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.
Take It Or Leave It
Eddie & The Hot Rods Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I remember how it all began
The doctor grabbed my feet, slapped me on the cheek
That's what it takes to make a man
Even as a baby they were pinnin' things on me
Daddy called me mother's little lamb
But you should have seen 'em rave
When I gave the dog a shave
They thought I was a genius, when I first went to school
Then I flunked my very first exam
And for all the books I've read
There' s just sawdust in my head
That's what it takes to make a man
Well I finally finished highschool, tried some college too
Then I did a hitch with Uncle Sam
I fought the enemy, sergeants I'll agree
That's what it takes to make a man
Well I went back to my hometown
Where the mayor was my friend
Said he knew a job that I could lend
Well I got that job alright
Cleaned the streets up every night
That's what it takes to make a man
Well I got a new position in a dry good store down town
Bought my gal a golden wedding band
But she up and fled the scene
When it turned her finger green
That's what it takes to make a man
Oh yeah, that's what it takes to make a man
The lyrics of Eddie & The Hot Rods' song "Take It Or Leave It" tell the story of a person reflecting on their life experiences and the challenges they faced in becoming a man. The singer starts by reminiscing about his birth and the expectations placed on him from an early age. The mention of the doctor grabbing his feet and slapping him on the cheek symbolizes the harsh reality of life and the struggles one must go through to become a mature and successful individual.
Throughout the song, the singer recounts various moments where he tried to prove himself, only to face disappointment. From being called a genius when starting school to flunking his first exam, the lyrics suggest that despite his efforts, he wasn't able to meet societal expectations. The mention of having "sawdust in my head" implies a lack of intelligence or knowledge, further emphasizing his feelings of inadequacy.
The song then touches upon the singer's military service, where he fought for his country and gained the respect of his sergeants. This experience was likely seen as a defining moment in his journey towards manhood. However, upon returning to his hometown, he still struggled to find his place and ended up working as a street cleaner. Despite this seemingly menial job, the singer acknowledges that hard work is necessary to prove oneself as a man.
The final verse introduces a romantic relationship, where the singer bought his partner a golden wedding band. However, she leaves him when the ring turned her finger green. This event serves as a metaphor for the singer's repeated failures in establishing stable relationships and finding lasting happiness. In the end, the lyrics imply that the singer has come to accept that life is a series of challenges and disappointments, and that these experiences have shaped him into the man he is.
Line by Line Meaning
Well it seems I've had a lifetime filled with misery
Throughout my life, I have experienced continuous unhappiness and sorrow.
I remember how it all began
I recall the initial stages and events that shaped my life.
The doctor grabbed my feet, slapped me on the cheek
During my birth, the doctor firmly held my feet and delivered a gentle slap on my cheek.
That's what it takes to make a man
These experiences, even from infancy, are believed to build character and prepare one for manhood.
Even as a baby they were pinnin' things on me
Even during my infancy, people had expectations and assigned certain qualities and traits to me.
Daddy called me mother's little lamb
My father affectionately referred to me as a vulnerable and innocent child.
But you should have seen 'em rave
However, there was great enthusiasm and excitement when they witnessed my unconventional actions.
When I gave the dog a shave
One memorable instance was when I shaved the fur of our pet dog.
They thought I was a genius, when I first went to school
When I initially started attending school, people regarded me as exceptionally intelligent.
Then I flunked my very first exam
Unfortunately, I failed my very first examination.
And for all the books I've read
Despite reading numerous books and acquiring knowledge.
There's just sawdust in my head
My intellectual capacity seems to be lacking or insufficient.
Well I finally finished highschool, tried some college too
Eventually, I completed my high school education and even attempted to pursue higher education in college.
Then I did a hitch with Uncle Sam
Subsequently, I served a period of military service for my country.
I fought the enemy, sergeants I'll agree
During my time in the military, I engaged in combat with the enemy and adhered to the commands of my superior officers.
That's what it takes to make a man
These challenging experiences and military service are believed to be necessary for the development of manhood.
Well I went back to my hometown
Following my military service, I returned to my place of origin.
Where the mayor was my friend
In my hometown, I had a friendly relationship with the mayor.
Said he knew a job that I could lend
The mayor informed me about a job opportunity that I could take up.
Well I got that job alright
I successfully acquired that job as expected.
Cleaned the streets up every night
My responsibility in the job was to clean the streets during nighttime.
That's what it takes to make a man
Performing manual labor and fulfilling one's duties diligently is considered a part of the process of becoming a man.
Well I got a new position in a dry good store down town
Eventually, I obtained a different job position in a store that sold textiles and other dry goods, located in the downtown area.
Bought my gal a golden wedding band
With the income from my job, I purchased a valuable golden wedding ring for my significant other.
But she up and fled the scene
However, she suddenly and unexpectedly left without any explanation.
When it turned her finger green
The ring I bought caused a discoloration or irritation on her finger, leading to her departure.
That's what it takes to make a man
Experiences like heartbreak and disappointment are considered integral parts of the journey towards manhood.
Oh yeah, that's what it takes to make a man
Indeed, these trials and tribulations are crucial elements in shaping one's masculinity and maturity.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
BodsnVimto
I first came across this song on Revolver. I taped it with the mic up to the telly and me pushing the record and play buttons simultaneously.
Mauricio Garcia Mauk
From "Thriller" 1979. :)
Jaime Alejandro Rodríguez Muñoz
Hi