Cannonball (Supertramp song)
{{Short description|1985 single by Supertramp}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2021}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2012}}
{{Infobox song
| name = Cannonball
| cover = Supertramp Cannonball single cover.jpg
| alt =
| border = yes
| type = single
| artist = Supertramp
| album = Brother Where You Bound
| B-side = Ever Open Door
| released = 29 April 1985{{cite web|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1985/Music-Week-1985-04-27-I.pdf|title=Music Week|page=14}}
| recorded =
| studio =
| venue =
| genre = Progressive rock, jazz rock{{AllMusic|last=Adams|first=Bret|title=Brother Where You Bound|class=album|id=mw0000191947|access-date=22 August 2021}}
| length = 4:59(single version)
7:38 (album version)
7:42 (12-inch Direct-To-Disc"Audiophile"Version)
10:00 (12-inch Instrumental version)
| label = A&M
| writer = Rick Davies
| producer = Supertramp, David Kershenbaum
| prev_title = Still in Love
| prev_year = 1985
| next_title = Better Days
| next_year = 1985
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|cvfoyXfcwVU|"Cannonball"}}
}}
}}
"Cannonball" is the opening track from Supertramp's 1985 album Brother Where You Bound.
Overview
"Cannonball" was written and sung by keyboardist Rick Davies entirely in the chord of G minor. Davies stated in an interview "I did it simply to see if it could be done".
When “Cannonball” was released, the song’s lyrics (like “I’m washing my hands on you / How could you be so untrue”) were, contrary to belief, not about Roger Hodgson, but instead (according to a French radio interview) a “less than perfect” concert promoter Rick Davies wouldn’t name.{{cite web|url=https://foreveryoung80s.wordpress.com/2016/09/17/song-of-the-day-cannonball-supertramp-1985/|title=Song of the day |website=Billboard }}
The track became Supertramp's last US Top 40 single to date, peaking at number 28 on the Billboard singles charts in July 1985. It also crossed over to the dance charts, peaking at number nine.
On the B-side of the 12-inch release is a 10-minute instrumental version. {{Cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/Supertramp-Cannonball/release/2401138|title=Supertramp – Cannonball (1985, Vinyl)|website=Discogs |year=1985 }}{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1985-07-06|title=The Hot 100 Chart|magazine=Billboard }}
Near the LP version's fade-out, the brass play a citation of the Jazz tune Topsy.
The promo video was directed by Steve Barron and depicted a caveman who goes after his wayward cavewoman, who left his home to travel to modern day Grand Junction, Colorado, to see the band rehearsing the song on stage. When he sees her, he bellows...and wakes up to see the cavewoman there in the cave, realizing he had dreamed it all.
Personnel
- Rick Davies: piano, synthesizer, vocals
- John Helliwell: saxophones
- Bob Siebenberg: drums
- Dougie Thomson: bass
- Marty Walsh: guitar
- Doug Wintz: trombone
Chart performance
References
{{reflist}}
{{Supertramp}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cannonball (Supertramp Song)}}