Blackberry Way

Album: Shazam (2007 reissue) (1968)
Charted: 1
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was written by band frontman Roy Wood. That's Richard Tandy on the harpsichord, and Trevor Burton on bass, who apparently was put off by the dreary nature of this song and left the group soon after. We hope it won't bring you down to point out that several members of The Move eventually went on to form Electric Light Orchestra.
  • "Blackberry Way" is often cited as an "answer song" to the Beatles' "Penny Lane." It has similarity with "Penny Lane," only with much darker lyrics and a melancholy mood. The bridge is lifted from the intro of Harry Nilsson's "Good Old Desk." When it was put to him in an interview, Roy Wood admitted the influence of "Penny Lane" on this song. He said: "I suppose it could have been. We were all very influenced by what The Beatles were doing because they were the best songwriters around."
  • Collectors won't want to miss Shazam - its cover art features cartoon art of the band as comic-book superheros, Each with a letter on their chest spelling out M-O-V-E - and lotsa '70s hair.
  • The Move is one of the most successful bands to have never made a showing across the pond in the US. They can't all be part of the British invasion! >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Edna, who you can find on our forums

Comments: 5

  • Les from FranceBlackberry Way was the title track to a film I watched as a kid in the ABC kids cinema club. That was back in the early 60's. The film was about a lot of hippies taking over a furniture store but cannot remember the name of the film and it does not seem to be listed in any website about the song and the Move.
  • Bengan from SwedenYes. Blackberry Way was included as a bonus track on some of the remastered records. 2007 and 2016.

    Esoteric Recordings ECLEC 22538
    Esoteric Recordings ECLEC 2539
    Salvo SALVOCD012
  • Edward Pearce from Ashford, Kent, EnglandAn alternative mix of Blackberry Way was included on the 2007 reissue of Shazam.
  • Zabadak from London, EnglandThe band's only number one in the UK.
  • Ed from Canton, OhGet your songfacts straight. Blackberry Way was not on the Shazam album. It was released as a single in December 1968 and the Shazam album was released in 1970. But you are right, the Shazam cover is pretty cool - it has the 60's feel all over it.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman Jack

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman JackSong Writing

The story of the legendary lupine DJ through the songs he inspired.

Name the Character in the Song

Name the Character in the SongMusic Quiz

With a few clues (Works at a diner, dreams of running away), can you name the character in the song?

Francesca Battistelli

Francesca BattistelliSongwriter Interviews

The 2011 Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards isn't your typical gospel diva, and she thinks that's a good thing.

Linda Perry

Linda PerrySongwriter Interviews

Songwriting Hall of Famer Linda Perry talks about her songs "What's Up" and "Beautiful," her songwriting process, and her move into film music.

Wherefore Art Thou Romeo Lyric

Wherefore Art Thou Romeo LyricMusic Quiz

In this quiz, spot the artist who put Romeo into a song lyric.

Loudon Wainwright III

Loudon Wainwright IIISongwriter Interviews

"Dead Skunk" became a stinker for Loudon when he felt pressure to make another hit - his latest songs deal with mortality, his son Rufus, and picking up poop.