About the song
The Statler Brothers’ “The Class of ’57” is a beautifully crafted song that evokes nostalgia and sentimentality, reflecting the group’s deep connection to storytelling through music. Released in 1969, this song became a significant part of their debut album, The Statler Brothers, and has since become one of their most beloved tracks.
Written by the group’s own members, Don Reid and Harold Reid, “The Class of ’57” is a poignant tribute to the experiences and emotions of a high school graduating class. The song paints a vivid picture of the lives and dreams of the classmates, offering a snapshot of their futures as they leave behind their school years. Through its evocative lyrics and gentle melody, the song captures the bittersweet feelings of moving on and the passage of time.
Chart-wise, “The Class of ’57” made quite an impression, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. This success not only highlighted the Statler Brothers’ skill in crafting memorable music but also solidified their place in the country music landscape during the late 1960s.
The album The Statler Brothers showcased the group’s exceptional harmonies and storytelling abilities, with “The Class of ’57” standing out as a track that deeply resonates with listeners. Its narrative quality and emotional depth illustrate why the Statler Brothers became known for their ability to blend traditional country music with compelling, relatable lyrics.
In summary, “The Class of ’57” remains a timeless piece that continues to capture the hearts of listeners. It’s a shining example of the Statler Brothers’ talent for creating songs that not only entertain but also provoke reflection on the shared experiences of life and memory. For anyone who appreciates heartfelt storytelling in music, this song is a cherished classic that embodies the essence of country music’s golden era.
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Lyrics
Tommy’s selling used cars
Nancy’s fixing hair
Harvey runs a grocery store
And Margaret doesn’t care
Jerry drives a truck for Sears
And Charlotte’s on the make
And Paul sells life insurance
And part-time real estate
Helen is a hostess
Frank works at the mill
Jenett teaches grade school
And probably always will
Bob works for the city
And Jack’s in lab research
And Peggy plays organ at the Presbyterian Church
And the class of ’57 had its dreams
We all thought we’d change the world with our great works and deeds
Or maybe we just thought the world would change to fit our needs
The class of ’57 had its dreams
Betty runs a trailer park
Jan sells Tupperware
Randy’s on an insane war
And Mary’s on welfare
Charlie took a job with Ford
And Joe took Freddie’s wife
Charlotte took a millionaire
And Freddie took his life
John is big in cattle
Ray is deep in debt
Where Mavis finally wound up is anybody’s bet
Linda married Sonny
Brenda married me
And the class of all of us is just part of history
And the class of ’57 had its dreams
But living life, day and day, is never like it seems
Things get complicated when you get past eighteen
But the class of ’57 had its dreams
Oh, the class of ’57 had its dreams