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America - Tin man





"Tin Man" is a 1974 song by the pop rock band America. It was written by band member Dewey Bunnell and produced by George Martin, who also plays the piano part on the recorded version. The song was included on the band's album Holiday, also from 1974.


The song's title and some of its lyrics refer to the Tin Woodman from The Wizard of Oz. Songwriter Bunnell was quoted describing the parallel: "My favorite movie, I guess. I always loved it as a kid. Very obscure lyrics. Great grammar - 'Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man.' It's sort of a poetic license."


Dan Peek - who describes "Tin Man" as "quintessential Dewey, easy stream of consciousness with a major seventh acoustic bed" - states that Bunnell "actually begged us not to record the song. Knowing Dewey it was probably reverse psychology; if it was, Gerry [Beckley] and I fell for it, insisting it was perfect for the album."







Lyrics


Sometimes late

When things are real

And people share the gift of gab

Between themselves


Some are quick

To take the bait

And catch the perfect prize

That waits among the shelves


But Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man

That he didn't, didn't already have

And cause never was the reason for the evening

Or the tropic of Sir Galahad


So please believe in me

When I say I'm spinning 'round, 'round, 'round, 'round

Smoke glass stain'd bright colors

Image going down, down, down, down

Soapsud green like bubbles


Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man

That he didn't, didn't already have

And cause never was the reason for the evening

Or the tropic of Sir Galahad


So please

Believe in me

When I say I'm spinning' round, 'round, 'round, 'round

Smoke glass stain'd bright colors

Image going down, down, down, down

Soapsud green like bubbles


No, Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man

That he didn't, didn't already have

And cause never was the reason for the evening

Or the tropic of Sir Galahad


So please believe in me




Songwriters: Dewey Bunnell

Tin Man lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc


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