Baker Street - Gerry Rafferty! An Amazing Song with Gnarly Horns!!!

"Baker Street" is a popular song written and performed by Gerry Rafferty, a Scottish singer-songwriter. It was released in 1978 as a single and later included on Rafferty's album, "City to City."
"Baker Street" became Rafferty's signature song and remains one of his most recognized and enduring hits. It features a memorable saxophone riff played by Raphael Ravenscroft, which has become iconic in its own right. The song's lyrics tell a story of loneliness and longing, with the titular Baker Street serving as a metaphorical backdrop.
The track was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. It also reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. Rafferty's distinctive vocals and the memorable saxophone melody contributed to the song's popularity.
"Baker Street" continues to be celebrated as one of the standout songs of the late 1970s, showcasing Rafferty's songwriting prowess and musical talent. The song's enduring appeal has made it a classic in the realm of pop and rock music.

[@garyclark9618]

His song Right down the line is pretty smooth.

[@rdrrios]

Audio version is longer the video is an edited version if I’m thinking correctly?

[@cmholmes1067]

This song is amazing, never heard of anyone not love this song?!

[@KevinPierce-pu4bd]

It is probably the worst possible recording of it they could have chosen. The horns here sounded dead not the way it usually pierces the soul. The guy playing the sax even thought so himself , saying he fukked it up.

[@lovestreet2675]

Right?! I'm so disappointed....not the reaction I was expecting 😢

[@jacqueline4514]

YES!!!! One of the definitive Yacht Rock songs 🛥️🛥️🛥️Got to do Gerry Rafferty’s “Right Down The Line” next!!

[@marybill1429]

Oh my god I’m really surprised this is like one of my favorite songs I thought you knew good music. Oh well I thought you would love it

[@ostumbling]

Sometimes to experience the full gravity of a song you have to pay attention to the lyrics as well and then understand why it was so popular.

[@tconnolly9820]

I can't believe you guys collective indifference to this all time classic song! I was just a little bit too young to be aware of this when it came out in the late 70's but ever since then to this day it's still a staple on classic rock radio worldwide.

[@ruff500]

dudes just love gansta rap not the music palefaces

[@lynnhoffman247]

🎯

[@oliphauntsneverlie6227]

They're fucking clueless.

[@KevinPierce-pu4bd]

It is probably the worst possible recording of this song. The centerpiece is the sax and instead of piercing the soul it fell so flat that these guys were laughing at it. They need a re do with a better video.

[@tconnolly9820]

@@KevinPierce-pu4bd This song is 45 years old. Nearly everyone in that video is dead. Nobody there is going to be re-recording anything. I have to disagree wholeheartedly with you. For all of those years this song with it's understated vocals and downbeat story and outstanding centrepiece sax riff has been a firm classic and the one track the vast majority of people will remember Gerry Rafferty for. And it's going to remain so. Personally I think when that unmistakable, powerful and instantly recognisable sax riff kicks in for the first time and grabs the listener by the scruff of your neck it stands side by side with any of the greatest guitar riffs ever. Magnificent. Probably this wasn't a great video or great sound quality but these "promotional films" as they were before even the term "video" became commonplace were often considered an afterthought and an expense if at all, to have physical copies of film on reels distributed physically to television stations around the world. But Baker Street is a classic that will endure.

[@maire0808]

I was born 64, this was best music ever

[@Frostrazor]

This IMO is recording perfection. This is one of the single greatest songs ever recorded - so much music packed into one track. It's a gorgeous song and composed so immaculately. There's a lot of great instrumentation. Not judging - but being honest, you guys are the first people I've ever known did not truly love this song - it's legendary . The video is about 90 seconds shorter than the studio recording, too. You lost out on some more sax and guitar. if you didn't care much for it, you didn't miss out on anything. For me this song has a special place in my heart - it was popular on the radio when my dad was taking me to the race track every weekend - I was 10. So every time i hear it I remember those days of he and me in his car on the freeway going to the races on Saturday night.

[@marylreddick]

Love this song. Reminds me of high school and the people I lose contact with

[@williamoneill5498]

You have to listen to Baker Street a few times, then you will appreciate it, and listen to it often, because it's one of those rare songs that imprints on your soul.

[@KevinPierce-pu4bd]

This also is probably the worst possible recording they could have chosen for this great classic!

[@lovestreet2675]

Well said 👏🏽👏🏽

[@Dan-dg9pi]

You might like it better if you actually listened to it rather than joke about.

[@jessicaleblanc-nh1yl]

He used be part of the band Stealers Wheel with 'Stuck in the Middle with You', etc. Gerry Rafferty offered much on his own. With 'Right Down the Line', too. Thank you for sharing this one.

[@normandavidtidiman9918]

Steelers Wheel

[@moniqueleroux2198]

Fusion my brothers! Play iit loud and proud!

[@Sage2628]

I think Baker Street is a great classic. The 70's was such a eclectic time for music. You have folk, singer song writer, rock, disco etc. and they all shared the charts. I was a good harmony, till people turned on disco. I think you would like "Get it Right Next Time" better by Gerry, try that out.

[@bennettmusiccollective3218]

Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not there.

[@heliotropezzz333]

This is far better than Shadow Dancing. You have no taste or musicality. Shadow dancing is pop - not bad pop, but this song is a real musician's song.

[@briannichols4856]

have to listen to full version of it

[@michaelwallace777]

I do like the fact you guys' express honest opinions. No BS.

[@jbinpo]

Baker Street is My all time favorite song, Sultans of swing comes in second...and I'm a metalhead

[@lovestreet2675]

Omg this was my favorite song!! Everyone loved this!! The song is 🔥🔥🔥 😭 It's total playlist material! Listen to it without the video. We didn't have videos so we just experienced the magic! The smooth voice contrast with the hard hitting instruments. Magical!!

[@gregoryh9048]

You got to try "Right down the line" by Mr. Rafferty

[@jacksquat4140]

I can't believe it didn't hit # 1

[@type4647]

The album ("City to City") did. And it knocked off the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack from its 6 month run at the top of the chart.

[@jacksquat4140]

@@type4647: Thanks, mate, I didn't know that, but I am certainly glad it did. City to City is my favorite album of all time. It means a lot to me.

[@christinewaide5249]

It’s the same guy that sings lead vocals on “Stuck in the middle with you”. ❤

[@ItsTimeToSaveAmerica]

Really?

[@jacqueline4514]

@@ItsTimeToSaveAmerica Yep! 😊

[@ItsTimeToSaveAmerica]

@@jacqueline4514 wow, never knew that. 😊

[@toddcleave8449]

Yeah but that was his worst song, , listen to "right down the line" great song.

[@joecampbell2496]

C’mon, fellas, the dadgomn Sax is the best rip in history! It literally CRUSHES all of your contemporaries, ALL OF THE MORE $$$$UCCESSFULLY! Be disrespectful to those whom the artists of the time already knew were genius

[@Sportsref13]

That Horn intro... still send me to euphoric heights

[@TheRedStateBlue]

saxophones aren't horns. horns are brass instruments. the sax is a woodwind, like a flute.

[@oliphauntsneverlie6227]

Not these clowns.

[@BardOfAndromeda]

One of the most iconic sax riffs of the 20th century and you ask how it could have been such a big hit? Tsk. Tacky.

[@Wise-Lady-La-Aura]

You guys talked over the lyrics and made fun of it! I never saw this video before, but that lead singer had a handsome face. It’s a deep , emotional song. The lyrics , man , you didn’t listen to it! It was awesome. That’s why it went to number 1!

[@TheCornishCockney]

Opinions,like arseholes,everyone’s got one.

[@BlackMasakari]

one of my most favorite songs. Not the reaction - i mean, i don't care about no blue oysters...."sorry"

[@yolandabrooksqueenofsevens]

This was the jam rest in peace Gerry Rafferty and Andy Gibb

[@xoxxobob61]

CASHBOX was older than the Billboard and relied more on Radio Airplay than actual Sales for its Chart Performance.

[@garyjohnson7133]

That song is a musical work of art!!

[@brigid4815]

Great song yall. Next Year of the cat by Al Stewart ❤️🎶🔥

[@thomasp.3796]

This was a shortened "radio" version of the song. There is a longer version with more music that is better. But all the lyrics are in both versions.

[@nicholascannon5001]

We don’t want to know about police academy just listen !🤫

[@RaynorBear]

At the time, there were 3 main magazines for broadcasting and song charts... Billboard, Cashbox, and Record World. Billboard was the most trusted source for broadcast news and information and accurate charts, but Cashbox was a close second. You didn't hear too much about Record World, but they were there.

[@TheCornishCockney]

By the way,your volume is way too low.

[@TZ61]

The sound on this video is very poor, and the song is butchered; shines a lot brighter on an audio version. You will be amazed at the difference.

[@edwardcapobianco2975]

They butchered this track, the sax and guitar solo was cut. Listen again, this song phenomenal, it's better than a number 2. Gerry Rafferty was in a group Stealers wheel before he went solo. It's big hit was called stuck in the middle with you!!. Believe me this song is a straight up vibe. The edited versions ruining the whole song!!! Start over and get the complete song

[@zex7689]

Ugh too bad over their heads

[@AP-gb3eh]

The sound is off . It’s wrong to not have good sound. This is a wonderful song and the musicianship is astounding

[@tweetiepooh2001]

Some of the sexiest sax there ever was.

[@paullynn473]

A huge radio hit at the time, Baker Street, Sherlock Holmes Place of residence

[@tdonger]

That was a shortened version. The full version rocks out a bit more

[@dab_family9405]

Hands down, best sax in pop/rock music.

[@neuvocastezero1838]

Check that, Foreigner- "Urgent"- Junior Walker.

[@isgrimner]

Another one that comes to mind is Money by Pink Floyd. They had a few more songs that had a sax as well.

[@donaldduck2139]

I remember playing my ol Gerry Rafferty cassette 50,000 times a day over the holidays years back around 77 78, him and Graham Bonnet. . .couldn't get enough. . .

[@Rockgirl-fq1gc]

I was raised on this song. I was born in 1974, my dad played this a lot when I was little. I don't know anyone that was alive when this song came out that doesn't love it.

[@jamesdrynan]

A great arrangement, a helluva sax hook, dangerous guitar solo and topped off with fantastic introspective lyrics. A winner!

[@Live2swim]

Your exposures so far are too limited for you to get it.

[@Maria-ef5gq]

GERRY RAFFERTY A GREAT SCOTTISH MUSICIAN R.I.P. ❤

[@MikePhillips-pl6ov]

Thank you Scotland for giving us this fantastic musician. From an English fan.

[@cynthiaschultheis1660]

SHERLOCK HOLMES LIVED ON BAKER STREET.❤

[@renlessard]

This song screams 70's FM radio

[@kevanwillis4571]

After this, I won't be bothering with your reactions again. Bye.

[@njchas]

it came out during a lot of the drug culture and it’s bodacious sax, overall echo and the rock guitar blew away everything else of the time.

[@Joedirt3349]

dat reefer!

[@Kathiebaxter]

“Alright Now” by Free is something you guys might like.

[@Kathiebaxter]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmfVnZyIqc6lbKM !!!!! Years later, even better

[@TomGorham]

What was so funny about this song? Enlighten us.

[@bossfan49]

Cashbox was a trade magazine in competition with Billboard that published their own weekly charts. It ran from the mid 1940s to the '90s. Gerry Rafferty was a member of Steeler's Wheel who had a hit with "Stuck In The Middle", used famously in Reservoir Dogs. Gerry also had another solo hit with "Right Down The Line".

[@Jojo-fy2ud]

the song got cut off. I love real music

[@mikepetrimoulx933]

Dude, Dude, you just ruined 45 years of loving this song, 😂😂😂😂

[@kierstenridgway4634]

Oh nooo. I don't know if I should continue. 😆 I didn't get the reference, so I'm cool. ❤😄

[@iamthecaptainofmysoul2293]

They’re not wrong though. This is proto jazz lift music 80s shiiiiit.

[@richardcase3786]

You found the absolute worst version of this song to listen and react to. This was the edited radio version and the sound quality was horrible. You should react to a quality lyric video of some of these old songs.

[@williamsmith9026]

It was still representative of the song. They can't like everything

[@revjim123]

I can just feel the loneliness and big plans that are never followed through in every note of this song, It just epitomizes that person trying to fill that hole in their soul with meaningless things and wishing for a better life

[@ezza9578]

There are still clubs just like the blue oyster if you fancy it Roy 😉 👍❤🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@bbox5938]

Yes, I was 20 when this song came out. Instantly liked it. It got tons of radio play as I remember and it was always a welcome change to the radio mix, it never got old. Good song, great musicianship. I love your channel. Thank you

[@maire0808]

I was 12 think, brill song, great music, not like crap out today

[@dannykent6190]

Well... you seem like nice guys... shame about your inability to recognize phenomenal music.

[@pennymcneela7095]

What a Classic this tune is.. ❤

[@TheOrlandoTrustfull]

"They played instruments" No s**t sherlock

[@kathyrizzi8754]

I love this song with the beautiful Saxophone!👍💙💙💙

[@sandragray4598]

Wow, maybe this is a really bad recording of this song like others are saying, or maybe you all just have to realize that this song reached high in the charts for a reason and that reason definitely wasn't because it was some bubblegum copycat pop song, or maybe you all don't have any nuanced taste in music and just like the same ole, same ole. Some people are like that. This song was different back then and is still different today. It's not the same ole, same ole. I was young in those days. I heard this song because of radio back then, but I was a young teen and it didn't catch much of a hold with me, and Andy Gibb was a heart throb so he caught the attention of little young teen me. As an adult now, probably around you alls ages, I'm not sure, I realize most definitely that Baker's Street is a masterpiece. Though I still have a thing for Andy Gibb and his music including Shadow Dancing, it was just a pop song and doesn't come close to Baker's Street in complexity, not lyrically or musically, and that's despite any involvement the BeeGees may have had in their little brother's song. Anyway if you dare to delve into another song of his, he has one of the most beautiful love songs I've ever heard called "Right Down The Line." I'd be beside myself if someone wrote a song like that to me.

[@timetravellingone]

When you're raised on rap you'll never know what real music is, why do rappers have to sample all the white rock and pop they can, so it'll make their music listenable I suppose

[@neuvocastezero1838]

This song gives me flashbacks of getting beat up by Matt Damon.

[@ernie1238]

Your insane. Should have hit #1. Glad I didn't subscribe. This said a lot about you guys taste in music.😢

[@davidj9163]

If i remember correctly, it won a grammy award.

[@abmqa]

Who lives at 221B Baker Street in London? 😮

[@heliotropezzz333]

No one.

[@terrisue4059]

That's my junior/senior year of high school. Dang, the old, old days for me.

[@ksparks3603]

Rafferty died of alcoholism. This was his biggest hit. Listen or read the lyrics. It is a song of missed opportunity and regret.

[@GinMae]

Thanks for listening to Gerry - did you know he was also the lead singer in "Steelers Wheel"? song you would know is "Stuck in the Middle with You"...

[@billybob-bm4mn]

Three deadbeats reviewing a classic iconic song.

[@carolmock6035]

Shadow Dancing? Really!

[@ComplicatedLife1]

You guys selected the AM Radio edit to play. There’s a longer video available that includes another sax interlude, a more fleshed out guitar lead and and a sax fade out. I give you an F for not doing research

[@KevinPierce-pu4bd]

This isn't the best recording of this. Those horns really blare with a lot of emotion. Seems kinda dead on this. Still ok but not the way its meant to be heard. I would highly suggest listening to another recording of this. Perhaps then you would see why it is so highly regarded. Sax on this song may be the best ever.The one with lyrics would have been a much, much better choice for this song. Really guys.

[@jskit92380]

The studio version is 1000 % times better. Thanks guys ☮🖤🤘

[@monchorga]

There's a an extended version of this song. They faded the song out.

[@michaelcatapano527]

This song is a F you to his music company. He wants out of his contact. Didn't make any music until his contract was up.

[@nelliejewell2665]

I can’t “like” this song because it wasn’t the right version.

[@albertlorenzo655]

It is a Jazz car cruz song . Tell it's own story

[@elisehamilton7878]

Does he ever stop talking 😂

[@RalphWigg1]

Shame this is the shortened version!

[@lindasalaki9404]

Yes, remember hearing the song , but wasn't one of my favorite 😮

[@ed.z.]

Turn the music up.

[@tannonwraith4692]

Great song, great memories. At least you got to hear something you've never heard before.

[@chrislc35]

volume is so low...

[@mary.e645]

Of course we know this amazing song, where have you been under a rock?

[@EarthWalker2023]

Awesome song 🎵

[@jasonwales6502]

This tops the list of best British songs in polls fairly often..given the competition that’s some high praise…

[@Kathiebaxter]

I can’t take the emotional contrast between the outrageously beautiful sax riff and the tone of the vocals.I listen waiting for the sax to come back..... it doesn’t hold together.

[@loisrogers9042]

Please listen to him in Stealers Wheel. BTW, the lyrics are nice.

[@ItsTimeToSaveAmerica]

This song is 🔥🔥🔥

[@joepimentel306]

Billboard Top 100 was the barometer to go by with songs

[@jgilbertify]

Uber cool........................

[@robynhurley5119]

Loved gerry in my youth. Love right down the line still listening at 55