“The Drum,” released in May 1971 by Metromedia Records, was a significant single in the career of Bobby Sherman, a prominent teen idol of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Born Robert Cabot Sherman Jr. on July 22, 1943, in Santa Monica, California, Sherman had risen to fame with a string of hits including “Little Woman” (1969), “La La La (If I Had You)” (1969), “Easy Come, Easy Go” (1970), “Hey, Mister Sun” (1970), “Julie, Do Ya Love Me” (1970), and “Cried Like a Baby” (1971). By 1971, Sherman’s chart success was beginning to decline as musical tastes shifted, but he remained a beloved figure, known for his wholesome image, shaggy hair, and heartfelt vocals. “The Drum” reached No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 7 on the Billboard Easy Listening chart, and No. 2 in Canada, reflecting his continued appeal, particularly in the adult contemporary market.
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Written by Alan O’Day, a songwriter later known for his 1977 hit “Undercover Angel,” and produced by Ward Sylvester, the song marked a departure from Sherman’s earlier bubblegum pop hits, embracing a more introspective, folk-pop sound with a message-driven narrative. The recording likely featured a talented ensemble of session musicians, though specific details about the lineup are less documented than for Sherman’s earlier singles. The single’s B-side was “Free Now to Roam,” a lesser-known track. “The Drum” was included on Sherman’s album Portrait of Bobby, released in 1971, which showcased a more mature and varied approach to his music as he navigated an evolving industry.
In 1971, Sherman was juggling multiple career facets. His role in Here Come the Brides (1968–1970) had ended, but he starred in the short-lived sitcom Getting Together (1971–1972), a spin-off of The Partridge Family. His music career, bolstered by regular features in teen magazines like Tiger Beat and 16 Magazine, continued to connect with young fans, particularly teenage girls, though the rise of soft rock, glam, and singer-songwriter trends challenged the bubblegum pop formula. The release of “The Drum” came during a transitional period for Sherman, as he sought to adapt his sound while maintaining his fanbase.
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The song arrived in a cultural context where socially conscious music was gaining prominence, with artists like Marvin Gaye and Joni Mitchell addressing political and personal themes. The early 1970s were marked by social unrest, including the Vietnam War, civil rights struggles, and anti-war protests, making songs with thoughtful messages resonant. “The Drum” tapped into this zeitgeist, offering a reflective commentary on conformity and individuality that contrasted with Sherman’s earlier romantic hits.
Reasons Behind the Creation of “The Drum”
The creation of “The Drum” was a strategic effort by Metromedia Records to evolve Bobby Sherman’s musical identity while capitalizing on his established popularity. After a run of romantic pop hits, Sherman’s label recognized the need to align him with the changing musical landscape of 1971, which favored more introspective and message-driven songs. Alan O’Day, a skilled songwriter with a knack for crafting narrative-driven lyrics, was chosen to write a track that would showcase Sherman’s vocal sincerity while introducing a socially relevant theme. The song’s folk-pop style and philosophical message were designed to broaden Sherman’s appeal beyond his teen fanbase, targeting adult listeners who frequented the easy listening charts.
Producer Ward Sylvester, who had worked on Sherman’s recent projects, aimed to create a sound that balanced accessibility with depth, blending folk-inspired acoustic elements with pop sensibilities. The choice of O’Day as the songwriter reflected a deliberate move to position Sherman within the era’s singer-songwriter trend, which valued authenticity and storytelling. The song’s focus on individuality and resistance to conformity was timely, resonating with a generation questioning societal norms amidst the counterculture movement and anti-war sentiment.
Sherman’s personal context likely influenced the song’s emotional resonance, even though he did not write it. At 27, he was navigating a demanding career, a marriage to Patti Carnel, and the pressures of maintaining relevance as a teen idol in a shifting industry. His ability to convey genuine emotion—whether longing, joy, or conviction—made him an ideal interpreter for a song about personal freedom and self-awareness. The song’s theme of resisting external pressures may have echoed Sherman’s own experiences as a public figure expected to conform to a polished, heartthrob image.
The cultural landscape of 1971 played a significant role in the song’s creation. The early 1970s saw a surge in music that grappled with social and political issues, from war to identity. “The Drum” was crafted to tap into this desire for meaningful content, offering a subtle critique of conformity that aligned with the era’s emphasis on individuality and self-expression. Its release was timed to keep Sherman competitive in a market that included rising stars like James Taylor and Carole King, while also appealing to his loyal fans who were maturing alongside him.
The song also served as a way for Sherman to demonstrate artistic growth. As his teen idol status faced challenges from new musical trends, “The Drum” allowed him to explore a more mature, reflective side, moving beyond the romantic optimism of his earlier hits. Its message-driven narrative and introspective tone signaled his willingness to take creative risks, even as he remained a heartthrob for his devoted audience.
Content and Themes Conveyed Through “The Drum”
“The Drum” is a folk-pop ballad that explores themes of individuality, resistance to conformity, and the search for personal freedom. Delivered with Bobby Sherman’s warm, earnest vocals, the lyrics use the metaphor of a drum to critique the pressures of societal expectations, urging listeners to follow their own path. The song’s introspective tone and melodic simplicity, accented by acoustic guitars and a gentle rhythm, create a reflective mood that contrasts with Sherman’s earlier, more upbeat pop hits, offering a thoughtful meditation on self-awareness.
The lyrics open with a vivid metaphor: “Listen to the drum, it’s callin’ me to follow / Marchin’ to the beat, I find my heart is hollow.” The drum represents societal norms or external expectations, a relentless force that demands conformity. The narrator’s “hollow” heart suggests a sense of emptiness from blindly following this path, setting the stage for the song’s exploration of personal liberation. The imagery is both universal and evocative, resonating with listeners who feel pressured to conform in their own lives, whether in school, work, or society.
The chorus reinforces the song’s central message, with lines like “I won’t march to the drum, I’ll find my own way / Gonna live for the truth, gonna live for today.” Here, the narrator rejects the drum’s call, choosing instead to forge an authentic path guided by personal truth. The declaration to “live for today” reflects a carpe diem philosophy, emphasizing the importance of embracing individuality in the present moment. Sherman’s delivery—firm yet heartfelt—imbues the lyrics with conviction, making the narrator’s resolve feel inspiring and relatable.
The verses delve deeper into the narrator’s journey, reflecting on the consequences of conformity and the allure of freedom. Lyrics like “Every step I take, the drum keeps gettin’ louder / But I won’t lose my soul to someone else’s power” highlight the tension between external pressures and inner strength. The narrator acknowledges the drum’s influence but refuses to surrender his autonomy, portraying a quiet rebellion against societal expectations. The mention of “soul” adds emotional weight, framing the choice to resist as a matter of personal integrity.
Thematically, “The Drum” captures the universal struggle to maintain individuality in a world that often demands conformity. Its message resonated deeply in 1971, when young people were challenging authority through anti-war protests, the counterculture movement, and the pursuit of personal freedom. The song’s folk-pop style aligned with the era’s singer-songwriter aesthetic, offering a contrast to the bubblegum pop of Sherman’s earlier hits while retaining his signature sincerity.
The song’s universal appeal lies in its ability to connect with listeners across contexts. For Sherman’s young fans, navigating the pressures of adolescence and societal expectations, the song offered an anthem of self-empowerment. For adult listeners, its easy listening appeal and philosophical depth provided a reminder to prioritize authenticity. The gender-neutral framing of the narrator’s struggle made the song broadly accessible, allowing listeners to project their own experiences onto the lyrics.
The song also reflects the cultural mood of 1971, when music increasingly served as a platform for questioning societal norms. Its subtle critique of conformity and celebration of individuality aligned with the era’s emphasis on self-discovery, making it a timely addition to Sherman’s catalog. Ultimately, “The Drum” conveys a timeless message about the courage to resist external pressures and live authentically, showcasing Sherman’s ability to tackle meaningful themes with emotional resonance.