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Paul Revere & The Raiders – Ballad of a Useless Man

Ballad of a Useless Man

About the Song

“Ballad of a Useless Man,” a poignant track by Paul Revere & The Raiders, delves into the complexities of self-worth and the search for meaning in a world that often feels indifferent. Released in 1966, the song transcends the typical upbeat, pop-oriented sound of the band, offering a melancholic and introspective reflection on life’s disillusionments.

The song’s lyrics, penned by Mark Lindsay, the band’s lead vocalist, paint a picture of a man struggling to find his place in the world. He feels disconnected, insignificant, and lost in the vastness of society. Lines like, “I walk the streets, a shadow in the night, a lonely ghost in the pale moonlight,” vividly portray the protagonist’s sense of isolation and despair.

While the song’s title might seem overtly negative, it also carries a subtle message of hope. The protagonist, despite his feelings of uselessness, yearns for connection and a sense of purpose. This yearning is evident in lines like, “Maybe someday I’ll find a way to be, a man among men, and finally be free.”

“Ballad of a Useless Man” stands as a testament to the band’s versatility. It showcases a softer, more introspective side to Paul Revere & The Raiders, demonstrating their ability to move beyond their signature pop sound and explore deeper, more introspective themes. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its relatable message of self-doubt and the universal human desire to find meaning and connection in life.Paul Revere & the Raiders: Ballad of a Useless Man

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Lyrics: Ballad of a Useless Man

I was sittin’ on a hollow log
throwin’ rocks at an old tin can
I lost my job, I done lost my girl
I’m a no-good useless manSittin’ in an ally way
I’m as hungry as I can be
I ain’t had no food for the last three days
What’s gonna become of me?

All I’ve got is thirty cents
gonna buy me a bottle of wine
It’ll take my mind off of the food I need
But it’ll make me think about dyin’

Once upon a time I had big plans
I was gonna get everything
I was gonna live in a big old house
I was gonna be, be a king

Hey there mister, you’re dressed so nice
Do you think you could spare me a dime?
All I need is just a little bit more
for another bottle of wine

Once upon a time I had big, big plans
I was gonna get, get everything
Yes, I was gonna live in a big old house
I was gonna be, be a king… yeah!

Now I really got the shakes, I can’t hardly walk for fear
That old man in black is gonna catch up with me
And the end is drawin’ near
I’m a no good man, sure feel useless
Just a’ sittin’ here cryin’
Gettin’ ready to die
To pass my home
But ain’t got no home

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NOBODY BECOMES A LEGEND BY STANDING AT THE BOTTOM OF A HARMONY. EXCEPT HAROLD REID. Don Reid sang the words. Jimmy Fortune reached the high notes. Phil Balsley held the middle. But Harold Reid held the floor beneath all of them. He was the bass of The Statler Brothers — not always the first voice people hummed on the way home, but the one they felt before they understood why the song worked. Take Harold out of a Statler record and the song still plays. It just does not land the same way. Something underneath is gone. That was his power. He was also funny enough to own a room before the first chorus ever arrived. In a group known for faith, family, and harmony, Harold gave the Statlers something just as important: warmth. He made the crowd laugh, then dropped his voice so low it felt like the whole song had found its foundation. Near the end, he told Jimmy Fortune he had been a blessed man and was ready whenever the Lord called him. When Harold passed in 2020, Jimmy wrote the plainest truth: “Our hearts are broken tonight.” Some singers want you to look at them. Harold Reid made you feel what was missing when he was gone.

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NOBODY BECOMES A LEGEND BY STANDING AT THE BOTTOM OF A HARMONY. EXCEPT HAROLD REID. Don Reid sang the words. Jimmy Fortune reached the high notes. Phil Balsley held the middle. But Harold Reid held the floor beneath all of them. He was the bass of The Statler Brothers — not always the first voice people hummed on the way home, but the one they felt before they understood why the song worked. Take Harold out of a Statler record and the song still plays. It just does not land the same way. Something underneath is gone. That was his power. He was also funny enough to own a room before the first chorus ever arrived. In a group known for faith, family, and harmony, Harold gave the Statlers something just as important: warmth. He made the crowd laugh, then dropped his voice so low it felt like the whole song had found its foundation. Near the end, he told Jimmy Fortune he had been a blessed man and was ready whenever the Lord called him. When Harold passed in 2020, Jimmy wrote the plainest truth: “Our hearts are broken tonight.” Some singers want you to look at them. Harold Reid made you feel what was missing when he was gone.