The Shape I'm In

Album: Stage Fright (1970)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Band guitarist Robbie Robertson wrote this with pianist Richard Manuel in mind. Manuel, who also sings lead on the track, was terribly depressed for most of his life, and the song lightly refers to this. Manuel committed suicide in 1986.
  • Manuel played a clavinet on this track. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Joey - Athens, GA, for above 2

Comments: 2

  • Jim from Long Beach, CaThis is one of the highlight of "The Last Waltz". Richard Manuel R.I.P. my brother.........
  • Lafite from Ottawa, OnOne of my favorite songs by The Band. Richard Manuel's vocal is great on this. Too bad his contribution to the band was limited by his alcoholism and mental state. A band with 3 great lead singers. What a luxury.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Brandi Carlile

Brandi CarlileSongwriter Interviews

As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She still puts her heart into her songs, including the one Elton John sings on.

Muhammad Ali: His Musical Legacy and the Songs he Inspired

Muhammad Ali: His Musical Legacy and the Songs he InspiredSong Writing

Before he was the champ, Ali released an album called I Am The Greatest!, but his musical influence is best heard in the songs he inspired.

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Taylor Dayne

Taylor DayneSongwriter Interviews

Taylor talks about "The Machine" - the hits, the videos and Clive Davis.

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman Jack

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman JackSong Writing

The story of the legendary lupine DJ through the songs he inspired.

Black Sabbath

Black SabbathFact or Fiction

Dwarfs on stage with an oversize Stonehenge set? Dabbling in Satanism? Find out which Spinal Tap-moments were true for Black Sabbath.