About the song
Gene Pitney, a prominent figure in the 1960s music scene, delivered a captivating country-pop masterpiece with “(The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance.” This timeless track, released in 1962, showcased Pitney’s versatility as a vocalist and his ability to blend elements of country and pop music into a harmonious blend.
The song’s title is a reference to the classic Western film of the same name, and Pitney’s interpretation of the story adds a unique and poignant dimension. The lyrics explore themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships, set against a backdrop of the American Wild West.
Pitney’s vocals are emotive and expressive, conveying the song’s melancholic tone with heartfelt sincerity. His delivery is reminiscent of the classic country crooners of the era, while his pop sensibilities add a contemporary touch. The song’s arrangement features a blend of acoustic guitar, steel guitar, and a driving rhythm section, creating a rich and textured sound.
One of the song’s most memorable aspects is its haunting melody, which lingers in the listener’s mind long after the music has faded. The song’s bridge, with its soaring vocal harmonies, is a particular highlight, showcasing Pitney’s vocal range and emotional depth.
“(The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its timeless appeal, its evocative lyrics, and Pitney’s powerful performance. It remains a classic of the country-pop genre, a testament to Pitney’s talent and the enduring appeal of his music.
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Lyrics
When Liberty Valance rode to town
The womenfolk would hide, they’d hide
When Liberty Valance walked around
The men would step aside
‘Cause the point of a gun was the only law
That Liberty understood
When it came to shooting straight and fast
He was mighty good
From out of the East a stranger came
A law book in his hand, a man
The kind of a man the West would need
To tame a troubled land
‘Cause the point of a gun was the only law
That Liberty understood
When it came to shooting straight and fast
He was mighty good
Many a man would face his gun
And many a man would fall
The man who shot Liberty Valance
He shot Liberty Valance
He was the bravest of them all
The love of a girl can make a man stay on
When he should go, stay on
Just trying to build a peaceful life
Where love is free to grow
But the point of a gun was the only law
That Liberty understood
When the final showdown came at last
A law book was no good
Alone and afraid, she prayed that he’d
Return that fateful night, oh that night
When nothing she said could keep her man
From going out to fight
From the moment a girl gets to be full grown
The very first thing she learns
When two men go out to face each other
Only one returns
Everyone heard two shots ring out
One shot made Liberty fall
The man who shot Liberty Valence
He shot Liberty Valance
He was the bravest of them all
The man who shot Liberty Valance
He shot Liberty Valance
He was the bravest of them all
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