In 1959 Bennett put together the first version of the Rebel Rousers, his backing band. They were good enough to attract the attention of audio engineer and aspiring record producer Joe Meek, with whom they recorded several singles leased to Parlophone. During this period he used to visit a record store in Hayes, Middlesex called Rowley`s Gramophone Records, it was here that he enjoyed cups of coffee with owner Mr John Rowley and listening to the latest single releases. Even after he became famous, Cliff would still visit the shop. It was Mr Rowley that helped Cliff change management to Brian Epstein.
Bennett continued recording for Parlophone, including cover versions of "You've Really Got a Hold on Me" and "Got My Mojo Working", but failed to make any impact. They were signed by Brian Epstein to a management contract in September 1964, and soon after, on their seventh release, "One Way Love" backed with "Slow Down", they finally charted. But their next record, "I'll Take You Home" b/w "Do You Love Him" only got to #42.[2]
Finally, in early 1966, they were booked as an opening act on The Beatles' last European tour. During those shows, Lennon/McCartney gave Bennett the first hearing of "Got to Get You into My Life", a song that was going to be on their Revolver album later that year, but not to be released as a single. Bennett and company saw their opportunity and took it, with Paul McCartney producing the session. The result was a #6 hit, and that was a double triumph for Bennett, as his own original song "Baby Each Day" graced the B-side.
On bootleg recordings of The Beatles performing at the Star Club in Hamburg, Germany, a performance of "Hully Gully" (recorded the same night as a Beatles set) is often mistakenly included as a Beatles performance.
Cliff Bennett went on to be part of Toe Fat, whilst Chas Hodges (keyboards) and Dave Peacock (guitar) became Chas 'n' Dave (along with drummer Mick Burt). After Toe Fat disbanded, two of their members (Ken Hensley and Lee Kerslake) joined Uriah Heep,[2] and Bennett was asked to join them, but declined. He was also considered for the lead vocalist position in Blood, Sweat & Tears when David Clayton-Thomas left in the early 1970s but once again turned the position down. He released a solo album, Rebellion, in 1971 but he was not to rekindle his success of the previous decade.
In the 1970s Bennett retired from the music industry to become a shipping magnate; however since the mid 1980s he has constantly toured with a reformed Rebel Rousers. More recently he has toured alongside Mike d'Abo, Chris Farlowe, Zoot Money, Maggie Bell, Screaming Lord Sutch, The Manfreds, Steve Ellis and New Amen Corner.
2009 sees Bennett embarking on a UK tour alongside Chris Farlowe, Herbie Goins and the Norman Beaker Band.
Back In The U.S.S.R
Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Didn't get to bed last night
Oh, the way the paper bag was on my knee
Man, I had a dreadful flight
I'm back in the USSR
You don't know how lucky you are, boy
Back in the USSR, yeah
Gee, it's good to be back home
Leave it till tomorrow to unpack my case
Honey disconnect the phone
I'm back in the USSR
You don't know how lucky you are, boy
Back in the US
Back in the US
Back in the USSR
Well the Ukraine girls really knock me out
They leave the west behind
And Moscow girls make me sing and shout
That Georgia's always on my my my my my my my my my mind
Oh, come on
Hu hey hu, hey, ah, yeah
yeah, yeah, yeah
I'm back in the USSR
You don't know how lucky you are, boys
Back in the USSR
Well the Ukraine girls really knock me out
They leave the west behind
And Moscow girls make me sing and shout
That Georgia's always on my my my my my my my my my mind
Oh, show me round your snow peaked
mountain way down south
Take me to you daddy's farm
Let me hear you balalaika's ringing out
Come and keep your comrade warm
I'm back in the USSR
Hey, You don't know how lucky you are, boy
Back in the USSR
Oh, let me tell you honey
The opening lines of Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers's song Back In The U.S.S.R sets the scene for the rest of the song. The singer has just arrived in the country after a long flight from Miami Beach but he is thrilled to be back in the USSR. The opening line is a reference to the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) which was the national airline of the United Kingdom until 1974. The journey must have been uncomfortable as the singer mentions that he had a dreadful flight while the paper bag was on his knee.
Throughout the rest of the song, the singer expresses how happy he is to be back home in the USSR. For him, it feels so good to be back home and away from the West. He is surrounded by beautiful women who are making him sing and shout. He even requests to be taken on a tour of the countryside and visit Daddy's farm, where he can hear the balalaika ringing out. The song is not just about the joy of being home, but it is also a celebration of the Soviet way of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Flew in from Miami Beach BOAC
I arrived in the USSR after a dreadful flight from Miami Beach on BOAC.
Didn't get to bed last night
I did not sleep last night due to the travel and exhaustion.
Oh, the way the paper bag was on my knee
The paper bag was uncomfortably placed on my knee during the flight.
Man, I had a dreadful flight
I had a very bad flight and was uncomfortable for the entire duration.
I'm back in the USSR
I have returned to the USSR after being away for a long time.
You don't know how lucky you are, boy
You are fortunate to live in the USSR and may not even realize it.
Back in the USSR, yeah
I am happy to be back in the USSR again.
Been away so long I hardly knew the place
Being away for so long, the place seems unfamiliar to me.
Gee, it's good to be back home
It feels good to be back in the place where I feel at home.
Leave it till tomorrow to unpack my case
I will unpack my suitcase later tomorrow and not rush myself.
Honey disconnect the phone
Please disconnect the phone for now, I need to rest without interruptions.
Well the Ukraine girls really knock me out
I am fascinated by the beauty and style of Ukrainian girls, they really strike me.
They leave the west behind
The charisma of Ukrainian girls is beyond what the western world can offer.
And Moscow girls make me sing and shout
I become thrilled and enthusiastic around Moscow girls.
That Georgia's always on my my my my my my my my my mind
I often think about Georgia a lot and it is always on my mind.
Oh, come on
Encouragement or plea for further positive interaction.
Hu hey hu, hey, ah, yeah
This is an energetic and positive chant or cheer.
yeah, yeah, yeah
This is also a cheerful exclamation or chant to express enthusiasm.
Well the Ukraine girls really knock me out
I am still very fond of Ukrainian girls and they still charm me.
Let me hear you balalaika's ringing out
I would like to hear the melodious tones of balalaikas being played.
Come and keep your comrade warm
I am inviting someone to keep me company to keep me warm and comfortable.
Hey, You don't know how lucky you are, boy
You are very lucky to be in the USSR, and it's important to remember that.
Oh, let me tell you honey
I have something important or interesting to say, addressing someone affectionately as 'honey'.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind