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.
I Take What I Want
Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm never a loser and I'm never a quitter yet, oh, no
'Cause I take what I want, baby, I want you, yeah, you
I've been watchin' you walk by and I haven't said a word, one word
But now I'm ready to get you and I'm gonna make you my girl, my lovin' girl
'Cause I take what I want, baby, I want you, yes, you
So you better pack up now, baby, pack a bag today
Here I come, just a big bad man
When I walk away, baby, you'll be holdin' my hand
I take what I want, I'm a bad go-getter, yeah, yes, I am
I'm never a loser and I'm never a quitter yet, oh, no
'Cause I take what I want, baby, I want you, yeah, you
'Cause I take what I want, baby, I want you, yeah, you
Nobody but you, baby, nobody but you, baby
To be by my side, nobody but you, baby
Tell you what I want, girl, I want you
I'm your lovin' man
I'm your lovin' man
I'm your lovin' man
I'm your lovin' man
The song "I Take What I Want" by Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers features lyrics that portray a confident and assertive attitude towards women. The singer asserts that he is a "bad go-getter" and that he always gets what he wants, as he takes what he wants. He confesses that he has been watching the woman he desires without saying a word until he is ready to make her his "lovin' girl." He boldly declares that he wants her and he will pick her up and carry her away because he is "just a big bad man."
The lyrics reveal the stereotypical image of male dominance and female submission, where men take charge over women, treating them as "objects" to be possessed. The singer's use of words such as "I take what I want" and "big bad man" emphasizes his power and reinforces the message of male dominance. By the end, he emphasizes his desire for a monogamous relationship with the woman he desires, claiming that he is her "lovin' man."
Overall, the lyrics present a dated and problematic view of masculinity, where men are expected to be in control, assertive, and dominant over women. The song provides a glimpse into the social and cultural attitudes towards relationships and gender dynamics in the early 1960s, but its message is not aligned with modern societal values.
Line by Line Meaning
I take what I want, I'm a bad go-getter, yeah, yes, I am
I have a determined spirit and always get what I desire
I'm never a loser and I'm never a quitter yet, oh, no
I never let failure break me down and remain persistent
'Cause I take what I want, baby, I want you, yeah, you
I am now focused on pursuing you as you are my next desire
I've been watchin' you walk by and I haven't said a word, one word
I have been silently observing and admiring you without making my intentions known
But now I'm ready to get you and I'm gonna make you my girl, my lovin' girl
However, I am now prepared to approach you and make you mine
'Cause I take what I want, baby, I want you, yes, you
You are currently at the top of my priority list and I am coming for you
Gonna pick you up now, carry you away
I plan on whisking you off your feet and taking you on an adventure
So you better pack up now, baby, pack a bag today
You should prepare yourself for the journey ahead by packing your belongings
Here I come, just a big bad man
I am an assertive, confident and powerful individual
When I walk away, baby, you'll be holdin' my hand
By the end of our journey, you will be mine
Nobody but you, baby, nobody but you, baby
I am solely interested in you and no one else
To be by my side, nobody but you, baby
I want you to be my partner and accompany me throughout my journey
Tell you what I want, girl, I want you
I want to make it clear that you are my main priority and I am willing to do anything to make you mine
I'm your lovin' man
I am a caring and affectionate individual
I'm your lovin' man
I am willing to love and cherish you for as long as we're together
I'm your lovin' man
I plan on being a devoted and faithful partner to you
I'm your lovin' man
I am the perfect man for you and you should choose me to be yours
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ISAAC HAYES, DAVID PORTER, MABON HODGES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jimmclean9312
One of the most underrated bands ever. Loved seeing these guys on stage. Right up there with Georgie Fame !
@PtolemyJones
Sandy Sarjeant. One of a kind! What a dancer.
@randyramirez7844
I always wonder how Sandy Sergent life turn out … I loved her dancing !
@anthonykidd1963
She was married to Ian McLagan from the Small Faces.
@muppetrowlf1473
Chas Hodges. Legend.
@Oswald_Anthony
The best music never dies...
@notabot1039
Video literally has 11k views 🤣
@No1KINGLEROY
That’s Boss👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
SANDY you could MOVE.
@karlsinclair9918
Drum kit sound is super lively and the hi hat and kick drum are really lovely. Great recording. Very tight. I am fortunate enough to already know cliff Bennett, but wanted to say he's unfairly totally forgotten, yet what a talent. Compare this to the animals and I think you'd have to say this band are absolutely their equal. Great stuff...
@simonspider
Chas on the bass and Mick Burt on the drums pre-Chas & Dave days!!