Ricky Nelson
Ricky Nelson &
Ricky Nelson
Ricky Nelson
Ricky Nelson
Ricky Nelson
Ricky Nelson
Ricky Nelson
Ricky Nelson
Ricky Nelson
This song was inspired by an incident in October 1971 when Nelson played a concert at New York City’s Madison Square Garden with early rock musicians like Chuck Berry and Bobby Rydell. However, when Nelson tried to play his newer songs, the crowd booed. There is some dispute as to whether police act...
[Verse 1]
I went to a garden party to reminisce with my old friends
A chance to share old memories and play our songs again
When I got to the garden party, they all knew my name
No one recognized me, I didn't look the same
[Chorus]
But it's all right now, I learned my lesson well
You see, ya can't please everyone, so ya got to please yourself
[Verse 2]
And people came from miles around, everyone was there
Yoko brought her walrus, there was magic in the air
An' over in the corner, much to my surprise
Mr. Hughes hid in Dylan's shoes wearing his disguise
[Chorus]
[Verse 3]
Played them all the old songs, thought that's why they came
No one heard the music, we didn't look the same
I said, hello to "Mary Lou", she belongs to me
When I sang a song about a honky-tonk, it was time to leave
[Chorus]
[Verse 4]
Someone opened up a closet door and out stepped Johnny B. Goode
Playing guitar like a-ringin' a bell and lookin' like he should
If you gotta play at garden parties, I wish you a lotta luck
But if memories were all I sang, I rather drive a truck
[Chorus 2x]
Garden Party was written by Ricky Nelson.
Garden Party was produced by Ricky Nelson.