About the song
“Crystal Chandeliers” is a classic Country song originally written by Ted Harris and first released in 1965.
- Original Version: The lesser-known Carl Belew actually recorded the first version, which reached number 12 on the U.S. Billboard Country chart.
- Charley Pride’s Cover: Charley Pride’s cover in 1967 became the definitive version of the song. It was included on his hugely successful album “The Country Way,” produced by the legendary Chet Atkins (who also produced Belew’s original). Pride’s soulful vocals and the song’s catchy melody propelled it to become a major hit, receiving significant airplay on Country radio stations.
Themes:
The lyrics paint a picture of a wealthy and seemingly glamorous lifestyle, symbolized by the crystal chandeliers of the title. However, there’s a sense of loneliness and emptiness beneath the surface. The narrator questions whether material possessions can bring true happiness and lasting love.
Here are some key themes explored in the song:
- Questioning materialism: The luxurious setting with its chandeliers and expensive art objects is contrasted with emotional emptiness.
- Love and loss: The lyrics hint at a failed relationship, suggesting that material wealth cannot replace genuine love.
- Social commentary (subtle): In the context of Charley Pride being a prominent African American country artist in the 1960s, the song could be seen as a subtle commentary on societal expectations and the idea that money can’t buy happiness.
The lyrics of “Crystal Chandeliers” are quite poetic, using vivid imagery to depict the luxurious setting and the narrator’s emotional state. Here are some excerpts that capture the essence of the song:
- “All the crystal chandeliers line up the paintings on the walls / The marbles statuettes are standing stately in the hall” (depicting wealth and luxury)
- “But the story says the smile only lasts the wine then it fades away / And the love we knew will come home to you someday” (highlighting the impermanence of happiness based on material possessions)
- “But will the time the crown that has your life in line / Help you dry your tears?” (questioning whether wealth can bring solace)
Video
Lyrics
Oh, the crystal chandeliersLight up the paintings on your wallsThe marble statuettes are standing stately in the hallBut will the timely crowd that has you laughing loudHelp you dry your tearsWhen the new wears off of your crystal chandeliers?
Never did fit in too well with the folks you knewWhen it’s plain to see that the likes of meDon’t fit with youSo you traded me for the gaiety of the well to doAnd you turned away from the love I offered you
Oh, the crystal chandeliersLight up the paintings on your wallThe marble statuettes are standing stately in the hallBut will the timely crowd that has you laughing loudHelp you dry your tearsWhen the new wears off of your crystal chandeliers?
I see your picture in the news most every dayYou’re the chosen girl of the social worldSo the stories sayBut a paper smile only lasts a whileThen it fades awayAnd the love we knew will come home to you someday
Oh, the crystal chandeliersLight up the paintings on your wallsThe marble statuettes are standing stately in the hallBut will the timely crowd that has you laughing loudHelp you dry your tearsWhen the new wears off of your crystal chandeliers?When the new wears off of your crystal chandeliers?