Comments: 102

• Padraig from Nowhere In ParticularThis is a reply to Lola from Ca's comment below: I think the cited lyrics are wrong. No, I am certain that the cited lyrics are wrong. "Way down the street there's a light in his place" makes you conclude that this relates to a significant other. A woman might well refer to "his place" as the place of her lover or boyfriend. However, I am certain that the lyrics are "way down the street there's a lad in his place", with "lad" in this case having a similar meaning to "mate", a male's close male friend and confidante. It's a simple if melancholic story: the (male) narrator has had a hard day, visits his mate and they "drink the night away" together talking and "forgetting about everything" bad that had happened during the day.
• Darryl B from Utah, UsThis song reminds me of when my brother, best friend and I drove together to Disneyland in 1978. I originally thought 'Baker' was referring to a small California gas station oasis on the long highway from Vegas to LA. After more times through of hearing the song, I determined that the little town of Baker with four gas stations and the "Worlds Largest Thermometer" was just too small to be the city desert reference, so it must have been Bakersfield instead. After finally visiting Bakersfield for the first time last weekend, I looked up the song here. Baker Street is in London? It's taken me so long to find out I was wrong.
• Rick Morrow from CaliforniaThis song is referenced in Still Playin' by Peter Case in his album Full Service No Waiting.
• Ben G from Swedesboro Nj. U.s.Great song and I will never forget those horns. Always thought it was about Mick Jagger mesmerizing flow.for sure
• AnonymousHis guitar playing seemed to overshadow them all at the time.
• Lola from CaThis meaning of this song is simple and poignant. A woman ("you") is trapped by her love for a man ("the rolling stone") who strings her along with false promises. New morning, but she is going home - alone. Again.
• Alan from Aberdeen Scotland The song is about Gerry’s wrangling with fans and recording deals etc and is a common topic he refers to in a lot of his earlier work a so a solo artist and with Stealers Wheel - he spent time living in Baker Street London at a friend’s place whilst trying to sort things out . He didn’t particularly like London as a a place , as it was a large populous city full of people who didn’t have much time for each other , hence the reference to ‘ city desert ‘ feeling cold so many people but got no soul ,etc He refers to London in a similar way in a Stealer’s Wheel tune Everything will turn out fine- circa ‘74 where he refers to riding on the subway ( London Tube ) watching all the people stare , everyone just listen don’t do any talking oh no oh no . His references to two people likely to be him and estranged wife due to his alcohol obsession, once the problems resolved with recording companies etc he’s woke up it’s a new morning and he’s heading home out of London . Sax solo wasn’t stolen , it was written as a guitar piece by Gerry , there are similarities in sound to a sax riff from 10 years earlier by a US sax player and band Gerry is unlikely to have heard , and whilst similar it is by no means the same .
  
• Chris 60610 from FloridaTrue Story: I lived in Chicago for 20 years boozing and having one night stands. Then I met a nice girl and we bought some land and moved to a quiet little town, and I forgot about everything.
  
  100% true!
• Seventhmist from 7th HeavenMy brother had a special loathing of this song because his clock radio would repeatedly wake him up with that bombastic sax solo playing when he was in college. I still grin when I hear it.
• Camille from Toronto, OhDindc from Washington, Dc, I love how this song spoke to you and gave you the nudge to leave a place you felt held nothing for you and move on to a place where you could grow and thrive. The transformative nature of a song can be oh so powerful; literally life-changing.
• Camille from Toronto, OhThere are two people in this song. The main character is a woman coming to terms with the reality that her life isn’t working out like she thought it would. Jumbled thoughts run through her mind as she winds her way down Baker Street. The woman is facing the fact that she’s spent a long time chasing dreams that haven’t materialized. She kept thinking things would turn around if she gave it more time and effort but it’s dawning on her that another year won’t help and besides, she’s exhausted.
  
  She’s had an on-and-off relationship with a guy who lives on Baker Street. Thinking he was “the one”, she kept holding out for him to commit to her. Disillusioned with everything else, she stops by his place to get a feel for where the relationship stands. As he rambles on conversationally, she finally realizes that this guy is all talk, no action and is not the one for her. It’s her epiphany. Time to move on.
  
  The song is about assessing your life, facing the truth, cutting your losses and how sometimes moving forward means going back to square one (home) and starting over. The song is actually about hope and new beginnings. The last few lines have a double meaning. The song’s main character finally wakes up emotionally: “When you wake up it’s a new morning.” She wakes up physically rested the next day to see: “The sun is shining; it’s a new morning.” Better things are on the horizon.
• Meocyber from Alma. Co.An underrated masterpiece. Gerry stylized singing, the songs building mood and easily one of the very best rock saxophone solos of all time. Smooth smooth rock story...
• Mavis from Upper Great LakesThis song was one of a bunch of tunes circa 1978/early 1979 that signaled the end of 70s music. It was a change for the better, I think. It paved the way for a decade of great and inventive music.
• John Poole from Ardmore, PaA bagpipe playing the anguished response in Baker Street would have been a more fitting sound for a tormented Scottish musician and to me more compelling and powerful.
  
• Stuart from Dumbarton, Bonnie ScotlandHaha...theres 4 Scottish comments...David, John, Mark and Jim...sorry guys lol...I never scrolled..duh.
• Stuart from Dumbarton, Bonnie ScotlandCan't believe there's no Scottish members comments for Baker Street...Gerry Rafferty was indeed a band member of Billy Connolly when they were in the Humblebums.
  
  Rafferty was from Paisley about 10 miles from here, Baker Street is one of those classic timeless tunes that means so much to so many. I bought the single in the summer of 78 and the Album City to City later that year, the song has lost none of it's magic. I was 15 and now 55...great music never goes out of fashion.
  
  My 23 yo daughters favourite Karaoke song is Stuck in the Middle with you...another Rafferty classic.
  At his time of death I believe the royalties just for Baker Street were earning him something like 80 grand per annum... there's the proof!
• Pete from Brownsville, PaEvery time this is on the radio, during the saxophone parts, I catch myself singing the "Ba Ba Booey" parody song.
• Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn July 21, 1978, Gerry Rafferty performed "Baker Street" on the NBC-TV late night musical variety program 'The Midnight Special'...
  At the time "Baker Street" was in it's fifth of six weeks at #2 on Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart, and for the six weeks that it was at #2, the #1 record was "Shadow Dancing" by Andy Gibb...
  It reached #1 {for 1 week} on the Australian Kent Music chart, #3 on the United Kingdom's Singles chart, and #4 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Tracks chart...
  He had five other Top 100 records, his next two biggest hits were "Right Down The Line" {#12 in 1978} and "Days Gone Down" {#17 in 1979}...
  Gerald Rafferty passed away at the age of 63 on January 4th, 2011...
  May he R.I.P.
• Jeanie from Carmichael, Ca.Gotta hand it to all you Brits -- you guys gave us some fantastic singers, bands -- the gift of the Beatles, The Moody Blues, The Kinks, Pink Floyd and every one else who followed . . . . . so I should have known that the lyrics to this song were from another land -- not my own.
  
  Now me? When I first heard this song in the summer of 78, I was half reclining on my Mexican blanket, over looking the sea at Sunset Beach, California. I had just broken up with my boyfriend and was heavily bumming. I was thankful for the warm summer sun and the ocean always made me feel better .. . .. but then there came this song from the little radio I carried with me when going to the shore.
  
  Immediately - this song captured my imagination and it blew me away!
  
  Because the lyrics says, 'this city desert ..." I thought -- Las Vegas!
  
  In my imagination the song is talking about someone who sank a lot of time and effort into living in this place, I thought to be Las Vegas, yet things apparently did not work out...I imagined this to be a Las Vegas showgirl who wanted more out of life, in her career and her personal life. She is walking up Baker Street and sees that "he" was at home (the light is on) In my imagination, she fell in love with an alcoholic who lived up the street. When she comes in - he's drinking and they start to drink together as he talks about his dreams of buying land, settling down and yet - he never does.
  
  The illusive dream. . . of wanting something so badly and yet it alludes the person.
  
  Neither one of them ever attains to what it is they really want and she ends up always going home, in the early morning, alone . . . by herself.
  
  And of course, I would imagine all of that, because at the time, in my very young life I had met a young man, who sadly turned out to be an alcoholic and I had to break up with him. It was painful at the time, but a great decision on my part - as I did not want to be saddled with the nightmare of alcoholism to haunt me and rob me of a peaceful, productive life.
  
  That was my fantasy interpretation for the last 37 years, until recently I heard the song again, flooding back memories...I decided - with Internet in hand (light years away from 1978) to google 'Baker Street' only to realize that Gerry Rafferty was singing about a place the U.K.!!!
  
  Rafferty seems he's singing about the rut he's in, the disappointments and trying to kick his habit, that he never really kicks.
  
  He's singing the blues and he did it so well. Rafferty sang so many great songs...a beautiful voice and a talented musician. It reminded me of my old boyfriend . . . he was a musician too.
  
  Imagine that!
  
  Gerry Rafferty certainly had an amazing gift!
  
  So many talented people are ruined by addiction. It robs them of everything -- but at least Gerry Rafferty's song lives on beyond him...addiction did not take that from him as he wrote a haunting tale to tell about it.
• Birdman_euston from London, UkTwo corrections to the info previously posted by others:
  
  1) London's Baker Street is in fact a faceless commercial tourist-trap as suitably depressing as the one fleetingly visible in the 1978 video (aired on Top of the Pops in place of a 'live' performance by Rafferty);
  
  2) Neil (below): as a Londoner you should have known that Baker Street does *not* join Oxford Street, as it turns into Orchard Street two blocks before. The main crossroad is actually Marylebone Street, at Baker Street tube. Immediately south of the station is an air-polluted street-canyon - no wonder Rafferty couldn't wait to go back home!
  
  Needless to say, by far the best reason to visit Baker Street is to see the unlikely inspiration for a magnificent (and poignant, given the manner of Rafferty's own death) pop song.
• Barry from Sauquoit, NyRe: http://www.oldiesmusic.com/news.htm
  Raphael Ravenscroft, who gave us the iconic saxophone solo on Gerry Rafferty's #2 song, "Baker Street" in 1978, died Sunday (October 19) of what is believed to be a heart attack at the age of 60. Though it made him world-famous, he was only paid 27 pounds for the recording session (and in a possibly apocryphal story, it's said the check bounced). In later years he said he was upset with the song because the saxophone was out-of-tune...
• Donna from Ft. Lauderdale, FlThis is the kind of song that grabs you right from the get-go. Wow, what an intro. Takes me back to the spring of 1978 when I was a college freshman and in the middle of finals weeks. I was overtired and zombie-like, pushing myself forward from one exam to the next. Then I heard this song for the very first time, and it went right through me! Like cutting through a fog with a clear signal. Made you stop and pay attention. After all these years, this song still has that mesmerizing power. RIP Mr. Rafferty
• Neil from London, United KingdomGabby from Buffalo - Baker Street runs off of Oxford Street one of the main shopping streets in London's west end.
• David from Nottingham, United KingdomI have the single "Shoeshine boy" by Rafferty and Connelly aka the Humblebums, one of the best records ever that was never a hit.
• Gabby from Buffalo, NySo 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.
• Kat from Adelaide, AustraliaI 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.
• Rene from Duluth, Ga"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.
• Rene from Duluth, GaI 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.
• Antonio Gudiel from Houston, TxThis 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.
• Jorge from Bronx, NyThis was released in'78?,I'd swear i heard in '77 unless Disco,had me blind,deaf and mute,lol
• Jayehn from Norfolk, VaI 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.
• Oldpink from New Castle, InThis 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.
• Scott from Edmonton, AbRIP Gerry Rafferty :'(
• Stephen from Melbourne, AustraliaHello 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.
• Daisy from Kansas City, KsI 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.
• Brad from Topeka, KsOn 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.
• Wayne from Crockett, TxGerry Rafferty passed from this life from liver failure. RIP Gerry. He was 63.
• Creid from Asheville, NcThiss 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.
• Dodge from Casper, WyCorrection 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.
• Robin from Boton, MaI 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.
• Virginia from Regina, SkFascinating 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
• Terry from Saint John, NbI 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!
• Joe from Dundee, United KingdomI 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
• Mr Hill from Glendale, AzThis is great! Great suggestions here. The meanings to "Baker Street" are about as varied and elusive as the meanings to Eagles' "Hotel California".
• Karen from Manchester, NhBest. Sax. Solo. EVER!
• Tim from Clarkdale, Azpretty much agree with jeff in boston. Not so sure about the ufo theory.
• Liquid Len from Ottawa, CanadaThis 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.
  
• Bonnie from San Diego, CaHas 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.
• Jeff from Boston, MaI 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?
• N from London, United KingdomThe 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.
• Mike from Santa Barbara, CaThis is one of the best existentialist songs ever recorded.
• Bryan from Melbourne, AustraliaThis 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.
• Dan from Winthrop, MaThe guitar solo is done by session musician Hugh Burns
• Toby from Sydney, AustraliaI'm trying to find which guy played the lead guitar solo on baker street ? Can anybody help ??
• Erik from Los Angeles, CaYes, definitely about two people.
• Bill from Charlotte, Nci 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?
• Gareth from Newry, United KingdomAll 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.
• Erik from Los Angeles, CaJeff 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.
• Bill from Schererville, InThis song reminds me of my childhood and hearing it regularly on Chicago's WLS radio station. It inspired me to take up the saxophone.
• Jim from Glasgow, ScotlandI 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.
• Jeff from Austin, TxThis song has inspired more Porn soundtracks than any song in history.
• Billy C. from Sacramento, CaBeing 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.
• Mike from Santa Barbara, CaThis 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.
• Don from B G, KyIt 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.
• Cody from Ripley, MsIt is the intro song for Dave Ramsey's radio show.
• Denver from Colunbia City, InThis 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.
• Dindc from Washington, DcI 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.
• Ludrick from Atlanta, GaThis 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).
• Duane from Wheatfield, InThis song reminds me of Good Will Hunting. Does anybody remember that scene when the song is played?
• Jake from Burke, VaBaker Street is also the address for fictional detective Sherlock Holmes.
• Al from Baltimore, MdThis 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.
• Larry Haganey from Morgan Hill, CaWhen 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
• Richard from Springfield, Pa"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
• Michael from Queens, NyThis 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.
  
  
  
• Duane from Wheatfield, InThis 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.
• Barry from Chicago, IlThis 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.
• Lee from Barnard, VtThe thing that makes this song entirely unique to me is the fact that the CHORUS is just a saxophone and no words.
• Heywood from Harrisburg, PaI 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.
• Paul from London , EnglandRafferty 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.
• Liquid Len from Ottawa, CanadaGerry 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!
• Mel from South Australia, Australiarafferty 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)
• Heywood from Harrisburg, PaWas there a promo "video" made for this song? I seem to remember seeing something like this on TV once.
• Court from Boston, United StatesI 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"
• Richard from Los Angeles, CaThe 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.
• Azman from Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaGreat 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.
• Howard from St. Louis Park, MnYes, the song is from the album City to City and the sax solo by Raphael Ravenscroft is memorable.
• Nathan from Defiance, OhThe sax solo is mindblowing.
• Crash from Np, AkWe think its pretty cool.
• John from Glasgow, Scotlandthis 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)
• Mark from Dundee, ScotlandAbsolutely brilliant song!
  
  The sax parts are just fantastic!
• John from Levittown, NyThis song has been featured on the Sopranos, as well as been redone by the Foo Fighters.
• Stefanie Magura from Rock Hill, Scgreat song1 the sax part is the most memorable thing in it.
• Steve from Binghamton, NyBaker St is also the street where the Susquehanna
  Hat company was from ABBOTT AND COSTELLO ROUTINES
• Phil from San Jose, CaStuck 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!
• David from Paisley, ScotlandHe used to live in the next building to us in Paisley, Scotland.
• Linda from Oudenaarde, BelgiumThis song was covered by British band Undercover in the early 90's. This cover was a huge success all over Europe.
• Kevin from Austin, TxRandy, you are correct. It was from the album City to City, released in 1978.
• Greg from Manalapan, NjIf 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.
• Dc from Hilo, HiYes, 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.
• Liquid Len from Ottawa, CanadaThe 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'.
• Stephanie from Denver, Co 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.
• Randy Arnold from Chicago, IlI thought that this song was from an album called "City to City", which was released in 1978.

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