Cinderella Man by Rush

Album: A Farewell to Kings (1977)

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Songfacts®:

This is loosely based on a movie called Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, starring Gary Cooper as a man from a small town who inherits lots of money and moves to the big city.
Since joining the band in 1974, drummer Neil Peart has written the lyrics for Rush's songs. These lyrics are an exception - they were written by bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Mike - Mountlake Terrace, Washington, for above 2
Neil Peart (from "A Condensed Rush Primer," A Farewell to Kings Tourbook: "'Cinderella Man' is a strong story written by Geddy with some help from Alex, and it concerns some of his reactions and feelings engendered by the film Mr. Deeds Goes To Town. This one features a very unusual (for us) middle instrumental section that might even be called (shudder) funky!" >>>
Suggestion credit:
Rick - Omaha, NE
Like "Closer To The Heart," this features the rattle of a vibraslap, an unusual percussion instrument that was invented in 1967 as a modern-day jawbone. Instead of using animal bones, it uses a wooden ball connected to a box of metal teeth by a stiff wire. When the ball is struck, the vibration creates the distinct chatter.

Comments: 14

Rush B from Ontario, CanadaMr. Deeds Goes to Town Song is based on this 1930s movie and or the story behind it.
Daylight Cruzer from Glendale, Az.Was the song Wheels of Time by Rush included in the movie Wheel of Time? Curious.
Atomic from HoustonI just watched Mr Deeds. This song isn't 'loosely based' on the movie- it is a clear and concise telling of the story of the movie. Nothing 'loose' about it at all.
Mountain Mike from Arlington, TexasWas Cinderella Man about James Braddock the boxer?
Jkb from OhioLefty from Nj Yes it is Geddy
Lefty from NjWho is the vocalist for "Cinderella Man"?? obviously not Geddy
Trey from Kalamazoo, MtNeil can write lyrics almost as good as John Lennon's. That's saying something.
John from Asheville, NcI like this song. Strong song from Rush's first great record in my opinion. I'm not quite the fan of 2112...think it a tad overrated. To me it really started on Kings.
Stefanie from Rock Hill, ScWas Mr. Deeds Goes to Town remade several years ago as Mr. Deeds. Mr. Deeds has a similar primises, and it stars Adam Sandler I think in the character role that Gary Cooper originally played.
Robert from Schaumburg, Il Also see DIFFERENT STRING'S on the Permanent Waves album and not to mention Geds solo album for his songwriting skills,[ie} MY FAVORITE HEADACHE
Shelby from C-wood, KyRivendell(off of fly by night) was also written by geddy lee
Jesse from L.a., CaThis song was always one of my favorites. It's really upbeat.
Ryan from Albion, Nythere is now a movie being made called cinderella man about a boxer during the depression..wonder if they play this song....
Mike from Clinton, MaThis was not the only song Geddy wrote instead of Neil, Tears off of 2112 was also written by him with Lessons written by Alex.

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