About the song
“Pictures of Matchstick Men” by Status Quo is a song that has captivated audiences since its release in 1968. This track, featuring on their debut album “Picturesque Matchstickable Messages from the Status Quo,” marks the beginning of the band’s illustrious career. Status Quo, a British rock band known for their distinctive sound, made a significant impact with this psychedelic rock classic.
The song was written by Francis Rossi, the band’s lead guitarist and vocalist. “Pictures of Matchstick Men” is notable for its catchy riff, played on a wah-wah pedal, and its whimsical lyrics that paint vivid, surreal imagery. The title itself was inspired by the matchstick men paintings of L.S. Lowry, a famous British artist known for his depictions of industrial scenes in England.
Upon its release, “Pictures of Matchstick Men” quickly gained popularity, reaching number 7 on the UK Singles Chart and number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. This success established Status Quo as a prominent band in the rock scene and showcased their ability to blend melodic pop sensibilities with the burgeoning psychedelic sound of the late 1960s.
The song’s unique sound is characterized by its swirling guitar effects and Rossi’s distinctive vocal delivery, which perfectly encapsulates the era’s experimental spirit. Over the years, “Pictures of Matchstick Men” has remained a fan favorite and is often regarded as one of Status Quo’s signature songs.
“Pictures of Matchstick Men” has also been covered by various artists, including Camper Van Beethoven, whose 1989 version brought the song to a new generation of listeners. This enduring appeal underscores the timeless quality of the song and its ability to resonate with audiences across different eras.
For fans of classic rock and those who appreciate the psychedelic flair of the 1960s, “Pictures of Matchstick Men” by Status Quo is a song that continues to enchant and inspire. Its evocative lyrics and memorable melody make it a standout track in the band’s extensive catalog, a testament to their lasting influence on the music world. Whether rediscovering it after many years or hearing it for the first time, this song is a delightful journey into the vibrant sounds of the past.
Video
Lyrics
When I look up to the sky
I see your eyes, a funny kind of yellow
I rush home to bed, I sunk my head
I see your face underneath my pillow
I wake next morning, tired, still yawning
See your face come peeping through my window
Pictures of matchstick men and you
Images of matchstick men and you
All I ever see is them and you
Windows echo your reflection
When I look in their direction, gone
When will this haunting stop?
Your face, it just won’t leave me alone
Pictures of matchstick men and you
Images of matchstick men and you
All I ever see is them and you
You in the sky, you with this guy
You make me cry, you lie
You in the sky, you with this guy
You make me cry, you lie
Pictures of matchstick men
Pictures of matchstick men
Pictures of matchstick men
Pictures of matchstick men