About the song
“Hello It’s Me” is a timeless classic written by the talented American musician Todd Rundgren. This iconic song has a rich history that spans over five decades. Interestingly, it was the first song Rundgren ever wrote, and it was recorded by his band Nazz in 1968 as a slow ballad. Initially released as the B-side of their debut single “Open My Eyes”, it surprisingly gained popularity and rose to the top of the charts in Boston.
The song’s emotional lyrics capture the pain of a broken relationship, and its melody is deeply rooted in Rundgren’s early influences, including the legendary Laura Nyro. However, in a surprising twist, Rundgren revealed that the song’s structure was inspired by a Jimmy Smith recording of “When Johnny Comes Marching Home”. He adapted the intro’s block chord progression to create the foundation of “Hello It’s Me”, and then added his own melody and lyrics.
In 1972, Rundgren re-recorded “Hello It’s Me” for his solo album Something/Anything?, and it was released as a single in 1973. This mid-tempo version reached an impressive No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, cementing the song’s place in music history. With its enduring appeal and nostalgic charm, “Hello It’s Me” remains a beloved classic that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.
Video
Lyrics
Hello, it’s me
I’ve thought about us for a long long time
Maybe I think too much but something’s wrong
There’s something here, doesn’t last too long
Maybe I shouldn’t think of you as mine
Seeing you or seeing anything as much I do you
I take for granted that you’re always there
I take for granted that you just don’t care
Sometimes I can’t help seeing all the way through
It’s important to me
That you know you are free
‘Cause I never want to make you change for me
Think of me
You know that I’d be with you if I could
I’ll come around to see you once in a while
Or if I ever need a reason to smile
And spend the night if you think I should
me
(That you know you are free) free
‘Cause I never want to make you change for me
Think of me
You, you know that I’d be with you if I could
Come around to see you once in a while
Or if I ever need a reason to smile
And spend the night if you think I should