3:04
The Mason Williams Phonograph Record, 1968
Written by Mason Williams
What's with that title? The song was originally named "Classical Gasoline," as in metaphorical "fuel" for the classical guitar repertoire. It peaked on the charts at number two, behind the Doors' "Hello, I Love You." Those were the days when the charts were more organic and had a lot of variety, and music was warm and real and the streets were paved with gold. This is an orchestral pop based around fingerpicked guitar, with lush arrangements and rhythmic urgency. There are even hints of what would later be called disco (some of more intense flourishes on this song would be at home on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack).