Baker Street

I have the single "Shoeshine boy" by Rafferty and Connelly aka the Humblebums, one of the best records ever that was never a hit.

So I'm pretty sure my parents played this when I was in the womb, and I listen to his music to this day. I'm 24. On my way to be stationed in England, can anyone confirm where the street is? I'd like to send a pic back home to NY. thanks.

I absolutely love this song, so sad ... yet optimistic! Interesting that the Foo Fighters version is also absolutely wicked, but so different to the original. A real tribute to a great song and a great re-interpretation.

"Another year and then you'll be happy. Just one more year and then you'll be happy. But you're crying, you're crying now." and "When you wake up it's a new morning. The sun is shining, it's a new morning. And you're going, you're going home.." are the lyrical phrases that stick out for me in reference to my friend Dave. He was having problems at home with his dad and we use to tell him that we had just "one more year and then we'll be out on our own.. hang in there." Tears come to my eyes just listening to the song and thinking back on that time period. Fortunately, that experience has allowed me to help many teens facing similar challenges.

I feel very confident that this song, at least the single version of this song, was released in 1977. One of my high school friends committed suicide in the late Spring/early Summer of my junior year (1977) and our jazz band played this song my senior year at a Fall/Winter concert (1977). The album containing the song may have been released in 1978, but this song will always remain me of that time period and it was definitely 1977. As for the meaning of the lyrics, my belief is that it refers to someone who has lost his way (perhaps involving drinking and drugs-lots of that in the 70s) and who is trying to find his way out of it. Don't necessarily believe a specific woman is involved, just a wistful song about being lost, discontented and possibly suicidal. Unfortunately, my 16 year old friend couldn't find his way out of the morose and depression he was experiencing. R.I.P. Dave, still love and miss you buddy.

This is not a bad song. Am not saying that. But to compare it -let alone declare it superior- to that anthem of love, trust, and commitment which is Right Down the Line, is just sacrilege.

This was released in'78?,I'd swear i heard in '77 unless Disco,had me blind,deaf and mute,lol

I too had always thought that this was mostly about a woman who moved to the big city and found out it was empty. Mostly because of the second verse where I interpreted it as she is going home with some guy, he tells her his dreams and the next morning, he's asleep and she leaves without saying goodbye.

I read something that Gerry was staying with some friend of his who lived on Baker Street or right off of it so then I guess now I see the second verse as being autobiographical (which would explain why the person would say "where have you been?" and that the new day dawning is resolution on his legal issues with the record label.

Overall I think it is about the grass being greener and can be adapted to any setting where someone thinks they are going to move away from their problems and they only have the same problems but different location.

RIP Gerry. Amazing songs.

This song was on the soundtrack of my youth, and I especially remember hearing it on the radio over those years on the long bus ride to school each morning.
Ravenscroft's sax on this is monumental, and Gerry's lyrics are no typical fluff.
Such a pity that his latter years were apparently plagued with unhappiness and alcoholism.
His music lives on, especially this and his infections "Stuck in the Middle with You."
RIP Mr. Rafferty, and may happiness finally be with you for good.

RIP Gerry Rafferty :''''(

Hello there.
I'd like to offer a couple of corrections to some of the lyrics in the second verse of the song. Here they are.
"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 the quiet little town and forget about everything"
RIP Gerry, why'd you have to leave us so soon?
If there are any other aging rockers or celebrities reading these comments, Please Please take it easy, if you are suffering depression, alcoholism or any other health issues, see a doctor as soon as you can, don't keep putting it off or pretend it will all go away by itself, because it won't.

I am heartbroken that such a brilliant and talented singer and songwriter and musician has passed on and he will be sorely missed! Gerry was a very passionate singer and had such a beautiful, clear voice! He is so well-known for Baker Street and Stuck In The Middle, but I also urge you to listen to his other songs, on this album and on the others he made, with the band "Stealers Wheel", the "Humblebums" (with Billy Connelly, the comedianne), and also on his own. Very talented and such a prolific songwriter! Most of his songs are written about his personal life and feelings, and alot of people can identify with them. Much love and condolences to his brother, his nephew and his children.

On 01/04/11, Gerry Rafferty died from liver failure due to alcoholism. He was 63. Gerry left us a timeless piece that, unlike us, will not ever die. This song will still be played long after we are all dead and gone. Thanks Gerry for the gift you left us. Rest in peace Gerry Rafferty.

Gerry Rafferty passed from this life from liver failure. RIP Gerry. He was 63.

Thiss song to me was always about a guy who's always searching for something and deep down knows he'll never find it. But cant stop looking. A rolling stone. He always ends up worn and alone but picks himself up, faces the new day and goes on searching. I love this song its the song of my life and obviously many of yours. And the Sax solo is all by itself justification for the invention of the saxophone.

Correction on all information to the infamous sax solo by Raphael Ravenscroft. According to American Top 40, the piece was written by Rafferty to have all electric guitars for the solos. Unfortunately the guitar player ran about 90 minutes late for the studio session the day they planned to mix the opening instrumental tracks and the bridges to the stanzas that Rafferty performs. Producer Hugh Murphy was getting impatient, and it was then that the studio team looked for alternatives to the guitar, where Ravenscroft suggested to try his older sax in his trunk of his car, and brilliantly and without further practice nailed the Baker Street sax solos. The guitarist Hugh Burns finally showed and put finishing touches on this fine work.

I agree with Mike from Santa Barbara CA - it's a uniersal theme, and maybe that's why there are so many interpretations that seem so specific. It's about a man who is in despair about his life. It's hopeless and to help him get through he abuses alcohol and drugs. He struggles to make it to his friends/lovers door only to realize he's just as screwed up, and there's only one way out. It's time.

Fascinating comments and signposts all...cheered me up after a long day. Nice to hear so many takes on it too! Similarly, my interpretation goes like this..

'Baker street' is supposed to be 'significant' & its 'on the map' & has made itâ

I was very moved by many of the heartfelt comments I found here...so much so that I had to comment myself! I agree most strongly with 'Al from Baltimore's brief analysis of where the song is coming from...I believe he's correct.I 'lived' this song,as have many of us I'm sure. I LOVE what DinDC from Washington wrote:when I read the line about'sitting in a Pizza Hut' and realizing how'little hope...a small town held' a chill went through me : I felt the truth of that and I believe that truth is in the song and has caused all of us to sort of pour out our hearts in this way. The song fills me with yearning for 'something more',and yes...I truly believe this song is life-changing...not for everyone , but for myself and many others. My thanks to Gerry Rafferty!

I think you will find that the baker street referred to is in fact a street in Dundee Scotland.
Rafferty was walking up Dura street in Dundee thinking about his life and commuting between city's when he saw a famous Bakers shop called Wallace Land O cakes which is long gone.
Wallace's had a huge sign painted on it's gable wall and Rafferty referred to the street as Baker street.
Dundee is a gray working class city which inspired his music

This is great! Great suggestions here. The meanings to "Baker Street" are about as varied and elusive as the meanings to Eagles' "Hotel California".

Best. Sax. Solo. EVER!

pretty much agree with jeff in boston. Not so sure about the ufo theory.

This song is about a UFO encounter Gerry had after busking in the late 60s. The UFOs chased Gerry down the london streets, till he felt he was "dead on his feet". Gerry was eventually captured, and saw a vast cargo of humans that had been relieved of their souls by the aliens' soul-capturing device (so many people but they've got no souls). After a year of captivity, promising not to tell anyone, he was released back at a London Bus terminal, where he immediately went home to rest : "the sun is rising it's a new morning, you're going home". The saxophone breaks represent being raised and lowered in the UFO's tractor beams, and when the guitar solo starts, it represents the bus engine which that day had a leak in its manifold. He renamed the album "City to City" after the record company rejected his previous title "Planet to Planet", and wrote another song, "The Ark" to describe a UFO containing species from many planets, collected before those planets were destroyed.

Has been my all time favorite song for 33 years. Can't seem to get the ring tone though. Always seems to be "unavailable" or I just don't know how to navigate well.
Love the sax.....always phenomenal. Thanks Raphael!
Best summer song ever.

I think the song is about a one night stand being the thing that gets someone through the night.

Clearly there are two people in the song. I'm not going to be politically correct...let's just assume it's guy and a girl.

The girl is lost, "light in her head and heavy in her feet", she's going to drink the night away, and she's sad that she's still where she's at.

She goes to Baker street, meets the guy who's going to "give up the booze and the one night stands", he seduces her with his dream to buy some land and settle down, in a quiet little town".

She "knows" that he's going to keep moving, but she spends the night hoping that she's part of that dream.

She wakes up, it's a new morning, i.e. he's changed his mind and she's not staying...she's going home.

What do you think?

The Sax AL NEWMAN usedon this track is a Selmer Alto Mark VI circa 1958...No.84452. In the docs Al supplied to Howarths of London he writes : "The last recording session I played it on prior to leaving for America in late 1977 was at a recording studio in Rodmarton Street, near Baker Street W1 where was required to perform an Alto Sax solo and had to sign a release form. I later found out that this track was baker Street by Jerry Raffert and that credit for the Sax solo was first taken by the producer of the track and later falsely by Raf Ravenscroft who certainly did not play on that track - which in actual fact I did!!!" This sax is not for sale....it belongs in a museum.

This is one of the best existentialist songs ever recorded.

This song takes me back to when I was 4 or 5 years old. I would hear it regularly on the radio in the mornings at our restaurant (while I played around with my toy cars and got in the way of Mum and our staff getting ready for the lunchtime opening). When I hear it now I am instantly transported back to that time and place. Even just into the first few bars, I can see and smell and feel it like it was only this morning. Its a great track, its got a real depth of sound, its uplifting, its full of strength, ambition and momentum and it still sounds as fresh as it did when I was a kid. I wish over the years I could've personally thanked all the songwriters and artists who helped shape me and make me who I am today. For this song, Gerry Rafferty certainly deserves my thanks.

The guitar solo is done by session musician Hugh Burns

I'm trying to find which guy played the lead guitar solo on baker street ? Can anybody help ??

Yes, definitely about two people.

i have always felt that this song was about TWO people; the words refer to "you", who I've always seen as a woman, and "he", the person everyone talks about in their comments. Anyone else ever have a similar take on the song?

All the superlatives have been used about this song. It's one of the finest recordings ever made, all the elements, sax, guitars and percussion blend together brilliantly with Gerry Rafferty's distinctive voice to perfectly capture the feel of the seedy side of 1970's London. Anyone who has listened to music can recognise this song from any 2 or 3 bars of it. Probably the only thing wrong with it is that it's so good that Rafferty's other work tends to be overlooked. Night Owl is another brilliant song with a similar theme to Baker Street but it is overshadowed by it.

Jeff of Texas, you said this has inspired more porno soundtracks than any other song. This is so ironic, because the sax solo(es) make this my top choice for directing a sex scene, particularly in slo-mo.

This song reminds me of my childhood and hearing it regularly on Chicago's WLS radio station. It inspired me to take up the saxophone.

I have every Rafferty recording in my collection.Whilst City to City is his biggest commercial and critical success, there are many many superb songs on his other recorded works.The guitar solo at the end of bBaker St. was chosen by Slash as one of his favourite guitar pieces in a poll in "Guitar " magazine. It`s also my favourite guitar break.City to City contains other memorable examples of G.R`s songwriting genious.Have a listen to Stealing Time, The Arc and in particular Whatevers Written In Your Heart, every one a gem.

This song has inspired more Porn soundtracks than any song in history.

Being from Northern California and at age 16 years when this song was released I always pictured the scene taking place in some run down costal town in So Cal. My viewpoint of the world at that time was very limited. I am formerly a Pink Floyd fan at one time owning all of their albums or tapes up to The Wall but now as I think back no song like Baker Street takes me back to when I was 16, I was also dating a girl who played the alto sax at the time. I recall the guitar in that tune was pretty HOT too. There is an entire CD available now that continues Mr. Rafferty's theme of disillusionment which is the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's recording of "Carminia Burana" composed by Carl Orff. The version I have is performed in German (I believe) but the album booklet gives the translation.

This is a compelling song about a person stuck in a rut who is unfulfilled in his life and relationships, but is unable to change his living patterns or circumstances. Another song which covers this theme is "Do It Again" by Steely Dan. That was a recurring theme of many songs during the 1970's.

It is hard to tell from the song, but Gerry is singing about a guy making his living in London doing street-performances for tip money. In England street performing is call BUSKING. Gerry Rafferty buskinged in London to make a living. In the song, he is sick of the city and wants to move away.

It is the intro song for Dave Ramsey's radio show.

This is My favorite song. I love the Sax solos. I love the lyrics and the beats. The song just takes you to a placeof comfort and that kind of song is the best to listen to. God Bless this wonderful song.

I was a senior in high school in a very small town in a very, very "Red" state - OK, I'm from Oklahoma - when this song came out. This song spoke not only to me but to so many of my friends, who, as I did, saw no future possible in Nowheresville. I remember sitting in the Pizza Hut listening to this song on the juke box, and we were all aghast at what little hope a small town held for us. This song says it all... It's beautiful, haunting, memorable and, I think, life-changing. I live in DC now.

This is a classic song...but sad. I know it was most likely meant to be the Baker Street in London but here is another take. It reminds me of a person who might be living in Las Vegas, NY (city desert) for an extended period of time. Things use to seem easy (gambling, relationships) because this person just let things happen. Now, this person is trying to win and trying to establish real relationships. This person is now thinking more serious about the future but in the end...everything remains the same as it has been...alone (going home).

This song reminds me of Good Will Hunting. Does anybody remember that scene when the song is played?

Baker Street is also the address for fictional detective Sherlock Holmes.

This is a thoroughly marvelous song. It's about disillusionment and the hope for redemption. It's about a young person getting off on the wrong track in life, having been seduced by the empty glitz of the city. The phrase "city desert" is deeply evocative to anyone who has tried to make it in a big city and come up short. I would suggest a trio of songs as a cycle on this theme (and each a great song): "She's Leaving Home", "Waterloo Sunset" and "Baker Street". What a dramatic story arc they suggest.

When Baker Street came out, I was in the Army stationed in Hawaii. It was played alot. And that was fine with me. I absolutely love this song. It brings back such great memories. I remember they played either the 45 version or the album version depending on how much time the dj had on his play list. To this day, every time I hear this song, I am transported back to Hawaii. If Gerry Rafferty only made this one song, that would be a remarkable accomplishment. However, he also made many other excellent tunes. I believe this song will live forever

"Baker Street" has been my favorite song as long as I could remember. This song holds a special place in my heart, especially when I met my wife. I am in Alcoholics Anonymous and will have one year sober on March 27th,07. I was listening to this song on my library today and heard a verse that made the connection. "He opens the door and talks about anything." That door is Alcoholics Anonymous and I can't thank you enough for this comment's section. I had to research the meaning of the song. Thank you
-Richard DiSylvestro, Springfield, Pa

This song reminds me of the changing of the guard from 70's arena rock to more technological/ studio type rock that would now become the standard.

I usually don't like that type of music yet the LP "City to City" is quite good and I own it.

The song is used brilliantlly (spelling) in the movie "A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints".

In the scene where young Dito & his friend Irish Mike (from Scotland)come to collect their pay that has been owed to them from dog walking for Frank.

At first you hear the tune (and I swear I knew what was coming next even though I had never read the book the movie was based on or seen the movie itself until now)

The camera pans to Frank (Anthony DeSando in his best role EVER as the Hip Greenwich Village Gay Entrapeneir, Party Boy- poor spelling I know- so sorry)Freebasing as 'Baker Street' is blasting on the Hi - Fi and in Frank's Gigantic early - 80's ear phones.
Frank is on an amazing high and he is feeling the studio effects with the synthesyser (spelling)& the bongos in the back ground. Frank says to Dito & Mike can you hear that , I love that part and with his hand makes the shape of the sound as if it could be done - but on Freebase it could be done.

The scene is the BEST of it's kind since the movie Boogie Nights 'Sister Christian/Jessie's Girl robbing scene. Except all that is neeeded to create the tension is Anthony DeSando acting his damn chops off creating an awkward and on the edge of your seat feeling, that gets the heart pumping.

With that scene including 'Baker Street' Dito Montiel explains the feeling of where the 70's fun and wild times became the scary, cracked out, plastic 80's.

This song takes me back to when I was only 7 years old. It is the first song I can REALLY remember because it was popular the year we went swimming and had to take the car to get to the beach. They played it over and over but I loved it! Very therapeutic.

This song was written about my Dad (or at least could have been). Long story but in his day he was a drinker, then met my Ma and settled down. The drinking stopped and he focussed on being a good family man. Tough times in the 80's with construction in Ireland but he always found a way to keep going. Just before the real estate boom in the Ireland he made some shrewd moves and is a winner now. He always told me this was his fav song. When I hear the sax solo I get a lump in my throat whenI think of how much he overcame.

The thing that makes this song entirely unique to me is the fact that the CHORUS is just a saxophone and no words.

I can answer my earlier question myself. Today, as I was cleaning my room, I came across an old tape of "8-Track Flashback" episodes that I'd recorded off VH1 years ago, and in the episode devoted to the year 1977 they played that promo video I was thinking of. It consisted of Rafferty and his band performing the song in a dark and hazy recording studio. At least it looked like a recording studio; they only played about a minute of it as the credits were rolling. Anyway, I just thought I'd share that.

Rafferty is actually from Paisly, Glasgow and wrote this song while living in London. Baker Street is a very famous street in London (of Sherlock Holmes fame) nothing USA about it at all...sorry court and Steve.

Gerry Rafferty wrote and sang "Stuck In the Middle With You". I don't care what your book says, Mel, just use your ears and listen to who's singing the song!

rafferty was in stealers wheels, left before they had stuck in the middle with you and returned just as they were becoming popular from the release of that song...then he left again and baker street was born :) (i got this from a book about the progression of english rock)

Was there a promo "video" made for this song? I seem to remember seeing something like this on TV once.

I always thought this was a song about a guy who moved from Boston to Los Angeles and his life is not turning out the way he wanted it to. So he thinks about going back home and starting over because he;'s dug himself into a depression HOLE being in LA. None of his dreams came true so it was time to pack it in.

Did anyone get this from the song at all?
Isn't Gerry from Boston?
"This city desert makes you feel so cold,
Its got so many people but its got no soul
And it's taken you so long to find out you were wrong
When you thought it held everything"

The major hook (being the sax line) of the song was stolen from a Larry Coryell composed piece performed on Steve Marcus' "Tomorrow Never Knows" album, released in 1968. A full 10 years ago from when this song was released. The song is called "Half A Heart", and Steve Marcus was a respected SAX player who played the exact same line in Half A Heart. I guess ol' Raphael figured no one would know.

Great song and great saxophone by Raphael Ravenscroft. Hugh Murphy has chosen the right instrument. Everytime I remember this song, it will stuck in my head for the rest of the day.
- Azman Zaman, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Yes, the song is from the album City to City and the sax solo by Raphael Ravenscroft is memorable.

The sax solo is mindblowing.

We think its pretty cool.

this song always stiks in my head, brilliant. stealer's wheel is good too, stuck in the middle with you. reminds me of reservoir dogs (for obvious reasons, for people who have seen the film)

Absolutely brilliant song!

The sax parts are just fantastic!

This song has been featured on the Sopranos, as well as been redone by the Foo Fighters.

great song1 the sax part is the most memorable thing in it.

Baker St is also the street where the Susquehanna
Hat company was from ABBOTT AND COSTELLO ROUTINES

Stuck in the middle with you is hard for me to listen to without thinking of Michael Madson dancing around with that guys ear in Reservoir Dogs. As a matter of fact any Gerry Rafferty song reminds me of that scene!

He used to live in the next building to us in Paisley, Scotland.

This song was covered by British band Undercover in the early 90's. This cover was a huge success all over Europe.

Randy, you are correct. It was from the album City to City, released in 1978.

If your a Rafferty fan, you have to find his rare early solo album (before Steelers Wheel), "Can I have my money back" Probably his best.

Yes, it was from "City to City", which also had the hits "Right Down The Line" and "Home and Dry". But say what you want about the theme of the song, it was that memorable sax riff that first hooked me.

The song also seems to be a rejection of city life in favour of a more quiet life in Scotland. Saxophone intro (and throughout the 'City To City' album) by Raphael Ravenscroft. By 1982, Gerry was no longer a major star, and Raphael was doing studio session work, notably on Pink Floyd's 'The Final Cut'.

It was but it is also on the CD "Clowns to the left, Jokers to the right." That CD that I have just mentioned is just like a greatest hit album from 1970-1982. Don't worry Randy, I think the year isn't correct.

I thought that this song was from an album called "City to City", which was released in 1978.