In the 1970s, Essex emerged as one of the UK's top performers. His biggest hits during this decade included a pair of Number One singles : "Gonna Make You A Star" (1974), a satirical look at his success; and "Hold Me Close" (1975), a cheerful singalong. He also appeared in Stardust, a 1974 sequel to That'll Be The Day; the title song was another Top 10 hit. In 1976, Essex covered the Beatles song, “Yesterday”, for the musical documentary All This and World War II.
Essex's pop idol looks gave him a strong female fan base and his British tours created scenes of hysteria reminiscent of Beatlemania. According to the Guinness Book of British Hit Singles - 16th Edition - ISBN 0-85112-190-X 'he was voted the number one British male vocalist in 1974, and was a teen idol for more than a decade'.
In 1978, he appeared on Jeff Wayne's concept album, a musical version of The War of the Worlds, as the Artilleryman. The two album set remains a bestseller.
In the same year, Essex played the character Che, loosely based on Che Guevara, in the original production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Evita, and his recording of the show's "Oh What a Circus" reached Number 3. Two years later, he starred in the film Silver Dream Racer; and the soundtrack song "Silver Dream Machine" was yet another Top 10 hit in the UK singles chart. In 1985, he wrote and starred as Fletcher Christian in the West End musical Mutiny!, based on the novel Mutiny on the Bounty by Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall. The score produced two more hit singles, including "Tahiti," his tenth Top 10 success.
Essex has continued to perform in all areas of show business, to varying degrees of success. A 1989 sitcom, "The River", achieved good ratings. In 1991, a compilation entitled His Greatest Hits reached Number 13; a 1993 album, Cover Shot, peaked at Number 3. His autobiography, A Charmed Life, was published in 2002, and became a bestseller.
In 1999, Essex was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. He still tours the UK on a yearly basis and releases albums through his website. Surprisingly, despite his long and thriving British career, he remains largely unknown in the United States. "Rock On" reached Number 5 in 1974, and was his only Billboard Top 40 hit single.
The grandson of an Irish Traveller, Essex told Jake Bowers of the BBC's Rokker Radio, a programme for Gypsies and Travellers, on 30th July 2006, that he has always been openly proud of his Traveller roots, but that having moved to the US, Essex has said he feels it inappropriate for him to continue as Patron of Britain's National Gypsy Council, which works for equal rights, education, and services for Romany and Irish Travellers.
In 2005, he appeared as a guest vocalist on Saint Etienne's album Tales from Turnpike House. Also that year, he appeared in the Channel 4 documentary Bring Back...The Christmas Number One.
Essex was due to join the cast of soap opera EastEnders, in early 2006, as new character Jack Edwards. However, the role was expanded beyond the three weeks planned, and Essex was unable to commit the time. The role instead went to Nicky Henson.
A model and recording of Essex is featured in the museum of West Ham United Football Club. In the recording, he explains his reasons for supporting West Ham and his love of the team. He remains a popular, hard working and respected star, who has nevertheless not achieved a more global presence.
Turn Me Loose
David Essex Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Turn me loose, turn me loose I say
This is the first time I ever felt this way
I'm gonna get a thousand kicks
I'm gonna kiss a thousand chicks
So turn a me loose
Turn me loose, turn me loose I say
Gonna holler, gonna shout, gonna knock myself right out
So turn me loose, ooh yeah
I got some, change in my pocket uh eh, I'm rarin' to go
I'm takin' some chick-a to the picture show
And when I, see her home and then we, kiss goodnight
She'll turn me loose, turn me loose, turn me loose, turn me loose
Turn me loose, turn me loose I say
Yes today is gonna, be the day
I want ya to all understand baby that now I am a man
So turn me loose
Turn me loose
Turn me loose, listen
I got some, change in my pocket that uh eh huh I'm rarin' to go
I'm takin' some chick-a to the picture show
And when I, see her home and we, kiss goodnight
Well, turn me loose, turn me loose, Owwwwwwwwwwwwaaa
Turn me loose, turn me loose I say
I'm gonna rock 'n' roll as long as the band's gonna play
I'm gonna holler, gonna shout, gonna knock myself right out
So turn me loose
Turn me loose
Ah ooooooohh
The song "Turn Me Loose" by David Essex is an upbeat and joyful rock-n-roll piece. The song is about the singer's desire to experience the freedom that comes with being young and wild. The lyrics symbolize the singer's urge to break free from traditional societal norms and become his own man. He speaks about wanting to kiss a thousand chicks and get a thousand kicks, which represents his hunger for adventure, pleasure, and excitement.
The melody and rhythm of the song reflect the carefree and daring spirit of youth. The upbeat guitar and drums create a fast-paced and lively tempo that is infectious to the listener. The chorus is catchy and repeated multiple times to emphasize the singer's desperation to break loose.
The song speaks to a general human desire to live life to the fullest and take risks. It's a call to embrace youthful energy and not be trapped by rules or societal constraints. The song's overall message is that life is short, and one should make the most of it while they can.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh
Expressing an emotion - excitement or eagerness.
Turn me loose, turn me loose I say
Asking to be set free and expressing a desire for personal freedom.
This is the first time I ever felt this way
Expressing that this is a new and exhilarating experience.
I'm gonna get a thousand kicks
Having the intention to have fun and enjoy life to the fullest.
I'm gonna kiss a thousand chicks
Desiring romance and physical intimacy with multiple partners.
So turn me loose
Reiterating the need to be set free and not restrained.
Gonna rock 'n' roll as long as the band's gonna play
Making the most of the opportunities that arise and not putting a limit on how long it will last.
Gonna holler, gonna shout, gonna knock myself right out
Expressing an intense level of enthusiasm and energy for the moment.
I got some, change in my pocket uh eh, I'm rarin' to go
Expressing eagerness and readiness to start a new adventure or experience.
I'm takin' some chick-a to the picture show
Going on a date with a lady to the movies.
And when I, see her home and then we, kiss goodnight
Expressing the anticipation and hope of a romantic night ending well.
She'll turn me loose, turn me loose, turn me loose, turn me loose
Expressing the idea that love and physical intimacy can set one free.
Yes today is gonna, be the day
Expressing confidence that the present day is going to be significant.
I want ya to all understand baby that now I am a man
Expressing maturity and control over one's own decisions and personal growth.
Ah ooooooohh
Expressing an emotional release or exclamation.
Contributed by Elijah V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.