Gerry Rafferty – Baker Street

Introduction:

In 1978, Scottish singer-songwriter Gerry Rafferty released a song that would catapult him to international fame and forever etch a particular London street into the minds of music lovers worldwide. That song, of course, is the timeless classic, “Baker Street”.

“Baker Street” wasn’t just another pop tune. It was a meticulously crafted piece of music that blended genres and introduced a unique soundscape to the radio waves. While Rafferty’s songwriting laid the foundation, the song’s true brilliance lies in its production and instrumentation.

City to City, Rafferty’s 1978 album that housed “Baker Street,” was co-produced by himself and Hugh Murphy. The recording sessions, which took place at Chipping Norton Studios in Oxfordshire, England, were a period of experimentation for Rafferty. He wasn’t afraid to push boundaries and incorporate a variety of musical styles into his work.

“Baker Street” perfectly exemplifies this adventurous spirit. The song’s base rests comfortably in the realm of folk-rock, a genre Rafferty was well-versed in. However, the arrangement takes a surprising turn with the introduction of the now-iconic saxophone riff. Played by session musician Raphael Ravenscroft, the riff became synonymous with the song and a major reason for its enduring popularity.

The saxophone wasn’t the only element that elevated “Baker Street” beyond a standard folk song. Rafferty’s use of the Moog synthesizer, a pioneering electronic instrument at the time, added a touch of modernity to the track. This subtle incorporation of electronic elements alongside the organic sounds of guitar and piano created a unique sonic tapestry that resonated with listeners.

While the music undeniably played a crucial role in “Baker Street’s” success, Rafferty’s introspective lyrics deserve recognition as well. The song paints a vivid picture of a solitary observer, likely the narrator himself, reflecting on life while wandering the streets of London. The specific location, Baker Street, becomes a symbolic representation of urban anonymity and the fleeting nature of human connection in a bustling metropolis.

“Baker Street” was a critical and commercial triumph. It reached the top three in the charts not only in Rafferty’s native UK but also in the United States and numerous other countries. The song’s widespread popularity was further cemented when it won the prestigious 1979 Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically.

“Baker Street” transcended the boundaries of time and genre. It remains a beloved song, instantly recognizable by its opening saxophone riff and a testament to Gerry Rafferty’s songwriting prowess and his willingness to experiment with new sounds. The song continues to be covered by artists across various genres, a true mark of its enduring influence on the musical landscape.

Video:

Lyrics:

Winding your way down on Baker Street
Light in your head and dead on your feet
Well, another crazy day
You’ll drink the night away
And forget about ev’rything

This city desert makes you feel so cold
It’s got so many people, but it’s got no soul
And it’s taken you so long
To find out you were wrong
When you thought it held everything

You used to think that it was so easy
You used to say that it was so easy
But you’re tryin’, you’re tryin’ now

Another year and then you’d be happy
Just one more year and then you’d be happy
But you’re cryin’, you’re cryin’ now

Way down the street there’s a light in his place
He opens the door, he’s got that look on his face
And he asks you where you’ve been
You tell him who you’ve seen
And you talk about anything

He’s got this dream about buying some land
He’s gonna give up the booze and the one-night stands
And then he’ll settle down
In some quiet little town
And forget about ev’rything

But you know he’ll always keep movin’
You know he’s never gonna stop movin’
‘Cause he’s rollin’, he’s the rolling stone
When you wake up, it’s a new mornin’
The sun is shinin’, it’s a new mornin’
You’re goin’, you’re goin’ home