Make It With You – Bread (Hit from1970)

Ah, yes, Make It With You by Bread. A timeless classic that perfectly encapsulates the optimistic spirit of the early 1970s. Released in 1970, the song became the band’s only number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, propelling them to superstardom and cementing their place in pop music history.

But Make It With You is much more than just a chart-topper. It’s a beautifully crafted song that speaks to the universal yearning for connection and shared dreams. The mastermind behind it all? David Gates, the singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who was the driving force behind Bread. Gates wasn’t new to the music scene. Before forming Bread, he had already established himself as a talented songwriter, penning hits for artists like The Monkees and even Elvis Presley. However, it was with Bread that he truly found his voice.

Bread’s sound was a unique blend of folk, pop, and soft rock. Their music was characterized by lush acoustic arrangements, soaring melodies, and Gates’s distinctive tenor vocals. Make It With You perfectly exemplifies this signature style. The song opens with a gentle acoustic guitar riff, quickly joined by a warm melody that sets the tone for the entire piece. Gates’s vocals are smooth and inviting, drawing the listener into the narrative.

The lyrics themselves are deceptively simple. The narrator expresses a heartfelt desire to build a life with someone special. Lines like “Hey, have you ever tried really reaching out for the other side?” and “Dreams are there for those who sleep, life is for us to keep” showcase a hopeful and idealistic outlook. There’s a sense of vulnerability too, with the singer acknowledging that the other person might not know them well yet: “You don’t know me well and every little thing only time will tell.” But despite the uncertainties, the central message remains clear: “I wanna make it with you. I really think that we could make it.”

Make It With You resonated deeply with audiences in 1970. It was a time of social change and upheaval, but also a time of great hope and optimism. The song’s message of love, commitment, and following your dreams struck a chord with a generation yearning for a brighter future. The song transcended its time period, however, and continues to be a popular choice for weddings, romantic playlists, and even movie soundtracks.

There’s something undeniably comforting and reassuring about Make It With You. It’s a song that reminds us of the power of love and the importance of chasing our dreams, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. So, put on your favorite record, turn up the volume, and let yourself be swept away by the timeless magic of Make It With You.

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Lyrics

“Make It With You”