About the song
In the realm of rock and roll, few names resonate with the same enduring charisma and raw talent as Sir Rod Stewart. With a career spanning over five decades, Stewart has captivated audiences worldwide with his raspy vocals, infectious energy, and a catalog of iconic hits that have defined the sound of rock and roll. Among his extensive repertoire, “Handbags & Gladrags” stands as a poignant ballad that showcases Stewart’s versatility as an artist and his ability to deliver heartfelt emotions through his music.
Released in 1969, “Handbags & Gladrags” marked a departure from Stewart’s earlier, more blues-infused sound, venturing into a soulful territory that resonated deeply with listeners. The song’s melancholic melody, penned by the talented songwriter Mike D’Abo, paints a vivid picture of a man grappling with the harsh realities of life and the struggles of making ends meet.
Stewart’s vocals on “Handbags & Gladrags” are nothing short of masterful. He imbues each line with a raw emotion that perfectly captures the song’s message of longing and resilience. His voice soars and dips, conveying the protagonist’s inner turmoil and the weight of his burdens, yet there’s an undercurrent of hope that shines through, hinting at the possibility of a brighter future.
The song’s lyrics are equally captivating, weaving a tale of a man down on his luck, struggling to provide for his family. The opening lines, “I’m tired of wearing second-hand clothes / I’m tired of eating second-rate prose,” set the stage for a narrative that delves into the depths of poverty and the desperation that often accompanies it.
Despite the bleak circumstances, “Handbags & Gladrags” is not a song of despair. There’s an underlying determination in Stewart’s voice, a refusal to succumb to defeat. The chorus, “But I’ll get my head up high, I’ll get my hands up high, I’ll be a man no matter what they say,” serves as a powerful declaration of self-belief and a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity.
“Handbags & Gladrags” is a timeless classic that has touched the hearts of generations of listeners. It’s a song that speaks to the struggles of the ordinary man, offering solace and inspiration to those facing their own challenges. Stewart’s passionate delivery and the song’s poignant message have solidified its place among the greatest ballads of all time, ensuring that “Handbags & Gladrags” will continue to resonate for years to come.
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Lyrics
Ever seen a blind man cross the road
Trying to make the other side?
Ever seen a young girl growing old
Trying to make herself a bride?
So what becomes of you my love
When they have finally stripped you of
The handbags and the glad-rags
That your granddad had to sweat so you could buy?
Baby
Once I was a young man
And all I thought I had to do was smile
You are still a young girl
And you bought everything in style
Listen
But once you think you’re in, you’re out
‘Cause you don’t mean a single thing without
The handbags and the glad-rags
That your granddad had to sweat so you could buy
Ooh
Sing a song of six-pence for your sake
And take a bottle full of rye
Four and twenty blackbirds in a cake
And bake them all in a pie
They told me you missed school today
So what I suggest you just throw them all away
The handbags and the glad-rags
That your poor old granddad had to sweat to buy
Oh, whoa
They told me you missed school today
So I suggest you just throw them all away
The handbags and the glad-rags
That your poor old granddad had to sweat to buy ya, baby
Bye, bye