First, I want to thank M.Y. for suggesting Chris Smither to me. M.Y. is one of my best commenters, and thank you again! She told me about Smither a while back, and I’ve been listening to his music since. When she first told me, I thought he would be a typical singer-songwriter like James Taylor. No, he has some serious guitar skills, and that comes off immediately. His music has a nice edge to it. I’ve heard this one before because Bonnie Raitt covered it in 1972.
Chris Smither is a singer-songwriter and guitarist. He is best known for his music that blends folk and blues. Smither grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana, which influenced his musical style. He was inspired by blues artists like Mississippi John Hurt and Lightnin’ Hopkins, as well as folk musicians such as Bob Dylan. That is a great combination.
He made his way up north in the ‘60s, just as the Boston folk scene was humming. And while Dylan acolytes were everywhere, Smither had something different. There was a quiet place in his songs, built on John Hurt’s fingerpicking and Lightnin’ Hopkins’ style, but laced with the lyrics of the blues. This guy should have been noticed more over the years.
If you are looking for a combination of New Orleans soul, Delta blues, and folk club music, Smither’s your man. This song was on his debut album, I’m A Stranger Too! released in 1970. Chris has released 19 studio albums, including one in 2024 called All About Bones.
Love You Like A Man
All these men you’ve been seein’
They’ve got their balls up on a shelf
And you know they could never love you, baby
When they can’t even love themselves
You need someone who can
I could be— you know I could be your lover man
Come on, believe me when I tell you
I love you like a man
‘Cause I’ve never seen such losers
And I bet you never tried
To find a man that can take you home
Never takin’ you for a ride
If you need someone who can
I could be— I bet I could be your lover man
Come on, believe me when I tell you
I love you like a man
Yeah, you’re comin’ home sad
You’re laying down to cry
You need a man to hold you
Not some fool to ask you why
Yeah, you know you need someone who can
Come on, believe me when I tell you
I love you like a man
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Yeah, ’cause they all want you to rock ’em
Like their back ain’t got no bone
What you need is a man who can rock you like your backbone was his own
You need someone who can
I could— I think I could be your lover man
Come on, believe me when I tell you
I love you like a man
Yeah, ’cause all these men that you’ve been seein’
Got their balls up on their shelves
And you know they could never love you, baby
When they can’t even love themselves
You need someone who can
And I could— I bet I— I think— I know I could be your lover man
Believe me when I tell you
I love you like
I love you like
I love you like a man
…
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I can’t believe I’ve known this song for 53 years (since Bonnie Raitt recorded it), knew it wasn’t her song, and never bothered to look into Chris Smither. Thanks for a great public service today.
Glad you liked it. All of his stuff is good.
Thank you for listening!
that was the album that introduced me to Raitt…..and that album and everyone that’s on it was of that time when you’d see that, so many familiar names that had careers on their own….a great tune
It’s not hard to hear both that Southern, rather Texan blues influence AND the Boston folk scene one on that track.
Yes…M.Y. made a great suggestion with him. I was expecting something else when I saw the singer-songwriter.
the title ‘No More Cane on the Brazos’ got my attention since that river runs through here
Oh cool… he is from New Orleans so I guess he knows that area as well
I really enjoyed the Bonnie Raitt cover and thanks for introducing me to Chris Smither.
Thanks for giving it a try Jim!
I’ve hooked into Chris a few times. That live cut is very good. Distinctive voice. I think that’s what grabbed me at first but you’re right he can play. I need to take a deeper dive and will. So cool to pick up more good music to listen to. I dont have enough. Might be an idea to have a Smithers listening party today. Thanks Max and M. Y.
You’re welcome, but I have a hard time believing you don’t have enough good music. Oh well, I guess you can never have too much
More than I can handle at one time M.Y. but I’m like a pig at the music trough just keep pouring it in. Never enough. Chris is quality to my tastes.
When I saw singer-songwriter I thought of Croce, Taylor and a few others….he he has some bite and he writes very well.
Thanks CB…I was wondering if you knew him.
I have just scratched the surface but not as well as i would like. He’s very good and appeals to my ear. There are a few of his songs that have stuck with me. Like i said, feels like a good day for a extended listening beyond what I know. He’s on that list of people I should listen to more.
Blogging has expanded my listening so much CB…I mean I’m listening to The Mahavishnu Orchestra for a couple of weeks, then Chris Smither, The Angels…and not the same old thing I used to…I’ve done that extended listening or to binge…and I love it.
Im listening to the album I’m familiar with to get the vibe and will keep it going all day. I have some time to immerse myself.
That’s some big music swings Max but it covers some bases for sure
Never heard of him before. Awesome stuff!
Thank you for giving him a try!
This a great tune and cover by Bonnie of course. I feel like I should know of this guy but nope. Sure do now!
I think you would like him Randy. His guitar playing skills are something else….and I like his writing.
Glad to see the positive response. You picked a good song to introduce him, since many know the Bonnie Raitt connection. Almost all of his songs are of similar quality, so you can’t go wrong with almost anything if you want to go deeper.
Usually when I post something new…I try to get the most known one first…it eases people into it a bit more…but yes! The response is great….and I liked some others more than this one…but I really like this one.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! Sorry it’s late!
Timing is fine by me. Plus, you’re just getting over the flu. I’m just getting over a Sinus/Chest thing myself, so I get it. People like it, so I’m happy.
It just keeps hanging around…I think Bailey’s girlfriend brought it when she stayed with us…not her fault…but it sticks with you.
Just one particular song of his I would recommend if you haven’t come across it yet is the live version of “No Love Today” on his live album Live As I”ll Ever Be. There’s an introduction before the song where he brings to life a character from his New Orleans childhood. Great song.
Thank you…I just bookmarked it.
Based on this post, you sold me on Chris Smither right away, who is another new name to me. When Bonnie Raitt, who as you know I dearly love, covers somebody else’s song, it’s a reliable seal of approval since she has great taste – at least that’s what I believe. That said, I didn’t recall Raitt’s rendition of “Love Me Like a Man,” which of course is right up my alley. 🙂
Chrisitian…I don’t have to tell you but as soon as I saw the Raitt connection…I thought of you right away! This guy is the whole package…playing, singing, and a very good writer.
Some sassy songwriting in that ‘Love Me Like Man.’ Another new name to me.
It’s like I’ve told everybody else when I saw the description singer songwriter I expected a little more soft than this, but I really connected with it i my
I’ve never heard of him before, not sure if it’s totally my thing but I respect it.
for me, it does bring Dylan to mind. enjoyed!
Thanks for giving it a shot!