Blues Rock

The song was written by group member Steve Winwood and record producer Jimmy Miller. In 1967, the single went to #9 on the U.K. Singles Chart and #10 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. “I’m a Man” was also on their 1967 album I’m A Man, and was it was the last hit single before Steve and Muff Window left to pursue other adventures.

The Spencer Davis group formed in Birmingham, England, in 1963. They consisted of the Welsh guitarist Spencer Davis, Steve Winwood (vocals, organ), Muff Winwood, (bass), and Pete York (drums). Muff Winwood named the band because he said, “Spencer was the only one who enjoyed doing interviews, so I pointed out that if we called it the Spencer Davis Group, the rest of us could stay in bed and let him do them.” In 1967, Steve Winwood left to form Traffic, and Muff went to Island Records as an A&R man.

Here are the lyrics to “I’m a Man” by The Spencer Davis Group:

“Well, my pad is very messy
And there’s whiskers on my chin
And I’m all hung up on music
And I always play to win

I ain’t got no time for lovin’
‘Cause my time is all used up
Just to sit around creatin’
All that groovy kind of stuff

But I’m a man, yes I am
And I can’t help
But love you so

But I’m a man, yes I am
And I can’t help
But love you so

Well, if I had my choice of matter
I would rather be with cats
All engrossed in mental chatter
Movin’ where our minds are at

And relatin’ to each other
Just how strong our wills can be
I’m resisting all involvement
With each groovy chick we see

Well, I’m a man, yes I am
And I can’t help
But love you so

But I’m a man, yes I am
And I can’t help
But love you so

I got to keep my image
While suspended from a throne
That looks out upon a kingdom
Full of people all unknown

Who imagine I’m not human
And my heart is made of stone
I never had no problems
And my toilet’s trimmed with chrome

I’m a man, yes I am
And I can’t help
But love you so

I’m a man, yes I am
And I can’t help
But love you so”

For another song by The Spencer Davis Group: “Gimme Some Lovin’.”

Check Out The Groove Pad for More 1960s Music

The Pass the Paisley Groove Pad is a resting stop, a place to chill out and listen to the featured song on the stereo. If the mood strikes you, click on the juke box to access and listen to the 50+ free online songs there. The TV has several channels, with selections updated twice a week. Every now and then, Pass the Paisley hosts an all-request of 1960s and 1970s songs for a Be-In at the juke box in the Groove Pad. Keep on truckin’. Hope you enjoyed “I’m a Man” by The Spencer Davis Group.”