The British rock band Supertramp was, and still is, a rare group that performs without a front man. They are content to go on stage as musicians who get equal billing.
Actually, Rick Davies and Roger Hodgson wrote all the songs and essentially were in charge over the years, but neither made a big deal of it.
A few years ago, I posted a Tune o’ the Day featuring “The Logical Song” from Supertramp’s best-known album, “Breakfast in America.” The tune below, “Goodbye Stranger,“ is also from “Breakfast.”
Supertramp is still around, led by Davies and minus Hodgson. Their glory days are over, but their songs have held up well. Memorable stuff.
Goodbye Stranger
By Supertramp, 1979
Written by Rick Davies and Roger Hodgson
It was an early morning yesterday.
I was up before the dawn.
And I really have enjoyed my stay,
But I must be moving on.
Like a king without a castle,
Like a queen without a throne,
I’m an early morning lover,
And I must be moving on.
Now I believe in what you say
Is the undisputed truth.
But I have to have things my own way
To keep me in my youth.
Like a ship without an anchor,
Like a slave without a chain,
Just the thought of those sweet ladies
Sends a shiver through my veins.
And I will go on shining,
Shining like brand new.
I’ll never look behind me.
My troubles will be few.
Goodbye stranger, it’s been nice.
Hope you find your paradise.
Tried to see your point of view.
Hope your dreams will all come true.
Goodbye, Mary. Goodbye, Jane.
Will we ever meet again?
Feel no sorrow, feel no shame.
Come tomorrow, feel no pain.
Sweet devotion, it’s not for me.
Just give me motion and set me free.
And land and the ocean far away.
The life I’ve chosen every day.
So goodbye, Mary. Goodbye, Jane.
Will we ever meet again?
Now, some they do, and some they don’t,
And some you just can’t tell.
And some they will, and some they won’t.
With some it’s just as well.
You can laugh at my behavior.
That’ll never bother me.
Say the devil is my savior
But I don’t pay no heed.
And I will go on shining,
shining like brand new.
I’ll never look behind me.
My troubles will be few.
Goodbye stranger, it’s been nice.
Hope you find your paradise.
Tried to see your point of view.
Hope your dreams will all come true.
Goodbye, Mary. Goodbye, Jane.
Will we ever meet again?
Feel no sorrow, feel no shame.
Come tomorrow, feel no pain.
Sweet devotion, it’s not for me.
Just give me motion and set me free.
And land and the ocean far away.
The life I’ve chosen every day.
And now I’m leaving. Got to go.
Hit the road. I say it once again,
Oh, yes, I’m leaving. Got to go.
Got to go, I’m sorry I must tell you.
Goodbye, Mary. Goodbye, Jane.
Will we ever meet again?
Leave a Reply