Patti Smith – Gloria

About the song

“Patti Smith’s iconic song ‘Gloria’ encapsulates the raw energy and rebellious spirit of the 1970s punk rock movement. Released in 1975 as part of her debut album ‘Horses,’ this track remains a timeless anthem that continues to captivate listeners with its unapologetic attitude and powerful lyrics.

Smith, known for her distinctive blend of poetry and rock music, delivers a gripping performance in ‘Gloria.’ The song opens with a hypnotic guitar riff, setting the stage for Smith’s evocative storytelling. As her distinctive voice takes center stage, listeners are drawn into a narrative that explores themes of desire, liberation, and defiance.

One of the song’s most memorable elements is its reimagining of the classic rock song ‘Gloria’ by Them. Smith infuses the track with her own unique style and perspective, transforming it into a bold statement of independence and self-expression. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of ‘G-L-O-R-I-A,’ becomes a rallying cry for those seeking freedom from societal norms.

Beyond its musical prowess, ‘Gloria’ is also a testament to Smith’s role as a trailblazing artist. Her fusion of punk sensibilities with literary influences garnered widespread acclaim, paving the way for future generations of musicians to explore new creative horizons.

In the decades since its release, ‘Gloria’ has remained a staple of Smith’s live performances, showcasing her enduring influence and relevance in the music industry. Its anthemic quality and defiant spirit continue to resonate with audiences, solidifying its status as a timeless classic.

As we revisit ‘Gloria,’ we are reminded of Patti Smith’s incomparable artistry and her ability to challenge conventions while inspiring generations of listeners. The song’s legacy is a testament to the enduring power of music to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and spark movements for change.”

Video

Lyrics

Jesus died for somebody’s sins, but not mine
Meltin’ in a pot of thieves
Wild card up my sleeve
Thick heart of stone
My sins, my own
They belong to me, me

People say, “Beware!” But I don’t care
The words are just rules and regulations to me, me
I walk in a room, you know I look so proud
I’m movin’ in this here atmosphere
Well, a-a-anything’s allowed

Then I go to this, here party but oh, I just get bored
Until I look out the window, see a sweet young thing
Humpin’ on the parking meter, leanin’ on the parking meter, oh
She looks so good, oh, she looks so fine
And I got this crazy feeling, and then
I’m gonna ah-ah make her mine
Ooh, I’ll put my spell on her

Here she comes, walkin’ down the street
Here she comes, comin’ through the door
Here she comes crawlin’ up the stair
Here she comes in a pretty red dress, in a pretty red dress
And oh, she looks so good, oh, she looks so fine
And I got this crazy feeling that I’m gonna ah-ah make her mine

I hear this knockin’ on my door, knockin’ on my door
And I look up into the big tower clock
And say, “Oh my God, it’s midnight!”
And my baby is walkin’ through the door
Layin’ on my couch, she whispers to me and I take the big plunge
And oh, she was so good, ooh, oh, she was so fine
And I’m gonna tell the world that I just ah-ah made her mine

I said darling, tell me your name, she told me her name
She whispered to me, she told me her name
She told me her name, she told me her name
She told me her name, she told me her name
And her name is, and her name is, and her name is
And her name is

G-L-O-R-I-A
G-L-O-R-I-A Gloria
G-L-O-R-I-A Gloria
G-L-O-R-I-A Gloria
G-L-O-R-I-A Gloria, oh Gloria

It was at the stadium
Oh, twenty thousand girls called their names out to me
Marie Ruth, but to tell you the truth
I didn’t hear them, I didn’t see
I let my eyes rise to the big tower clock
And I heard those bells chimin’ in my heart

Going ding-dong ding-dong ding-dong ding-dong
Ding-dong ding-dong ding-dong ding-dong
Calling the time, when you came to my room
And you whispered to me and I took the big plunge
And oh, you were so good, oh, you were so fine
And I’ve got to tell the world that I made ya mine, made ya mine
Made ya mine, made ya mine, made ya mine, made ya mine

G-L-O-R-I-A Gloria
G-L-O-R-I-A Gloria
G-L-O-R I-A Gloria
G-L-O-R-I-A Gloria

When the tower bells chime
Ding-dong they chime
I said that Jesus died
For somebody’s sins
But not mine

London!

G-L-O-R-I-A
Gloria