About the song
“Baker Street,” a seminal song in the realm of pop and rock, was crafted by the Scottish singer-songwriter Gerry Rafferty and released as a single in February 1978. It quickly ascended to become a global hit, achieving acclaim for its memorable saxophone riff and introspective lyrics.
The song finds its namesake in London’s Baker Street and was prominently featured on Rafferty’s album *City to City* (1978), marking a significant moment in his solo career following the legal entanglements of his former band, Stealers Wheel. During this period, Rafferty shuttled between his hometown in Paisley, Scotland, and London, where he often stayed with a friend off Baker Street. This biographical detail infused the song with a sense of place and personal narrative, capturing the essence of urban solitude and longing.
Central to “Baker Street” is its distinctive saxophone riff, performed by session musician Raphael Ravenscroft. Originally composed on electric guitar by Rafferty himself, the riff became iconic for its bluesy, evocative quality. Despite later urban myths attributing the composition of the riff to Ravenscroft, Rafferty’s own demos and testimonies from collaborators confirm his authorship of the melody.
The song’s success was not only due to its musicality but also its lyrical depth, exploring themes of alienation, creative longing, and personal redemption. Lines like “When you wake up it’s a new morning, the sun is shining, it’s a new morning” resonate with a universal yearning for change and renewal.
Over the years, “Baker Street” has maintained its cultural relevance, influencing the resurgence of saxophone in mainstream pop music and advertising. Its impact extends beyond its initial release, standing as a testament to Rafferty’s songwriting prowess and Ravenscroft’s memorable contribution.
In summary, “Baker Street” remains a hallmark of 1970s music, celebrated for its innovative blend of rock, pop, and blues elements. Its enduring popularity underscores its status as a classic, continuing to captivate audiences with its timeless melody and evocative storytelling.
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