Lucky Man (The Verve song)


"Lucky Man" is a song by English rock band The Verve. It was written by singer Richard Ashcroft. The song was released as the third single from the band's third studio album, Urban Hymns. It was released on 24 November 1997, charting at number seven on the UK Singles Chart. The song was also the band's second top 20 hit on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart in the United States, climbing to number 16. In Canada, "Lucky Man" peaked at number 25 on the RPM Top Singles chart. It also reached the top 40 in Finland, Iceland, Ireland and New Zealand.

Background

The final B-side on CD 2 of the UK release, "Happiness More or Less", was a remix of the title track made by guitarist Nick McCabe after another B-side was needed for the release. All of the guitar and most of the vocal parts were taken out, leaving the drums, bass and strings. Another B-side on CD 2, "MSG", was an alternate version of "Bitter Sweet Symphony", which featured the percussion and bass line from that song, with psychedelic soundscapes added. An earlier single from the band, "History", was included as a B-side on CD 1. Lucky Man was remastered in 2004 for the film The Girl Next Door. It also appeared in the soundtrack for Marley and Me .

Music videos

The UK version of the video was directed by Andy Baybutt and sees the band in the , adjacent to the ; this is situated near Hammersmith, west London in post code W6 9HA. Richard Ashcroft sings the song whilst playing an acoustic guitar; the rest of the band look on. The Thames Wharf Complex was designed by Sir Richard Rogers. The US version was shot in New York City, featuring the band in an apartment and then travelling to a mountain top.

Reception

's Bono listed the song as one of six songs released between 1986–2006 that he wished he'd written.

Track listings

CD 1
  1. "Lucky Man" – 4:57
  2. "Never Wanna See You Cry" – 4:31
  3. "History" – 5:08
CD 2
  1. "Lucky Man" – 4:57
  2. "MSG" – 7:00
  3. "The Longest Day" – 7:21
  4. "Lucky Man " – 4:57
Cassette
  1. "Lucky Man" – 4:57
  2. "Never Wanna See You Cry" – 4:31
7"
  1. "Lucky Man" – 4:57
  2. "Never Wanna See You Cry" – 4:31
12"
  1. "Lucky Man" – 4:57
  2. "Never Wanna See You Cry" – 4:31
  3. "MSG" – 7:00
  4. "Longest Day" – 7:21
Promo CD
  1. "Lucky Man" – 4:57

    US version

In 1998 "Lucky Man" was released in America. The single was distributed by Virgin Records
Promo CD
  1. "Lucky Man" – 4:20
  2. "Lucky Man" – 4:53
  3. "Lucky Man" – 0:10
  4. "Lucky Man" – 0:13
  5. "Lucky Man" – 0:10

    Australian version

CD
  1. "Lucky Man" – 4:57
  2. "MSG" – 7:00
  3. "Longest Day" – 7:21
  4. "Lucky Man " – 4:57

    French version

CD
  1. "Lucky Man" – 4:53
  2. "Never Wanna See You Cry" – 4:30

    Charts and certifications

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Chart Position
Canada Top Singles 99

Certifications