Bread – Make it with you

Bread – “Make It with You”: A Classic Soft Rock Ballad of Love and Aspiration

Released in 1970, “Make It with You” by Bread became one of the most enduring hits of the early 1970s and a quintessential track in the soft rock genre. Written by David Gates, the lead singer and primary songwriter for the band, the song is a tender ballad that explores themes of love, intimacy, and the desire for connection. With its gentle melody, heartfelt lyrics, and smooth delivery, “Make It with You” captured the hearts of listeners around the world and solidified Bread’s place in music history.

1. The Story Behind “Make It with You”

“Make It with You” was written by David Gates, who was deeply influenced by the folk, pop, and rock music of the 1960s. Bread, a band that Gates formed in 1968, was known for its mellow sound and melodic pop-rock tunes, and “Make It with You” was a natural extension of that style. It was the band’s first major hit, released as a single from their self-titled album “Bread”, and it quickly became a commercial success.

The song’s lyrics express a longing for a deep, meaningful connection with someone, as well as the hope to turn that connection into something lasting and intimate. In writing the song, Gates sought to capture the idea that love is not just a fleeting emotion but a shared journey between two people, one that requires trust, understanding, and mutual desire.

Gates drew inspiration from his own experiences and feelings of vulnerability, which resonated with many listeners. “Make It with You” was a departure from the more upbeat rock tunes of the era, embracing a gentler, more introspective sound that would become a defining characteristic of Bread’s music.

2. The Lyrics: A Tender Expression of Love and Desire

At its core, “Make It with You” is about the desire to connect with someone on a deeper level. The lyrics express both romantic yearning and the hope for a lasting relationship. Lines like:

“Hey, have you ever tried,
Really reaching out for the other side?
I may be climbing on a rainbow,
But baby, here it goes.”

These opening lines convey the vulnerability that comes with opening up to someone and the uncertainty that often accompanies love. The imagery of “climbing on a rainbow” suggests that the pursuit of love may seem idealistic or uncertain, yet it’s worth the effort.

The chorus, with its simple yet powerful refrain, further emphasizes the desire to build a meaningful relationship:

“I want to make it with you,
I really think that we could make it, girl.”

This line captures the song’s theme of hope and determination, making the listener feel the earnestness of the narrator’s desire to make a connection that is genuine and lasting.

While the lyrics are straightforward, their emotional impact is undeniable. The combination of hope, uncertainty, and intimacy gives the song a timeless quality that resonates with anyone who has ever yearned for love or connection.

3. The Music and Arrangement: Soft Rock at Its Finest

 Bread – Make it with you
Bread – Make it with you

Musically, “Make It with You” is a prime example of soft rock, a genre that blends the mellow feel of folk and pop with the instrumentation and structure of rock music. The song’s instrumental arrangement is simple yet beautiful, with a smooth piano-driven melody that sets the tone for the lyrics. The lush, layered sound of the piano, complemented by gentle guitar strumming and subtle percussion, gives the song a dreamy, soothing feel that enhances its romantic message.

David Gates’ voice is a key element of the song’s appeal. His soft, emotive vocal delivery is perfectly suited to the song’s tender lyrics. Gates’ voice captures the earnestness and vulnerability of the lyrics, making it easy for the listener to connect with the emotion he’s conveying. The production is polished, with a smooth, radio-friendly sound that helped the song appeal to a wide audience.

The song’s soft yet dynamic arrangement builds as it progresses, with the chorus standing out as a moment of emotional release. The instrumentation is never overpowering, allowing the song’s gentle rhythm and melody to shine through, creating a feeling of intimacy and warmth.

4. The Commercial Success of “Make It with You”

When “Make It with You” was released as a single, it became a massive commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The song’s appeal was broad, attracting listeners from across the pop, rock, and adult contemporary markets. It also charted well internationally, making it a global hit.

The success of “Make It with You” was instrumental in the rise of Bread as one of the defining bands of the 1970s soft rock movement. The song’s popularity established David Gates as a gifted songwriter and helped solidify the band’s place in the mainstream music scene. The song remains one of their most iconic tracks and is often considered their signature song.

5. Bread’s Influence on Soft Rock and Pop Music

“Make It with You” is often cited as one of the classic examples of soft rock, a genre that flourished during the 1970s. The song’s mellow, romantic style helped pave the way for other artists and bands to explore a similar sound. Bread’s music, characterized by smooth melodies, emotionally-driven lyrics, and gentle arrangements, became a major influence on subsequent soft rock artists such as Seals & Crofts, Carpenters, and America.

The song’s success also helped popularize the idea of love songs with introspective, personal lyrics, which became a hallmark of soft rock. The emotional depth of the song and its accessibility helped it reach a wide audience, making it a timeless classic.

6. “Make It with You” and Its Lasting Legacy

Today, “Make It with You” remains a beloved ballad that is still widely played on classic radio stations, in films, and during nostalgic moments. The song’s gentle, tender tone continues to evoke feelings of warmth and longing, and its message of love and aspiration resonates just as much now as it did when it was first released.

Its place in the history of soft rock is secure, and it remains one of the most enduring examples of the genre. David Gates’ tender songwriting and performance, coupled with the simple yet beautiful musical arrangement, make “Make It with You” a song that transcends its era, continuing to find new listeners and bringing a sense of emotional comfort to those who hear it.

7. Conclusion

“Make It with You” by Bread is a classic soft rock anthem that perfectly encapsulates the romantic and introspective spirit of the early 1970s. With its tender lyrics, soothing melody, and heartfelt delivery, the song has become an enduring favorite, touching listeners with its message of love, connection, and hope. Bread’s ability to craft a song that is both emotionally deep and universally relatable has ensured that “Make It with You” remains one of the most beloved tracks of its time, a timeless ballad that continues to resonate with audiences across generations.

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Lyrics

Hey, have you ever tried
Really reaching out for the other side
I may be climbing on rainbows
But baby, here goes

Dreams, they’re for those who sleep
Life is for us to keep
And if you’re wondering what this song is leading to
I want to make it with you
I really think that we could make it, girl

No, you don’t know me well
In every little thing only time will tell
But you believe the things that I do
And we’ll see it through

Life can be short or long
Love can be right or wrong
And if I chose the one I’d like to help me through
I’d like to make it with you
I really think that we could make it, girl

Baby, you know that dreams, they’re for those who sleep
Life is for us to keep
And if I chose the one I’d like to help me through
I’d like to make it with you
I really think that we could make it, girl

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