They are often considered as one of the many punk rock bands that sprang from that city in the mid-Seventies, but in fact saw themselves as more influenced by groups like The Who and The Kinks, and other pub rock acts such as Dr Feelgood or Graham Parker & the Rumour. Their brand of energetic R&B was over-trumped massively by the punk explosion, and they withered away. The repertoire consisted of Chicago Blues or Soul covers, plus tunes in a similar vein written by the band's guitarist Dave Higgs.
Before rising to semi-stardom in 1977, the Hot Rods underwent several changes in personnel: One of the first members to leave the band was Eddie himself, a dummy that featured prominently in the Hot Rods' early gigs and was discarded as the joke had worn thin. Otherwise, the band consisted of Barrie Masters on vocals, Pete Wall and Dave Higgs on guitar, Rob Steel on bass and Steve Nicol on drums. Ed Hollis, brother of Talk Talk's Mark Hollis became their manager, and the band were signed to Island Records.
By 1976, Lew Lewis (harmonica) and Paul Gray had replaced Wall and Steel. Lewis's tenure in the group lasted for the release of their first two singles before he too left. With this new line-up, the Hot Rods played a set at London's famous Marquee club - their opening act was a young band named Sex Pistols. They first appeared in the UK singles chart the end of that year with the "Live at the Marquee" EP and the single "Teenage Depression", an energetic rock'n'roll song.
After the release of the Teenage Depression LP, which gave them their first appearance in the UK albums chart, they recorded another EP called "Live - At the Sound Of Speed". During the gig from which this EP was recorded, Graeme Douglas (formerly of the Kursaal Flyers) joined the band onstage and jammed along adding extra lead lines. Afterwards his membership of the band was made permanent, and they set about writing and recording for their second album. The live recording of the "Sound of Speed" EP featured Douglas on only one track, he therefore set about recording additional lead guitar overdubs in the studio, though to keep in with the essence of a live release, he was only given one attempt at recording each song.
With the addition of Douglas, the band was moved in a more radio-friendly direction. Their biggest hit came with the Douglas/Hollis collaboration "Do Anything You Wanna Do" in the summer of 1977, under their shorter, snappier name 'The Rods'. This single made the British Top 10 (number 9 in August 1977) and also proved popular with the then predominant punk audience, as did that year's album Life on the Line. Still in 1977, the Hot Rods toured the Americas. When it came to recording a follow-up album, Thriller, the band tried hard to recapture the success of "Do Anything You Wanna Do", but to no avail. They found themselves sacked by their record company in 1979, and after Fish'n'Chips, another misguided effort for EMI, the Hot Rods disbanded in 1981.
At this point, Gray and Douglas had already left the band, the former joining The Damned. Masters teamed up with The Inmates. Ed Hollis went on to work with some of the best known acts of the punk era including The Damned, Elvis Costello, and Stiff Little Fingers.
In 1985 the band reform with Masters and Nichol joined by Warren Kennedy (guitar) and Russ Strutter (bass)and release a single and live mini-album, but after a couple of years this version of the band fizzles out.
In early 1991 the 'classic' line-up (Masters, Nichol, Higgs, Douglas, and Gray) regrouped to play some live dates, by the mid 90s Masters, Gray and Nichol are joined by Manfred Mann guitarist Mick Rodgers to record the album Gasoline Days; plus in 2005 a Masters-led outfit recorded Better Late than Never in preparation for a 30th anniversary tour. The band is currently enjoying renewed popularity throughout Europe with regular tour dates, and is also performing in the U.S. after a 25 year sabbatical.
Do Anything You Wanna Do
Eddie & The Hot Rods Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Leave the people here behind
Searching for adventure
It's the type of life to find
Tired of doing day jobs
With no thanks for what I do
I'm sure I must be someone
Now I'm gonna find out who
Why don't you ask them what they expect from you?
Why don't you tell them what you are gonna do?
You'll get so lonely, maybe it's better that way
It ain't you only, you got something to say
Do anything you wanna do
Do anything you wanna do
Don't need no politicians to tell me things I shouldn't be
Neither no opticians to tell me what I oughta see
No one tells you nothing even when you know they know
But they tell you what you should do
They don't like to see you grow
Why don't you ask them what they expect from you?
Why don't you tell them what you are gonna do?
You'll get so lonely, maybe it's better that way
It ain't you only, you got something to say
Do anything you wanna do
Do anything you wanna do
Gonna break out of the city
Leave the people here behind
Searching for adventure
It's the type of life to find
Tired of doing day jobs
With no thanks for what I do
I'm sure I must be someone
Now I'm gonna find out who
Why don't you ask them what they expect from you?
Why don't you tell them what you're gonna do?
You'll get so lonely, maybe it's better that way
It'ain't you only, you got something to say
Do anything you wanna do
Do anything you wanna do
The lyrics to Eddie & The Hot Rods's song Do Anything You Wanna Do speak to the universal feeling of restlessness and the desire to break out of the daily grind. The singer expresses a desire to leave the city and search for adventure, tired of working day jobs with no recognition. The song is a call to take control of one's own life and not let others dictate what they should do or how they should live.
The chorus is particularly impactful in its message of independence and self-determination. The singer emphasizes that there's no need to listen to politicians or opticians, and that nobody tells you anything even when they know they should. The message is clear: don't let others limit you or hold you back. The repetition of the chorus drives home the idea that you can do anything you want to do, if you're willing to take the leap and go after it.
In short, the song is an anthem for anyone who feels constrained by societal norms or feels like they're not living up to their full potential. It's a reminder to take risks and pursue your dreams, no matter what anyone else thinks.
Line by Line Meaning
Gonna break out of the city
I am determined to leave this city behind and explore other places.
Leave the people here behind
I am tired of being around the same people and want to meet new ones.
Searching for adventure
I want to experience new things and have exciting, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
It's the type of life to find
I believe that pursuing my desires and passions is the true meaning of life.
Tired of doing day jobs
I am sick of the monotony of regular jobs and want to pursue something more meaningful.
With no thanks for what I do
I feel unappreciated and undervalued for my contributions at work.
I'm sure I must be someone
I believe that I have a unique identity and talents that are meant to be shared with the world.
Now I'm gonna find out who
I am determined to discover my true self and what makes me happy.
Why don't you ask them what they expect from you?
You should not let other people's expectations dictate your life. Instead, ask them what they expect from you so that you can consider their expectations as part of your decision-making process.
Why don't you tell them what you are gonna do?
You should communicate your plans and goals to others, so that they can understand your path and offer support if needed.
You'll get so lonely, maybe it's better that way
It is okay to be alone in your journey towards self-discovery and pursuing your dreams. In fact, it might even be beneficial to spend some time alone and reflect on your goals.
It ain't you only, you got something to say
You are not alone in your quest to find your identity and purpose. Everyone has something unique to contribute and their own path to follow.
Do anything you wanna do
You have the power to pursue whatever makes you happy and fulfilled in life. Follow your passions and dreams without fear or hesitation.
Do anything you wanna do
You have the freedom to choose your own path and pursue what makes you happy. Don't let anyone else dictate your choices.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: EDDIE LEE HOLLIS, EDWIN JAMES HOLLIS, GRAEME JOHN DOUGLAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@colossalkhohler4217
Gonna break out of the city
Leave the people here behind
Searching for adventure
It's the type of life to find
Tired of doing day jobs
With no thanks for what I do
I'm sure I must be someone
Now I'm gonna find out who
Why don't you ask them what they expect from you?
Why don't you tell them what you are gonna do?
You'll get so lonely, maybe it's better that way
It ain't you only, you got something to say
Do anything you wanna do
Do anything you wanna do
Don't need no politicians to tell me things I shouldn't be
Neither no opticians to tell me what I oughta see
No one tells you nothing even when you know they know
But they tell you what you should do
They don't like to see you grow
Why don't you ask them what they expect from you?
Why don't you tell them what you are gonna do?
You'll get so lonely, maybe it's better that way
It ain't you only, you got something to say
Do anything you wanna do
Do anything you wanna do
Gonna break out of the city
Leave the people here behind
Searching for adventure
It's the type of life to find
Tired of doing day jobs
With no thanks for what I do
I'm sure I must be someone
Now I'm gonna find out who
Why don't you ask them what they expect from you?
Why don't you tell them what you're gonna do?
You'll get so lonely, maybe it's better that way
It'ain't you only, you got something to say
Do anything you wanna do
Do anything you wanna do
@Spiderwebsider
This is one of those powerful but unrecognised songs that had a profound effect on many of my generation. I grew up in a shitty, bland, English town, I was 17, bored, and working a dirty stinking factory job. I could see a whole crappy, shitty, boring life stretching out in front of me. But this song inspired me to walk away. I joined the British merchant navy, travelled the world, had many exciting adventures, met many wonderful people, spent time in the States, Canada and Africa, and finished up in Sydney. Thanks boys. I owe you.
@simonvive8025
Que buena historia de vida!!! Es increible poder acceder a una pequeña historia de alguien de otra cultura que ni siquiera conozco pero me hace sentir tan cercano. Saludos desde Argentina!!!
@dazzo1469
Wish i'd listened to the message it was giving. I just enjoyed the dancing and atmosphere. Great that you had the insight and concentration to absorb the message. Wish i had.
@gorgon1863
Yeah I hear you I immigrated to NZ in 1994
@idreeskhan8885
Merchant navy? Wait is that the Royal Navy Im confused.
@georgedarleydoran4616
Great story....good on you!!
@jasonmathias6834
Just played this song after hearing the passing of steve wright radio dj everyone who listened to him new this was one of his favourite songs RIP steve
@garyroe2929
Jeremy vine just said that today on his show 👍👍
@user-py4bu8hs6c
TEARS overflow. Thank you from Japan.
@Soundeagle3456
One of the most powerful songs in rock n roll.