"Aubrey" is a song written and composed by American singer-songwriter David Gates, and originally recorded by the soft rock group Bread, of which Gates was the leader and primary music producer. It appeared on Bread's 1972 album Guitar Man. The single lasted 11 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at number 15. In Canada the song reached only number 41 on the pop singles chart, but reached number 6 on the adult contemporary chart. In New Zealand, "Aubrey" reached number 8.

Background

David Gates wrote the song after watching Breakfast at Tiffany's starring Audrey Hepburn.

Musical structure and lyrics

The song features David Gates' solo voice, with no backup vocals or drumming. It relies on various melodic resources such as orchestral strings, acoustic guitar, celeste, and orchestra bells. In the lyrics, the singer talks about a longing for a girl named Aubrey for whom he had unrequited love ("the hearts that never played in tune"); perhaps a first love.

Chart history

Cover versions

Samples

Legacy

Actress Aubrey Plaza is named after this song.