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Rod Stewart — Every Picture Tells A Story
Album: Every Picture Tells A Story
Avg rating:
7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 842









Released: 1971
Length: 5:49
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Spent time feelin' inferior standing' in front of my mirror
Combed my hair in a thousand ways, but I came out lookin' just the same
Daddy said, son, you better see the world
I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to leave
But remember one thing, don't lose your head to a woman that'll spend your bread
So I got out

Paris was a place you could hide away, if you felt you didn't fit in
French police wouldn't give me no peace, they claimed I was a nasty person
Down along the left bank, minding my own
Was knocked down by a human stampede
Got arrested for inciting a peaceful riot, when all I wanted was a cup of tea
I was accused

I moved on
Down in rome I wasn't getting enough
Of the things that keep a young man alive
My body stunk, but I kept my funk at a time when I was right out of luck
Getting desperate, indeed I was looking like a tourist attraction
Oh, my dear, I better get out of here for the vatican don't give no sanction
I wasn't ready for that, no, no

I moved right out east, yeah
On the peking ferry I was feeling merry, sailing on my way back here
I fell in love with a slant-eyed lady by the light of an eastern moon
Shanghai lil never used the pill, she claimed that it just ain't natural
She took me up on deck and bit my neck
Oh, people, I was glad I found her
Oh, yeah, I was glad I found here

I firmly believed that I didn't need anyone but me
I sincerely thought I was so complete
Look how wrong you can be
The women I've known I wouldn't let tie my shoe
They wouldn't give you the time of day
But the slant-eyed lady knocked me off my feet
God, I was glad I found her

And if they had the words I could tell to you
To help you on your way down the road
I couldn't quote you no dickens, shelley or keats
'Cause it's all been said before
Make the best out of the bad, just laugh it off
You didn't have to come here anyway, so remember

Every picture tells a story don't it?
Every picture tells a story don't it?
Every picture tells a story don't it?
Every picture tells a story don't it?
Every picture tells a story don't it?
Every picture tells a story don't it?
Comments (100)add comment
I’ve loved this song for decades and only just realised how dodgy some of the lyrics are by today’s standards. Still, a wonderful song, from an age when you could still take Rod seriously.
Posted 6 months ago by ScottishWillie    [ Reply ]
 WonderLizard wrote:

Acoustic guitar, bass, and drums—and this thing just rocks. Yes, I know there's some electric guitar in there, but it's the acoustic that drives it.



...and Kenny Jones' drums, as well.
Posted 2 years ago by ivoryjacket88    [ Reply ]
 jnhashmi wrote:

"I fell in love with a slit-eyed lady"...yikes.



Make the best out of the bad, just laugh it off. You didn't have to come here anyway.
Posted 2 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
Listening to the song, not scrolling to read the lyrics.

With that:

Could someone explain to me what a "Story Doughnut" is?
Posted 2 years ago by Hodgie    [ Reply ]
Great rock and roll song...Vintage Rod Stewart
Posted 2 years ago by avereaiii590    [ Reply ]
Yeah....but what about the drumming? 
Posted 2 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
 h8rhater wrote:

A lot of things have changed in the last, oh, 50 years.  Maybe not enough given the rise of h8 in 'Murica. This song is probably the least of our problems, though.


the irony is killing me 
Posted 2 years ago by jukes1    [ Reply ]
 h8rhater wrote:

A lot of things have changed in the last, oh, 50 years.  Maybe not enough given the rise of h8 in 'Murica. This song is probably the least of our problems, though.


I recall the Wokists trying to cancel "The Slants" because Orientals calling themselves such is Raaaaaaccciiisssssst. Yes, the Slants are all Oriental (forget if all one national group or several) and basically said (as all should) "Sod Off Swampy"
Posted 3 years ago by jpfueler    [ Reply ]
 jnhashmi wrote:

"I fell in love with a slit-eyed lady"...yikes.


A lot of things have changed in the last, oh, 50 years.  Maybe not enough given the rise of h8 in 'Murica. This song is probably the least of our problems, though.
Posted 3 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
 Relayer wrote:

Remember when Rod Stewart was actually made good music?  Pepperidge Farm remembers....



Yes, before he sold out.
Posted 3 years ago by skiboy53    [ Reply ]
my goodness
they just don't write them this anymore
especially with that kick ass drumming keeping time


I couldn't quote you no dickens, shelley or keats
'Cause it's all been said before
Make the best out of the bad, just laugh it off
You didn't have to come here anyway, so remember
Posted 3 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
"I fell in love with a slit-eyed lady"...yikes.
Posted 3 years ago by jnhashmi    [ Reply ]
 cmcisaac wrote:
How is this only rated a 6.9?
 
Er, because people like different music?  Personally I think 6.9 is generous.
Posted 3 years ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
Remember when Rod Stewart was actually made good music?  Pepperidge Farm remembers....
Posted 3 years ago by Relayer    [ Reply ]
 DaMoGan wrote:

I have always despised Rod Stewart's voice and music, but I hadn't heard this before.  He really used to sing like this? WTF happened to him? Bill, when you made your comment before this song, I was trying to guess who it would be.  I never expected Rod Stewart.
 
You need to look into his time in the Jeff Beck Group and the band Faces
Posted 3 years ago by opaceo    [ Reply ]
This. One of my all-time favorites, along with Too Bad from the Faces era. 
Posted 3 years ago by stratplans    [ Reply ]
Classic Album and song too....solid "9"...
Posted 3 years ago by neptunejeff    [ Reply ]
 cmcisaac wrote:
How is this only rated a 6.9?
 
Wasn't me.  Solid 8, minimum. 
Posted 3 years ago by ace-marc    [ Reply ]
How is this only rated a 6.9?
Posted 3 years ago by cmcisaac    [ Reply ]
Speaking of quoting lyrics from the song, in Rod's later live shows he cut the part that goes:

"I firmly believed that I/Didn't need anyone but me/I sincerely felt I was so complete/Look how wrong you can be/The women I've known I wouldn't let tie my shoe/They wouldn't give you the time of day/But the slit-eyed lady knocked me off my feet/God I was so glad I found her"

I always thought "Look how wrong you can be" fit well, but the rest always sounded particularly crude to me about women. Good on him to realize it.
Posted 4 years ago by tinypriest    [ Reply ]
 DanielHLloyd wrote:

I have always loved the drumming on this track, so if he is drunk pour him another!
 
Keith Moon-like drumming. 
Posted 4 years ago by tinypriest    [ Reply ]
 MattRudely wrote:
Drunk drummer.
 
I have always loved the drumming on this track, so if he is drunk pour him another!
Posted 4 years ago by DanielHLloyd    [ Reply ]
Drunk drummer.
Posted 4 years ago by MattRudely    [ Reply ]
 jhorton wrote:
This album is so beautiful.

How does someone do this and then go on to be Rod Stewart? 
 
Simple.  By being Rod Stewart and living his life and making his music the way that he wants to.
Posted 4 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
 2Hawks wrote:
Just can't stop hearing, "Every picture tells a story donut."
 

You beat me to it. I've always heard the same thing.
Posted 4 years ago by kazoo    [ Reply ]
Just can't stop hearing, "Every picture tells a story donut."
Posted 4 years ago by 2Hawks    [ Reply ]
 jhorton wrote:
This album is so beautiful.

How does someone do this and then go on to be Rod Stewart? 
 
Because at one time being Rod Stewart and playing with the Faces really meant rock & roll.  Heard them live a number of times.  Those were great concerts. 
Posted 4 years ago by garyalex    [ Reply ]
Not a big Rod fan, but this is pretty good.
Posted 4 years ago by bluematrix    [ Reply ]
 lovelyhelicopter wrote:
A great album. Thanks for playing this.
 

Agreed. Weird this is only 6.9. 
Never a Dull Moment is also Great.
More Rod and Faces. No Brainer.
Posted 4 years ago by ace-marc    [ Reply ]
Ronnie Wood?  Thanks Bill I never knew that.  And it explains a lot. 
Posted 4 years ago by Cueburned    [ Reply ]
 jhorton wrote:
This album is so beautiful.

How does someone do this and then go on to be Rod Stewart? 
 
Maybe his legs got hot?  (Sorry, that didn't work.)
Anyway, yes, the album is great.  Back in the days of 90-minute cassette tapes, this on one side and Gasoline Alley on the other made quite the double-header.
Posted 4 years ago by mread    [ Reply ]
Wonderful memories with this song. Better than a 6.9 rating.
Posted 4 years ago by iloveradio    [ Reply ]
A great album. Thanks for playing this.
Posted 5 years ago by lovelyhelicopter    [ Reply ]
I would like to go to a Rod Stewart concert, if the people who contain me would let me out of my padded cell.
Posted 5 years ago by ppopp    [ Reply ]
This says it all...

I couldn't quote you no dickens, shelley or keats
'Cause it's all been said before
Make the best out of the bad, just laugh it off
You didn't have to come here anyway, so remember...
Posted 5 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Perhaps my favorite story-song.  Rocking arrangement, even with an acoustic guitar and piano driving the song forward.

I firmly believed I didn't need anyone but me.  I sincerely believed I was so complete.  Look how wrong you can be!
Posted 5 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
From the messed up and out of control crash to start the verse—to the very end—This is a Masterpiece! Cape cod as a kid flying kites at West Dennis Beach... Oh yeah!
Posted 5 years ago by Tim_Coletti    [ Reply ]
The good old days when Rod was a hard drinking, womanizing stud, my kinda guy!
Posted 5 years ago by ImaOldman    [ Reply ]
 easmann wrote:
Had this at a 5. Just read the lyrics (*eyeroll*). 
Now I give it a big fat story donut: 0
Okay, closest I can get is a 1. 

Look, I get it, it's not 1971 anymore. Still, I was not a fan then and I'm less of one now.
 

LYRICS:  He's writing about some things that happened to him.  I remember it being in the news.
Posted 5 years ago by diannemck56    [ Reply ]
I was in New Orleans with some friends in '74, who were cutting an album at Sea-Saint studios, to take photos for their album cover. Got to meet Alan Tousaint and Marshall Sehorn who owned the studio and were producing the album for Island Records. When we were leaving at the airport I was sporting a long shag and high heel boots and with a bunch of long haired southern rockers.  The guy at the security gate was positive I was Rod, so I signed an autograph for him so we could leave... Ahh, the good old days.
Posted 5 years ago by ImaOldman    [ Reply ]
The backup singers are great on this one!
Posted 5 years ago by dtheb    [ Reply ]
"Every picture tells a story, donut!"
Posted 5 years ago by MrStatenIsle    [ Reply ]
{#Devil_pimp}still zesty !
Posted 5 years ago by primm    [ Reply ]
Here is what song writing is all about...

I couldn't quote you no dickens, shelley or keats
'Cause it's all been said before
Make the best out of the bad, just laugh it off
You didn't have to come here anyway, so remember
Posted 5 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Love This!
Posted 5 years ago by Tim_Coletti    [ Reply ]
 Skydog wrote:
17 in1971 and I thought that this was such a great adventure 

 
Me too Skydog and that year I loved his song 'Gasoline Alley' His acapella version can be seen on youtube and shows what a sensational voice he had/has.
Posted 5 years ago by funkyalfonso    [ Reply ]
 jhorton wrote:
This album is so beautiful.

How does someone do this and then go on to be Rod Stewart? 
 

How does anyone be themselves?   In his case by actually being Rod Stewart and exercising his free will, I suppose.  It's true that his career has bounced around, thru various genre and in out out of some folk's fashion, but thru it all he has been and continues to be Rod Stewart.   Now 5 decades on and still touring.

This most recent year with Cyndi Lauper all over North America.  He must be hitting some of those rock-and-roll notes as he is playing old Faces stuff and Stewart 70's rockers (like this song) along with later hits and covering the likes of Sam Cooke, Tom Waits, Van Morrison, Chuck Berry, Cat Stevens, and more.
Posted 5 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
I always liked his Faces work, and the blues he did with Jeff Beck.  I have this LP somewhere. 

He lost me in the mid-70's with his pop stuff.  Great voice but I thought it was misspent on the music he chose to record.
Posted 7 years ago by George_Tirebiter    [ Reply ]
This album is so beautiful.

How does someone do this and then go on to be Rod Stewart? 
Posted 7 years ago by jhorton    [ Reply ]
That crashing intro after the initial guitar figure. Yes!
Posted 7 years ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]
Remember when Rod Stewart wrote good music?   Pepperidge Farm remembers.   
Posted 7 years ago by Relayer    [ Reply ]
17 in1971 and I thought that this was such a great adventure 
Posted 7 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
I used to try and comb my hair like Rod (sigh) :^ /

"Every picture tells a story donut?"
Posted 8 years ago by dragon1952    [ Reply ]
Acoustic guitar, bass, and drums—and this thing just rocks. Yes, I know there's some electric guitar in there, but it's the acoustic that drives it.
Posted 8 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
Ahhhh,
one of the anthems of my youth
kicking ass back in the day (still sounds great today!)
always good memories
Posted 8 years ago by DanFHiggins    [ Reply ]
 dimar wrote:
Every picture tells a story, and this one is about a garage band that never got anywhere.  This is not even close to his best.  {#Headache}  I need an aspirin and some whiskey now....  Can't wait for this story to be over...

 
"Never got anywhere"?   What a ridiculous assertion.   Are you sure you haven't already had that whiskey (and too much of it at that)?

This is a great Rod the Mod classic from a time when his swagger was at it's peak and Boogie-Woogie-Rock-and-Roll RULED the world.


Posted 8 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
Well put BIll. Rod deserves respect for his solo work and the great stuff he put out with Ron Wood in The Faces.
Posted 8 years ago by Higgy    [ Reply ]
This really rocks. Great organic playing
Posted 8 years ago by boontonite    [ Reply ]
Every picture tells a story, and this one is about a garage band that never got anywhere.  This is not even close to his best.  {#Headache}  I need an aspirin and some whiskey now....  Can't wait for this story to be over...
Posted 8 years ago by dimar    [ Reply ]
when listening to Bob Dylan's "Tangled Up In Blue" i live it

same with this song 

relax Dylan fans i was just 17 when this came out
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
Like it
Posted 8 years ago by CHuLoYo    [ Reply ]


Sometimes pictures move ahead of the game, and do more than just telling stories.
Posted 9 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
 TerryS wrote:
And when he was bad................he was awful.

 
Thank you...yes, awful.
Posted 9 years ago by Foot    [ Reply ]
And when he was bad................he was awful.
Posted 9 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
one of the things that keeps a young man alive...
Posted 9 years ago by onerb    [ Reply ]
Saw Rod Stewart a few times. What a great performer!
Posted 9 years ago by LindyLuv    [ Reply ]
"...it's all been said before....

make the best out of the bad and just laugh it off. 

you didn't have to come here anyway..."


WORDS TO LIVE BY. THANKS ROD. 
 
Posted 9 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Wow... takes me back to high school, and one of my first crushes!  :-)
Posted 9 years ago by grahamdillabough    [ Reply ]
 rdo wrote:
Do you think this is better than Maggie May?   (i donut)
 
I dough.
 
Posted 9 years ago by colt4x5    [ Reply ]
Searching the world for my Eurotrash girl, circa 1968.
Posted 9 years ago by FlatCat    [ Reply ]
In my youth, a handful of songs inspired me to go out and see the world. This was, and still is, one of the best of them.  
Posted 9 years ago by robertomiller    [ Reply ]
 rdo wrote:
Do you think this is better than Maggie May?   (i donut)
 

Oh I do, maybe because Maggie has the major disadvantage of being run.....in....to....the.....ground.  But on a level playing field?  Who knows?  Love this song, Stewart put out some really good music during this period.
Posted 9 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 rdo wrote:
Do you think this is better than Maggie May?   (i donut)
 
Perhaps not, but Three Button Hand Me Down is:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeZ4FMIVqto (live in 1971)
Posted 9 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
 DaMoGan wrote:

I have always despised Rod Stewart's voice and music, but I hadn't heard this before.  He really used to sing like this? WTF happened to him? Bill, when you made your comment before this song, I was trying to guess who it would be.  I never expected Rod Stewart.

 
Try ANYTHING by the Faces and anything by Rod prior to 1977.  Good stuff.
Posted 9 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
I've always loved Maggie Bell's contribution.
And yes, I had this album, and nearly wore it flat. 
Posted 9 years ago by colt4x5    [ Reply ]
 DaMoGan wrote:

I have always despised Rod Stewart's voice and music, but I hadn't heard this before.  He really used to sing like this? WTF happened to him? Bill, when you made your comment before this song, I was trying to guess who it would be.  I never expected Rod Stewart.

 
I remember seeing Faces in concert in Detroit.  What a great band they were.  For me they were rock and roll personified. 
Posted 9 years ago by garyalex    [ Reply ]

I have always despised Rod Stewart's voice and music, but I hadn't heard this before.  He really used to sing like this? WTF happened to him? Bill, when you made your comment before this song, I was trying to guess who it would be.  I never expected Rod Stewart.
Posted 9 years ago by DaMoGan    [ Reply ]
Yes Bill, when Rod was good he was very good indeed.
Posted 9 years ago by bitbanger    [ Reply ]
Yes
Posted 9 years ago by onerb    [ Reply ]
Do you think this is better than Maggie May?   (i donut)
Posted 9 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
Lovely song.  Stewart's voice at its best.
Posted 9 years ago by FatPants    [ Reply ]
this voice … marvelous
Posted 10 years ago by pankman    [ Reply ]
Great album that has stood the test of time.
Posted 10 years ago by jhorton    [ Reply ]


 And notice the sudden reappearance regularly in daily playlist of RP of British rock singer Rod Stewart, 69 yr old, (Steampacket, The Jeff Beck Group, Faces) and Rod could have been a star football, and was the most talented footballer in the family and was a strong supporter of Arsenal FC. Why? Again be in fashion in US?  lol


Posted 10 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
 TerryS wrote:
Was a time you couldn't go into a pub or bar and not hear this album, it seems to have withstood several attacks of time since.

 
Yah, I agree- it sends me sailing down Memory Lane in a big way. It holds up through the years because its well written mateial, a great band and a iconic voice. Its kind of like listening to the early recordings of Fank Sinatra when his voice was that of a young man,sweet and flexible in a way that connotes some kind of innocence.
Posted 10 years ago by misterbearbaby    [ Reply ]
Wore this 8-track out for sure...{#Roflol}
Posted 10 years ago by STLBubbles    [ Reply ]
Was a time you couldn't go into a pub or bar and not hear this album, it seems to have withstood several attacks of time since.
Posted 10 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
Basic, I know, but I always loved the rhythm of this piece. Just a great groove.
Posted 10 years ago by rushed    [ Reply ]
Nice to hear this classic.  Best of RS, imo.
She claimed that it just ain't natural...
Posted 10 years ago by ScottN    [ Reply ]
{#Hearteyes}
Posted 10 years ago by shellbella    [ Reply ]
 Grammarcop wrote:
Every picture tells a story. Donut?

 
No thanks, I'll have a bagel.
Posted 10 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
I think there is a long list of artists whose first (solo) albums were their absolute bests.

It starts with Rod and George Harrison and goes from there. 
Posted 10 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
Yes, Rod was good back in the day.
All the Jeff Beck Group & Faces stuff and the first several solo albums (up to Atlantic Crossing +/-).
Then the wheels came off.
Posted 10 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Favorite album from my junior year in high school.   {#Eek}

Special meaning because I really did fall in love with a slant eyed lady.  {#Kiss}
Posted 10 years ago by renostve999    [ Reply ]
Not bad at all!. Honest rock n' roll.
Posted 10 years ago by Euskadita    [ Reply ]
Oh, man, that be sweet!
Posted 10 years ago by tnt_thomas    [ Reply ]
My favorite RS album. {#Daisy}
Posted 10 years ago by shellbella    [ Reply ]
Every picture tells a story. Donut?
Posted 10 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
 owchita wrote:
Good song from a good album

 
Close. Great song from a great album, actually. 
Posted 10 years ago by djengs    [ Reply ]
Good song from a good album
Posted 11 years ago by owchita    [ Reply ]