About the song
“Make it with you.” Released in 1970 on their album On the Waters, this song wasn’t just a hit; it was a phenomenon, a cultural touchstone that came to define the burgeoning soft rock and singer-songwriter sound of the era. It’s far more than a simple tune; it’s a masterclass in mood and atmosphere, a song so beautifully crafted that it became the band’s first major hit, soaring to number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Its simple melody and heartfelt message have a power to transport that few other songs can ever claim.
The lyrics of “Make it with you,” penned by Bread’s primary songwriter David Gates, are a brilliant and direct chronicle of a person seeking a partner to build a life with. The song’s strength lies in its profound emotional honesty and its beautiful simplicity. The narrator is not just looking for a fling; he is in a state of mental and emotional escape from a life lived alone. The act of “making it” becomes a powerful metaphor for shedding the burdens of the world, finding solace in a partner, and embracing a simpler, more peaceful existence. The song is a gentle reminder that sometimes, the greatest relief comes from simply letting go and allowing yourself to be carried by the current. It’s a song about the kind of profound tranquility that makes the heart sing and the world stand still. Phrases like “Make it with you” and “I’m so glad we made it / I’m so glad we made it to the end” perfectly capture this blend of profound intimacy, hopeful romanticism, and a quiet search for inner peace. The song speaks to the universal human experience of seeking refuge from the stresses of life, the feeling of being in perfect harmony with a partner, and the deep emotional ache that comes from a love that can’t yet be. It resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt the sting of a silent, unrequited affection.
Bread’s vocal performance on “Make it with you” is nothing short of masterful and perfectly embodies the song’s gentle and authentic spirit. The lead vocal by David Gates is a showcase of remarkable smoothness, a touch of youthful fragility, and its effortless sincerity, delivering the lyrics with a palpable sense of genuine emotion and raw, lived-in conviction. He doesn’t have the powerhouse vocals of a diva, nor does he need them. Instead, he sings with a sweet, conversational tone that makes the listener feel as if they are overhearing a private confession from a friend. Gates’ brilliance lies in his unparalleled ability to infuse such a deeply personal and emotionally charged narrative with raw, authentic feeling, connecting with audiences on a visceral, empathetic level through the sheer honesty and breathtaking charm of his voice. It is a masterclass in conveying tender heartbreak and profound longing with a simple, understated grace.
The musical arrangement of “Make it with you” is a pristine example of the classic pop sound of the early 1970s, meticulously crafted to serve the powerful lyrical narrative and the exquisite vocal. It typically features a rich, gentle acoustic guitar that establishes a hypnotic, fingerpicked rhythm, often complemented by a soft, ethereal choir of backing vocals that adds a layer of dreamy beauty and a sense of shared experience. The instrumentation is elegant and restrained, never overpowering the voice but instead providing a rich, supportive bed for her emotional delivery. The iconic a cappella opening is a stroke of genius, immediately drawing the listener in with the sheer power and beauty of her voice alone. The production is clean, warm, and remarkably clear, ensuring that every instrumental nuance and, crucially, Bread’s incredible vocal are heard with astonishing clarity, enhancing the song’s profound emotional impact and its undeniable beauty. It’s an arrangement that feels both intimately personal and universally relatable, perfectly suited for a heartfelt ode to timeless devotion.
“Make it with you” resonated profoundly with audiences because its universal themes of love, hope, and the pain of a love that can never be are deeply understood and intensely felt. It remains a cherished track in Bread’s remarkable discography, a true signature song that further cemented their legacy as a master songwriter and a country legend. It is a timeless classic, a powerful and exhilarating reminder that sometimes, the most profound truth is found in the simple words, Make it with you.
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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
And every little thing only time will tell
If 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 there 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
I really think that we could make it, girl
