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.
When I Get Paid
Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can hardly wait to draw my pay
It's monday morning and I'm out on the job
Doing the same old thing just working hard
Tuesday evening I'm at it again
Ain't had no rest since I don't know when
Man this work is killing me
Thursday morning I just can't make it
Well I don't know how long this body can take it
Well I'm working hard everyday
I can hardly wait to draw my pay
It's monday morning and I'm out on the job
Doing the same old thing just working hard
Tuesday evening I'm at it again
Ain't had none of that rest since I don't know when
Wednesday morning I can hardly see
Man this work is killing me
Thursday morning I just can't make it
Well I don't know how long this body can take it
The lyrics of Cliff Bennett's song "When I get Paid" describe a working-class struggle, where the singer is working tirelessly from Monday to Thursday, eagerly waiting for Friday to come when he'll receive his pay. The opening lines of the song reveal the desire and determination of the singer to earn his bread and butter by working hard every day. He is eagerly waiting for his payday as it is the only reward he is looking forward to after a grueling week.
As the song progresses, the lyrics describe the singer's daily grind, where he is working the same old job from Monday to Thursday without taking any rest. He is so overcome with exhaustion that on Wednesday morning, he can hardly see (presumably due to the lack of sleep). By Thursday morning, the singer is almost at the end of his tether and does not know how much his body can take anymore.
One interpretation of the song is that it serves as a commentary on the struggles of daily life and the working-class struggle. The singer's story seems to reflect the reality of a lot of people who are trying to make ends meet and earn their livelihood.
Overall, the song "When I get Paid" portrays the bittersweet nature of working hard - the exhaustion, the stress, the monotony of the job, but also the anticipation and hope that come with payday.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I'm working hard everyday
I am putting in a lot of effort each day
I can hardly wait to draw my pay
I am eagerly anticipating receiving my earnings
It's monday morning and I'm out on the job
I am starting my workweek today
Doing the same old thing just working hard
I am continuously performing monotonous work with diligence
Tuesday evening I'm at it again
I am continuing with my laborious tasks on the second day of the week
Ain't had no rest since I don't know when
I have not received any relaxation or break for a prolonged time
Wednesday morning I can hardly see
Today, my vision is impaired from exhaustion
Man this work is killing me
This occupation is draining, both physically and mentally
Thursday morning I just can't make it
I am extremely fatigued and struggling to continue on this day
Well I don't know how long this body can take it
I am unsure how much longer my physical health can withstand this demanding job
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: HENRY SHEAD, YORK WILBON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Heli-Crew HGS
An homage to Jerry Lee Lewis? The pianist, bassist and drummer went on to become 'Chas & Dave.'
Waukivory Copse
Think the bassist on this one was Frank Allen , later of The Searchers.
Peter Checksfield
Actually Dave Peacock was never in The Rebel Rousers, and Chas Hodges wasn't in the band yet when this single was made (you're right about Micky Burt though!). The song was originally issued by Jerry Lee Lewis. Cliff's version is more exciting, despite Joe Meek's trademark unusual production!
Fabio Beatle
Parlophone Red Label = Love Me Do Beatles Single