Walk Like A Man – Grand Funk | Top 40 Chart Performance, Story and Song Meaning
Chart Performance: Pop (#19); 1974
Story Behind The Song By Ed Osborne
Although its second #1 smash, The Loco-Motion , was a remake of an oldie from 1962, Grand Funk’s Walk Like A Man was not – despite the identical title – an updating of the 4 Seasons’ 1963 hit.
Instead, it was an original written by Funksters Mark Farner and Don Brewer. Walk Like A Man was Grand Funk’s vision of masculinity wrapped up in muscular guitar chords, a thumping rhythm, and a snarling Don Brewer vocal.
About the only thing in common with the Seasons’ single was the “Walk like a man/Talk like a man” chorus couplet. The Jersey boys’ 45 soared to #1 while Grand Funk’s stopped at #19.
However, in 1963 singles were king and in 1974 albums ruled the registers. And rule Grand Funk did. We’re An American Band roared to #2 in 1973; blocked from the top by the Allman Brothers Band and Brothers And Sisters.
This content and all Song Meaning articles were created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Ed Osborne. © 2024 Ed Osborne. All Rights Reserved. In addition to these song meaning articles, Ed has written our “Year in Music 1960s-1990s” articles.
Produced by:
- Todd Rundgren
Lyrics Written by:
- Don Brewer
- Mark Farner
Ed Osborne
Hi. I got my first record at age two and never looked back, spending a decades-long career in radio and the music business. Even after years of reading about and listening to all types of music, I am still fascinated by it. Apart from that, I’m endlessly intrigued by art, nature, and the inner lives of people (and dogs).