Nothing Rhymed

"Nothing Rhymed" is a song by the Irish singer-songwriter Gilbert O'Sullivan, written and recorded in 1970.

"Nothing Rhymed"
Single by Gilbert O'Sullivan
from the album Himself
B-side"Everybody Knows"
Released30 October 1970
Recorded1970 (Audio International Studios, London)
GenreSoft rock[1]
Length3:27
LabelMAM
Songwriter(s)Gilbert O'Sullivan
Producer(s)Gordon Mills
Gilbert O'Sullivan singles chronology
"Mr. Moody's Garden"
(1969)		 "Nothing Rhymed"
(1970)		 "Underneath the Blanket Go"
(1971)

It was released in October 1970. It peaked at number 8 in the UK Singles Chart,[2] number 2 in Ireland, and number 1 in the Netherlands. It was his debut hit single in the UK.[2] "Nothing Rhymed" subsequently appeared on his 1971 album, Himself.[3]

O'Sullivan has said seeing film of starving children in Africa on television for the first time prompted him to write the song.[4] Renowned session bassist Herbie Flowers features on the original recording.[5] Pop historian Paul Gambaccini described it as "one of the great songs of all time" in the 2007 BBC documentary Kings of 70s Romance. In 2012, Paul Weller declared "Nothing Rhymed" and "Alone Again (Naturally)" as "two of my favourite songs, great lyrics, great tunes".[6][7]

Cover versions

The song is among O'Sullivan's most covered. Tom Jones who, like O'Sullivan, was managed by Gordon Mills, covered it on his 1971 album She's a Lady.[8] That same year, a faithful rendering of the song but with new Italian lyrics was released by I Profeti as the title track of their second album Era Bella.[9] Yvonne Elliman covered it on her 1972 self-titled debut album. It was also covered by the Guess Who frontman Burton Cummings on his self-titled first solo album released in 1976.[10][11] Canadian singer-songwriter Emm Gryner covered the song on her 2005 album Songs of Love and Death. Since 2002, Morrissey has occasionally covered "Nothing Rhymed" in concert.[12] It has been noted that Morrissey's song "Yes I Am Blind" bears a musical resemblance to the song.[13]

References
  1. Fontenot, Robert. "Soft Rock Music and Songs - Oldies Music". Oldies.about.com. Retrieved 2016-10-03.
  2. Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 411. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  3. J. Scott McClintock. "Himself - Gilbert O'Sullivan | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 2016-10-03.
  4. "Episode 72 – Gilbert O'Sullivan". Sodajerker. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
  5. Barnard, Jason. "Gilbert O'Sullivan". The Strange Brew. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
  6. Andrews, Kernan. "I can still compete with anyone despite being around so long". Galway Advertiser. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
  7. Elms, Robert. "Paul Weller Meets Gilbert O'Sullivan - BBC Radio London March 2012". Youtube. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
  8. "Tom Jones – Tom Jones Sings She's A Lady". Discogs. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
  9. "I Profeti – Era Bella". Discogs. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
  10. "Burton Cummings". Allmusic. Retrieved 12 April 2018.
  11. https://www.discogs.com/Burton-Cummings-Burton-Cummings/release/2130272
  12. "Morrissey Setlist at Ambassador Theatre, Dublin, Ireland". Setlist.fm. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
  13. Goddard, Simon (2009). Mozipedia. Ebury Press. p. 304.
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