spell m, a, n, man
The lyrics of The Yardbirds' "I'm A Man" seem to celebrate the power and confidence that comes with being a man, particularly one who is now of legal drinking age (turned twenty-one). The singer addresses the "pretty women" standing in line, suggesting that he will make love to them when he is ready, in his own time. He spells out "M-A-N" and seems to be challenging anyone who would dare to question the validity of his manhood. The song also includes a mention of Kansas, which might indicate a sense of wanderlust or a desire to explore new places (and perhaps meet new pretty girls). Overall, the lyrics seem to be about asserting one's masculinity and embracing the freedoms that come with being a young man.
Interestingly, "I'm A Man" was actually written by two women: songwriters and producers Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry. According to legend, the song was originally written for The Shirelles, a girl group that was popular in the 1960s. However, when The Yardbirds heard the song, they decided to give it a more rock-oriented treatment and create their own version. The song became a top 20 hit in the US and helped solidify the band's reputation as one of the premier blues rock groups of the era.
Line by Line Meaning
You pretty women,
Attractive ladies,
Standing in line,
In a queue,
Make love to babe,
Engage in physical intimacy with me,
In my own time
When I feel like it,
Cause I'm a man,
Because I am male,
Turned twenty one,
Reached legal drinking age,
I spell M-A-N, man
Saying the letters that comprise the word 'man', which is my gender,
Don't back down,
Not retreating,
To Kansas too
Even going to Kansas,
Bring back a pretty girl,
Return with an attractive female,
Just like you,
Similar to yourself,
Cause I'm a man
Because I am male,
I spell m, a, n, man
Repeating the letters that spell my gender,
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: E. MCDANIEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@cwarner5909
I consider myself fortunate to have grown up in this music generation. The sixties and early 70s were magical times.
@janiscalaba4932
I was so lucky as a young teen when I got to see the Yardbirds with Keith, Jimmy, and Jeff, all together. Never realizing I just witnessed greatness…. ✌️❤️
@tomgarcia1354
So who cares what you did 😂
@Robil63
So, how are you lucky then?
@TubeMeOeight
Unbelievable!!!
W o w
@TubeMeOeight
🎶 MUSIC LOVERS...!!!
I was there, TOO...!
Sleep little Orlando, FL.
a Roller Rink with a FULL STAGE.
Excellent
@carywest9256
Where did you see them?
@barroncrist5779
What a talent Keith Relf was. Great voice and harmonica player. He died too young.
@sergeikhripun
Was it drugs?
@KittyGrizGriz
@@sergeikhripunElectrocution, sadly, while playing his guitar in the basement of his home. Keith was only 33yrs young, when he died in 1976.