A reflective tale of finding a larger purpose in the vastness of life.
In the early 1970s, as the psychedelic haze of the previous decade began to clear and the music scene was shifting, a familiar voice emerged with a new sound. That voice belonged to Mark Lindsay, the charismatic frontman of the iconic garage-rock band Paul Revere & the Raiders. While the Raiders were known for their high-energy, revolutionary-era costumes and rebellious anthems, Lindsay was stepping out on his own to explore a more introspective and mature side of his artistry. It was during this period that he released “Something Big”, a song that would become the title theme for the 1971 Dean Martin western comedy film of the same name.
Written by the legendary songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David, “Something Big” is a quintessential example of their masterful work. The song’s gentle, sweeping melody, with its signature Bacharach horns and lush string arrangements, creates a sense of wide-open spaces and the quiet introspection of a journey. The lyrics, penned by David, speak to a yearning for something more—a desire to escape the mundane and find a grander, more significant purpose. It’s a theme that resonates deeply, particularly for those of us who have felt the quiet stirrings of change and the need to seek a new horizon. The song’s contemplative nature was a stark contrast to the driving rhythms of the Raiders, showcasing Lindsay’s versatility as a vocalist and his ability to convey a deep sense of emotion.
Despite being a beautifully crafted piece, “Something Big” didn’t achieve the massive commercial success of some of Lindsay’s earlier hits like “Arizona” or the Raiders’ “Indian Reservation.” It peaked at #43 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, placing it just outside the Top 40. Its relative lack of chart success can be attributed in part to the film it was tied to. The movie, also titled Something Big, was not a box-office smash, and the song, unfortunately, was overshadowed by the film’s poor performance. Nevertheless, for those who found it, the song became a cherished gem—a peaceful and poignant melody that offered a moment of reflection in a world that was always moving too fast.
Listening to “Something Big” today, it evokes a powerful sense of nostalgia. It takes us back to a time when a song could be a cinematic experience in itself, when the orchestration was as important as the lyrics, and when a voice could transport you to another place entirely. It’s a song that captures the spirit of a transitional era, both for the music world and for many of us personally. It’s about that universal feeling of knowing there’s something bigger out there for you, even if you don’t yet know what it is. It’s the sound of a dream taking root, a quiet promise of a future yet to be written.
The song’s legacy isn’t measured in its chart position, but in its ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level. It’s a gentle reminder that sometimes, the most profound changes begin with a whisper, not a shout. Mark Lindsay’s delivery is earnest and heartfelt, making the song an enduring piece of his solo work that deserves to be remembered and appreciated. It’s a song for anyone who has ever looked at the horizon and wondered what’s next—a timeless melody that still holds the power to inspire.