I Got a Name (song)
| "I Got a Name" | |
|---|---|
| Song | |
| B-side | "Alabama Rain" |
"I Got a Name" is a 1973 single recorded by Jim Croce and written by Norman Gimbel and Charles Fox. It was released in 1973 and was the first single from his album of the same name. It reached a peak of 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 after spending 17 weeks on the chart. "I Got a Name" was also the theme song for the 1973 movie The Last American Hero. It was also featured in the movies The Ice Storm and Invincible. *Carl Hancock Rux recorded an R&B song titled "I Got a Name" in 2004 on his album Apothecary Rx. It is not a cover version.
Background
In an interview with Billboard magazine writer Norman Gimbel revealed the reason Croce chose to record the song, "Jim liked it because his father had a dream for him but had died before his son's first success."[2]
Content
The song is about the narrator's pride for his family name and how he will use it to live his dreams and be free. The narrator will live each day to the fullest so that "life don't pass me by".
Reception
In 1973, it was written in Billboard, "The single is more grand in lyric and melody content than Croce's usual funky material which makes interesting contrast. They also listed the song as a top single pick. [3]
Live performances
Jim Croce performed the song live on an episode of the The Midnight Special in 1973.[4]
Cover versions
- Sammy Kershaw covered the song on the compilation album Jim Croce: A Nashville Tribute in 1997.
- Jerry Reed covered the song on his tribute album to Jim Croce Jerry Reed Sings Jim Croce.
- Helen Reddy covered it on her 1974 album Love Song for Jeffrey.
- Lena Horne recorded the song on her album The Lady and Her Music.
- Rex Allen Jr. recorded the song on his album Brand New in 1978.
- Lori Lieberman covered it on her album Piece of Time.
Track listing
7" Single (ABC-11389)[5]
- "I Got a Name" - 3:09
- "Alabama Rain" - 2:14
Chart performance
Weekly charts
|
Year-end charts
|
References
- ^ Strong, Martin Charles & John Peel Great Rock Discography
- ^ Billboard Dec 14, 1974 Billboard Magazine
- ^ Sep 22, 1973 Billboard Magazine
- ^ Jim Croce - I Got a Name
- ^ Jim Croce - I Got A Name / Alabama Rain
- ^ "Artists Coo-Cro". Bullfrog's Pond. Bullfrog's Pond. Retrieved 2011-01-21.
- ^ I Got a Name
- ^ Top Singles - Volume 20, No. 17, December 08 1973
- ^ Adult Contemporary - Volume 20, No. 19, December 22 1973
- ^ Cash Box Top 100 12/01/73
- ^ [1]
- ^ Kent, David (1993). AUSTRALIAN CHART BOOK 1970-1992. ISBN 0646119176.
- ^ The CASH BOX Year-End Charts: 1973
- ^ The CASH BOX Year-End Charts: 1974