About the song
“Hello It’s Me,” a timeless classic in Todd Rundgren’s musical repertoire, traces its origins back to the formative years of his career. Penned in 1967, it emerged as a poignant reflection on love and separation, encapsulated within a soulful melody. Initially released as the B-side to Nazz’s debut single “Open My Eyes” in 1968, the song gained unexpected traction when Boston’s WMEX radio station propelled it to number one, despite its secondary billing. This early success foreshadowed its enduring popularity.
Inspired by jazz musician Jimmy Smith’s stylings, Rundgren infused “Hello It’s Me” with a distinctive chord structure that resonated deeply with listeners. The song’s melancholic undertones and heartfelt lyrics struck a chord, earning it recurrent spots on the Billboard charts in subsequent years. Its evolution from a slow ballad with Nazz to a more upbeat rendition on Rundgren’s 1972 solo album “Something/Anything?” marked a pivotal transformation, eventually culminating in its 1973 release as a standalone single. This rendition soared to number five on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying Rundgren’s status as a formidable solo artist.
Musically, “Hello It’s Me” showcases Rundgren’s versatile talent, as he not only provided the lead vocals but also played piano, surrounded by a talented ensemble including Mark “Moogy” Klingman on organ, John Siomos on drums, and others who contributed to the song’s lush instrumentation. Its crossover appeal extended to various genres and adaptations over the decades, from its use in films like “Duets” and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” to covers by artists like Mary J. Blige and Erykah Badu, each interpreting the song through their unique stylistic lenses.
Beyond its musical legacy, “Hello It’s Me” has ingrained itself in popular culture, notably appearing in the pilot episode of “That ’70s Show” and more recently in HBO’s “And Just Like That…” Its enduring relevance underscores its universal themes of love and longing, resonating with audiences across generations.
Todd Rundgren’s creation continues to captivate listeners, transcending time and trends with its heartfelt melody and introspective lyrics. “Hello It’s Me” stands as a testament to Rundgren’s early brilliance and enduring influence in the landscape of American music.
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Lyrics
Hello, it’s me
I’ve thought about us for a long long time
Maybe I think too much but something’s wrong
There’s something here, doesn’t last too long
Maybe I shouldn’t think of you as mine
Seeing you or seeing anything as much I do you
I take for granted that you’re always there
I take for granted that you just don’t care
Sometimes I can’t help seeing all the way through
It’s important to me
That you know you are free
‘Cause I never want to make you change for me
Think of me
You know that I’d be with you if I could
I’ll come around to see you once in a while
Or if I ever need a reason to smile
And spend the night if you think I should
me
(That you know you are free) free
‘Cause I never want to make you change for me
Think of me
You, you know that I’d be with you if I could
Come around to see you once in a while
Or if I ever need a reason to smile
And spend the night if you think I should