“I had a lot of other things going on at the same time, I wasn't paying attention, and before I knew it I had lost her.” »read more
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“I had a lot of other things going on at the same time, I wasn't paying attention, and before I knew it I had lost her.” »read more
Songfacts: You can leave comments about the song at the bottom of the page.
Rhinestones are fake jewels that are popular on Country-style clothing, but real cowboys would never wear them. A "Rhinestone Cowboy" would be someone who wants to be a real cowboy, but isn't. Kind of like people who buy off-road vehicles and drive them around the suburbs.
This was written and originally recorded by Larry Weiss, a Brooklyn songwriter whose credits include "Bend Me, Shape Me" by The American Breed, "Help Me Girl" by The Animals and The Outsiders (both with Scott English). Campbell was on his way to his record company when he heard Weiss' original version on his car radio. Campbell was a Country singer who became famous in the late '60s when had some Pop hits and got his own TV show. When he heard this, he thought it could be about him and wanted to record it. When he got to his record company, he started telling one of the executives about this song, but that executive insisted on first playing him a song that seemed appropriate for his next single - it was "Rhinestone Cowboy."
Campbell performed the song on a telethon, which kick-started interest to the point of the RKO radio chain playing Campbell's version on the air before the single was pressed. (thanks, Brad Wind - Miami, FL, for above 2)
Although it wasn't used in the film, this was the inspiration for the 1984 movie Rhinestone, starring Dolly Parton and Sylvester Stallone.
This song originated when Weiss overheard the phrase, "Rhinestone Cowboy" in a conversation. He told American Songwriter magazine September/October 1984: "I heard the phrase and thought, 'Boy, I like that title'. I put my own meaning to it and wrote the song. I'll always be a kid at heart, and 'Rhinestone Cowboy' was sort of a summation of all my childhood cowboy movie heroes - particularly Hopalong Cassidy."
The song also reflected Weiss striving to make it in his songwriting career. He revealed in the same interview: "The idea for the song was also a crying out of myself. It was the spirit of a bunch of us on Broadway where I started out - Neil Diamond, Tony Orlando - we all had dreams of making it."
This sold over 4,000,000 units and was the #1 pop, country, and MOR single in 1975. It gained three Grammy nominations and was the Country Music Association's Song of the Year for 1976. In 1977, the song earned Weiss the Nashville Songwriters' Association International's Songwriter of the Year award.
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Glen Campbell had a string of hits and is a super talented and very accomplished singer/songwriter/guitarist. I was also young and carefree when his music was popular and hearing his music reminds me of those innocent days when he and a few other country stars were bridging the gap between country and mainstream music.
- Camille, Toronto, OH
The Star Spangled rodeo is what you see when you're on the rodeos.. Just a comment on the circus and the public who loves it..
- Budoshi, Sandnessjøen, Norway
This song was featured in the 1996 Comedy "High School High", at a dance when the record got damaged from being "scratched"-
- Kristin, Bessemer, AL
This is a masterpiece. I wonder, however, what the part "star-spangled rodeo" is all about. What is Glen Campbell talking about? I only listen and enjoy. I haven't really figured out what this song is about.
- andrew, birmingham, United States
"...they're wrong, I know they are, 'cause I can play this here guitar, and I won't quit 'til I'm a star..."
Well, it's almost the same as "On Broadway," but we can forgive Glen Campbell for almost anything: his popular TV show bridged the gap between country and mainstream music, infuriating Nashville purists but forever enriching American music.
I don't believe that he recorded anything much after this song, and it's not his best, but I'm glad it did so well.
- Mark, Lancaster, OH
Either Glen Campbell has a time machine or he ripped this beeotch from DAC. Don't get me wrong, I love the Glenster, but I do believe that "In 1973 he (David Allen Coe) joined Danny Sheridan's notorious Eli Radish Band. His concerts were wild and unpredictable, as Coe began calling himself the Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy and he wore a rhinestone costume and Lone Ranger mask, riding into concerts on a motorcycle."
Now, who believes that Glen Cambell created the RHC BEFORE DAC? NOT!
- Tony, Grayslake, IL
David Alan Coe is awesome, and this song is laim yet great.
- Jon, Oakridge, OR
Glen almost got his a$$ kicked by David Allan Coe, the original rhinestone cowboy, for singing this one. He answers with the song "Ride 'Em Cowboy."
- kevin, san jose, CA
I LOVE RHINESTONES!!!!! AND COUNTRY MUSIC
- Savannah, North Van, BC, Canada
Don't be an idiot. Rhinestone Cowboy is about a country singer who wants to be famous. Not a wannabe cowboy.
- Paula, Lexington, KY
I was only six when this was a hit, but I loved it and still do. It takes me back to a time when I had no responsibilties and looked forward to the future. It's a simple song with a simple message. I enjoy that from time to time. AM radio is not what it was back in the 70's. Timeless classic for sure and I'll never tire of it.
- Dee, Indianapolis, IN
i guess there is a live version recorded last year in a phoenix drunk tank. check it out
- m paul, green bay, WI
Johnny Carson was so taken with this song he actually - on a dare - a solo version of this song on The Tonight Show" - in a rhinestone outfit while riding a donkey! Johnny had done impromptu duets before, with Pearl Bailey and others, but this was his first - and only - solo singing performance on the show.
- Ken, Louisville, KY
Lord, the little AM station in my hometown wore this record out! It was a long time ago, but I think I know the lyrics by heart. It's still a good song, though.
- Jude, Thomasville, GA
there is a part in the movie Rhinestone where you can here cambell singing this song in the background
- clarence, brunswick, GA