Stage Fright

Album: Stage Fright (1970)
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  • Now deep in the heart of a lonely kid
    Who suffered so much for what he did
    They gave this plough boy his fortune and fame
    Since that day, he ain't been the same

    See the man with the stage fright
    Just standing up there to give it all his might
    And he got caught in the spotlight
    But when we get to the end
    You want to start all over again

    I've got fire water right on my breath
    And the doctor warned me I might catch a death
    Said, "you can make it in your disguise
    Just never show the fear that's in your eyes"

    See the man with the stage fright
    Just standing up there to give it all his might
    He got caught in the spotlight
    But when we get to the end
    He wants to start all over again

    Now if he says that he's afraid
    Take him at his word
    And for the price that the poor boy has paid
    He gets to sing just like a bird, oh, ooh

    Your brow is sweating and your mouth gets dry
    Fancy people go drifting by
    The moment of truth is right at hand
    Just one more nightmare you can stand

    See the man with the stage fright
    Just standing up there to give it all his might
    And he got caught in the spotlight
    But when we get to the end
    He wants to start all over again

    You want to try it once again
    Please don't make him stop
    Let him take it from the top
    Let him start all over again Writer/s: Robbie Robertson
    Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 11

  • Musicman from New JerseyI often host Karaoke Parties, and after my intro and trying to put people at ease so as to come up and sing, I start the show by singing this song.
  • Remund from South DakotaI agree that this song is such a good representation of performing. As someone with stage fright, I completely understand the feeling of getting to the end, finally feeling comfortable, and wishing you could start over without the butterflies. Another great example of Robbie's excellent writing.
  • Stevie from Weehawken, NjThat's funny that Rick Danko sang it 'cause he sounds nervous....maybe it's about him.
  • Stevie from Weehawken, NjEons ago I heard Robbie Robertson wrote this song about himself.
  • Henry from Burlington, VtI always thought this song was about Van Morrison. He lived in Woodstock in the early days when Dylan and the Band were holed up there. It's been well documented Morrison suffers from stage freight and as you read the lyrics you may see its a good fit.
  • Alph from Bridgeport, CtWhen I saw the Dylan - Band tour in January 1974, after Dylan left the stage and the Band had their set, they opened POWERFULLY, with this number. As Dylan had not toured since 1966, it was very apropos.
  • Larryx from Larryville, OhSurprised people miss this.

    This is a piece about re-incarnation.

    Prison baby !

    But when we get to the end - he wants to start all over again.

    Bill Graham must have had a silver spoon along with no fault in life.

    Getting caught in the spot light -

    PRISON BABY

    Gets to sing just like a BIRD

    This song is about fault - and redemption - and just maybe breaking free - OR - coming back and repeating it all again.

    Hindu style !
  • Don from Newmarket, CanadaAllegedly this tune was written about Bob Dylan. Robbie Robertson has always denied this.
  • Tom from Memphis, TnIf you've ever had to appear before people, no matter how many, there's that little butterfly in the stomach before you're in the spotlight. I've been a teacher for forty years, and I had my first "stage-fright" my freshman year in college. I still get panicked sometimes. I think the line "But when he gets to the end, he wants to start all over again," is the best description of anyone who has been in that spotlight.
  • Jon from Tucson, AzI listen to this before exams for motivation.
  • Joanie from Bowling Green, KyI always thought this song was about Robbie Robertson. I read somewhere that he had such stage fright that he traveled with a personal hypnotist
see more comments

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