The Shape I'm In (Robbie Robertson song)
Encyclopedia
The Shape I'm In is a song written by Robbie Robertson
. It was first issued by The Band
on their album
Stage Fright
in 1970, and sung by Richard Manuel
. It was also released as the b-side to their single
"Time to Kill," and proved more popular than the hit side, recognized by Capitol Records
in its promotion kit for the single. The mix used for the single is disputed, as the Band had second thoughts about the work of initial engineer Todd Rundgren
, and sent the tapes to be remixed by British engineer Glyn Johns
. Most likely it was the Johns mixes used for both the album and the single.
Writer Robertson did little to disguise the fact that the song's sense of dread and dissolution was about Band keyboardist Manuel, ironically the song's principal singer. It became a regular feature in their concert repertoire, appearing on their live albums Rock of Ages
, Before the Flood
, and The Last Waltz. Along with "The Weight
," it is one of the Band's songs most performed by other artists. It has been recorded by The Pointer Sisters, The Mekons and She & Him
.
Robbie Robertson
Robbie Robertson, OC; is a Canadian singer-songwriter, and guitarist. He is best known for his membership as the guitarist and primary songwriter within The Band. He was ranked 59th in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time...
. It was first issued by The Band
The Band
The Band was an acclaimed and influential roots rock group. The original group consisted of Rick Danko , Garth Hudson , Richard Manuel , and Robbie Robertson , and Levon Helm...
on their album
LP album
The LP, or long-playing microgroove record, is a format for phonograph records, an analog sound storage medium. Introduced by Columbia Records in 1948, it was soon adopted as a new standard by the entire record industry...
Stage Fright
Stage Fright (album)
Stage Fright is the third album by Canadian-American group The Band released in 1970. Much more of a rock album than its predecessors, it was a departure from their previous two efforts in that its tone was darker and featured less of the harmony vocal blend that had been a centerpiece of those two...
in 1970, and sung by Richard Manuel
Richard Manuel
Richard George Manuel was a Canadian composer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist, best known for his contributions to and membership in The Band....
. It was also released as the b-side to their single
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
"Time to Kill," and proved more popular than the hit side, recognized by Capitol Records
Capitol Records
Capitol Records is a major United States based record label, formerly located in Los Angeles, but operating in New York City as part of Capitol Music Group. Its former headquarters building, the Capitol Tower, is a major landmark near the corner of Hollywood and Vine...
in its promotion kit for the single. The mix used for the single is disputed, as the Band had second thoughts about the work of initial engineer Todd Rundgren
Todd Rundgren
Todd Harry Rundgren is an American multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and record producer. Hailed in the early stage of his career as a new pop-wunderkind, supported by the certified gold solo double LP Something/Anything? in 1972, Todd Rundgren's career has produced a diverse range of recordings...
, and sent the tapes to be remixed by British engineer Glyn Johns
Glyn Johns
Glyn Johns is a musician, recording engineer and record producer.-Career:He has worked with such artists as Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Easybeats, The Band, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Eagles, Eric Clapton, The Clash, The Steve Miller Band, Small Faces, Spooky Tooth, The Ozark...
. Most likely it was the Johns mixes used for both the album and the single.
Writer Robertson did little to disguise the fact that the song's sense of dread and dissolution was about Band keyboardist Manuel, ironically the song's principal singer. It became a regular feature in their concert repertoire, appearing on their live albums Rock of Ages
Rock of Ages (album)
-Side two:-Side three:-Side four:-2001 bonus disc track listing:-Personnel:* Rick Danko - vocal, bass, violin* Levon Helm - vocal, drums, mandolin* Garth Hudson - organ, piano, accordion, tenor saxophone and soprano saxophone solos...
, Before the Flood
Before the Flood
Side threeSide four-Personnel:* Bob Dylan – vocal, guitars, harmonica, piano* Robbie Robertson – electric guitar, backing vocal* Richard Manuel – vocal, piano, electric piano, organ, drums* Garth Hudson – Lowrey organ, clavinet, piano, synthesizer, saxophone...
, and The Last Waltz. Along with "The Weight
The Weight
"The Weight" is a song written by Robbie Robertson. It was released by The Band as Capitol Records single 2269 in 1968, and appeared one week later on the group's debut album Music from Big Pink. The song is listed as #41 on Rolling Stones 500 Greatest Songs of All Time published in 2004, and...
," it is one of the Band's songs most performed by other artists. It has been recorded by The Pointer Sisters, The Mekons and She & Him
She & Him
She & Him is an American indie pop duo consisting of Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward . The band's first album, Volume One, was released on Merge Records in March 2008...
.
Chart performance
| Chart (1971) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canadian RPM Singles Chart | 62 |