Common Man by The Weight Band

As a member of The Band, Jim Weider originally wrote "Common Man" with Levon Helm and Joe Flood during the 1991/92 sessions for the Band's Jericho album. The song was conceived for the common man: unable to keep his farm going, with financial institutions taking people for a ride, and auto manufacturing companies failing.

"It was about what was happening to average Americans at that time and - unfortunately - is still relevant today," said Weider. He first worked on it with Flood and then Helm. The Band demoed it with Levon Helm singing it but eventually wasn't selected for the album.

For the upcoming Weight Band record, Weider wrote some new lyrics with Flood and added a new bridge to it, updating the music. The focus of the song is focused on the plight of the common man. Michael Bram takes the lead on vocals in addition to playing harp. Albert Rogers added additional vocal harmony alongside Marty Grebb's harmonies and keyboard work and Brian Mitchell’s organ playing.

Jim Weider, Moon Haw Music (ASCAP)
Levon Helm, Little Lee Music LLC (ASCAP)
Joe Flood, Jungle Curry Music (BMI, administered by BMG)