"Lucky Man" by Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake died yesterday at age 69 from cancer. I did not have time to write a eulogy for him today, but I wanted to acknowledge his passing (I will have a eulogy for him Saturday). I thought what better way to acknowledge his death than with the first song he ever wrote. It also happens to be my favourite Emerson, Lake & Palmer song.

Greg Lake wrote "Lucky Man" when he was only twelve years old, not long after his mother had bought him a guitar. While recording their self-titled debut album, Emerson, Lake & Palmer found they were short one song. Greg Lake then played "Lucky Man" for Keith Emerson and Carl Palmer. Messrs. Emerson and Palmer did not particularly care for the song, then an acoustic ballad for guitar. It was then reworked into the form it took on the record.

"Lucky Man" would be released as a single and saw some success. It peaked at  number 48 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and reached no. 25 in Canada. It was released again as a single in 1973 where it once more reached the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at no. 51.

Here, without further ado, is "Lucky Man" by Emerson, Lake & Palmer.