Friday March 4, 2022 “Chest Fever” The Band (Richard Manuel)

In a group remembered for their vocal talent, Richard Manuel was often seen as the lead singer. His is the first voice you hear on “Tears of Rage” on the Band's legendary debut album, Music From Big Pink, and his is the last voice heard on that album, a lonesome falsetto on Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Released".

Manuel grew up in Stratford Ontario listening to country music, eventually discovering R&B, which would become a huge influence on his singing. Many have compared his vocal qualities to Ray Charles.  Like most of the future members of The Band, Richard Manuel was a part of Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks playing piano with that group.

As a member of the Hawks, Richard Manuel was part of one of the hottest touring bands of it’s time but the members grew tired of Ronnie Hawkins limiting songs and split in 1963 to record and tour with Bob Dylan.  The Band was the backing group that audiences hated and booed when Dylan went ‘electric’ but they soldiered on and maintained a friendship with Dylan moving to Woodstock to record their legendary debut album.

Legend suggests that the group originally wanted to be called The Honkies of The Crackers both of which were wisely rejected by their record label.  They settled on The Band because it was both humbe and presumptuous and reflected their association with Dylan when they were simply referred to as ‘the band’.

Robbie Robertson of The Band is given credit for writing for today’s song “Chest Fever” which was based on a guitar lick he came up with plus Garth Hudson’s organ introduction which is built on Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor, but the lyrics were done by Levon Helm and Richard Manuel.  

Robertson has dismissed the importance of the lyrics saying,  "I'm not sure that I know the words to 'Chest Fever'.  I'm not even so sure there are words to 'Chest Fever”.

Richard Manuel sadly took his own life on March 4, 1986 at age 42 as a result of years of substance abuse.

Stay safe and well…and for Mr. Robertson’s benefit we have the lyrics below.

I know she's a tracker

Any style that would back her

They say she's a chooser

But I just can't refuse her

She was just there, but then she can't be here no more

 And as my mind unweaves

I feel the freeze down in my knees

But just before she leaves, she receives

 She's been down in the dunes

And she's dealt with the goons

Now she drinks from a bitter cup

I'm trying to get her to give it up

She was just here, I fear she can't be there no more

 And as my mind unweaves

I feel the freeze down in my knees

But just before she leaves, she receives

 It's long, long when she's gone

I get weary holding on

Now I'm coldly fading fast

I don't think I'm gonna last very much longer

 "She's stoned," said the Swede

And the moon calf agreed

But I'm like a viper in shock

With my eyes in the clock

She was just there somewhere and here I am again

 And as my mind unweaves

I feel the freeze down in my knees

But just before she leaves, she receives