"I Cheat the Hangman" | ||||
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![]() Australian A-side vinyl label | ||||
Single by The Doobie Brothers | ||||
from the album Stampede | ||||
B-side | "Music Man" | |||
Released | November 12, 1975 | |||
Genre | Rock | |||
Length | 6:28 | |||
Label | Warner Bros. | |||
Songwriter(s) | Patrick Simmons | |||
Producer(s) | Ted Templeman | |||
The Doobie Brothers singles chronology | ||||
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"I Cheat the Hangman" is a song by American rock band the Doobie Brothers released on November 12, 1975, as the third and final single from their album Stampede . The song spent four weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 60.
The song was written by the band's guitarist, Patrick Simmons, and recounts the story of a man who leaves the gallows. Simmons stated that: "I think the piece may have been inspired by An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge , by Ambrose Bierce. It has the feel of an old west ghost town. In fact, it's about a ghost who doesn't realize he's dead returning to his home after the Civil War." [1] According to Jeff Baxter, "I Cheat the Hangman" was done in three parts. [2] The instrumentation includes guitars, piano, vocals strings, bass and drums. [3]
Billboard called it an "acoustic cut somewhat along the line of "Black Water," but featuring more vocal harmonies and an easier overall sound" and that it is a "Change of pace for the generally rocking group, but one that should score well for them." [4] Cashbox called it a "rather lengthy piece quite unlike any previous single release from this supergroup" and that it "is a low-key ballad carried by a single, melodic voice against flowing guitar picking that grows into beautiful vocal harmony from the group, soon to segue into sustained orchestration holding a sweeping power chord under which some jazz improvisation goes on." [5] Record World stated that it is a "searing ballad that relies on a strong vocal harmony sound." [6]
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Vocals | Length |
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1. | "I Cheat the Hangman" | Patrick Simmons | Simmons, Maria Muldaur | 6:34 |
2. | "Music Man" | Tom Johnston | Johnston | 3:28 |
Chart (1975) | Peak position |
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US Billboard Hot 100 [7] | 60 |