Introduction:
Before the era of disco anthems and soaring falsettos, the Bee Gees were a young band carving their path in the mid-1960s music scene. Their sound, a blend of beat and R&B with strong harmonies, resonated with audiences particularly in their native Australia and the United Kingdom. In this pre-disco phase, the Gibb brothers – Barry, Robin, and Maurice – were still teenagers, brimming with raw talent and a desire to make their mark.
“I Was a Lover, a Leader of Men”, released in November 1965, was a significant song for the Bee Gees in their early years. Written by the then-19-year-old Barry Gibb, the song showcased his burgeoning songwriting abilities. It became the lead single for their debut album, aptly titled “The Bee Gees Sing and Play 14 Barry Gibb Songs”. This marked the beginning of a long and fruitful career where Barry would be the primary songwriter for the group.
“I Was a Lover, a Leader of Men” wasn’t produced by a big-name industry figure, but by Ossie Byrne, a veteran Australian record producer who had worked with acts like Johnny O’Keefe. Byrne recognized the potential in the young Bee Gees and helped them refine their sound in the studio. The song itself is a declaration of self-assurance, with the protagonist proclaiming his dual roles in life: a passionate lover and a confident leader. The lyrics, though not explicitly revealed here, hint at a past experience, perhaps a heartbreak, that the narrator is trying to overcome. Despite the seemingly contradictory nature of the title, the song suggests a yearning for both emotional vulnerability and strength.
“I Was a Lover, a Leader of Men” was a commercial success, particularly in Australia, where it reached number one on the national charts. It also helped establish the Bee Gees’ reputation as a talented group to watch. More importantly, the song earned Barry Gibb a songwriting award, a recognition of his early musical promise. While “I Was a Lover, a Leader of Men” may not be one of the Bee Gees’ most famous songs, it holds historical significance as a marker in their artistic journey. It serves as a testament to their early sound, their collaborative spirit, and the songwriting prowess of a young Barry Gibb.
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Lyrics:
I was a lover, a leader of meAll of the women I knew were my friendsI was so happy, my feet on the groundI didn’t know I was on the way downCause you don’t feel the sameIt’s only a game, it’s only a game, it’s only a game
I had a billion or two in the bankI gave to charity, ain’t got no thanksYou gave me all that a woman could giveLess you’re affection, I don’t want to liveCause you don’t feel the sameIt’s only a game, it’s only a game, it’s only a game
Cause you don’t feel the sameI was a lover, a leader of meAll of the women I knew were my friendsI was so happy, my feet on the groundI didn’t know, I was on the way downCause you don’t feel the sameIt’s only a game, it’s only a game , it’s only a game