The Logical Song (1979) 3/9/20

Rolling Stone Magazine called today's "Great Song of the '70s" a "small masterpiece."

The British Academy of Composers and Songwriters awarded it the 1980 "Ivor Novello Award for "Best Song, Both Musically and Lyrically.

Some people believe it's "a condemnation of an education system focused on categorical jargon as opposed to knowledge and sensitivity."

Composer Roger Hodgson says it came from the eternal question he struggled with during his 10 years at boarding school: "Who Am I?"

In any event, people all over the world have identified with Supertramp's "Logical Song," and the original 1979 chart positions are proof! It was a Top 20 song in 14 countries, including #1 in Canada and #6 in the US.

If the subject matter was thought provoking, the instrumentation was interesting to say the least. Rick Davies (co-composer and Supertramp co-founder) wrote instrumental parts that included castanets, tymbales, woodblocks, and sound effects from a Mattel electric football game.

TRIVIA: The German group Scooter released a techno-pop version in 2001 that was Top 10 in 11 countries--but did not chart in the US or Canada.

From 1979: Supertramp.

From 2001: Scooter: