Steel and Glass

Album: Walls and Bridges (1974)
Play Video
  • This is a story about your friend and mine
    Who is it, who is it, who is it?

    There you stand with your L.A. tan
    And your New York walk and your New York talk
    You're mother left you when you were small
    But you're going to wish you wasn't born at all

    Steel and glass
    Steel and glass
    Steel and glass
    Steel and glass

    Your phone don't ring no one answers your call
    How does it feel to be off the wall

    Well your mouthpiece squawks as he spreads your lies
    But you can't pull strings if your hands are tied
    Well your teeth are clean but your mind is capped
    You leave your smell like an alley cat

    Steel and glass
    Steel and glass
    Steel and glass
    Steel and glass Writer/s: JOHN LENNON
    Publisher: Downtown Music Publishing
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 3

  • Eric from OklahomaSome websites suggest this is Lennon targeting former Beatles manager, Allen Klein. Others suggest that Lennon may have been addressing himself, similar to "Nowhere Man". However, Lennon reportedly wasn't too happy with Klein's lack of support as John and Yoko ramped up their political work (notably on the 1972 album "Some Time in New York City"). In 1973, a year before recording the "Walls and Bridges" album, Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr served notice that Klein's contract would not be renewed. Klein then sued the Beatles. All that said, and we all are aware of Lennon's razor-sharp lyrics (when called for), it seems likely that "Steel and Glass" was about a certain, greedy American businessman.
  • Mike from Fargo, Nd, NdIn an interview I read, John stated he used "Steel & Glass" in a similar fashion that he used to name his album "Walls & Bridges". Steel for the person's tough side and Glass in reference to the fragility of one's life. The album's title was said to represents John's life at the time (fresh off his 'Lost Weekend' and chaotic Phil Spector oldies sessions) and a transition of turning his walls into bridges and getting on with things...
  • Margret Hamilton from St. Paul, MnHaunting song. What is "steel and glass" referencing?... some kind of temperament of the person?
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Mick Jones of Foreigner

Mick Jones of ForeignerSongwriter Interviews

Foreigner's songwriter/guitarist tells the stories behind the songs "Juke Box Hero," "I Want To Know What Love Is," and many more.

TV Theme Songs

TV Theme SongsFact or Fiction

Was a Beatles song a TV theme? And who came up with those Fresh Prince and Sopranos songs?

Trucking Songs That Were #1 Hits

Trucking Songs That Were #1 HitsSong Writing

The stories behind the biggest hit songs about trucking.

Dave Mason

Dave MasonSongwriter Interviews

Dave reveals the inspiration for "Feelin' Alright" and explains how the first song he ever wrote became the biggest hit for his band Traffic.

Bryan Adams

Bryan AdamsSongwriter Interviews

What's the deal with "Summer of '69"? Bryan explains what the song is really about, and shares more of his songwriting insights.