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.
Teenage Depression
Eddie & The Hot Rods Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My Daddy's found me out and he's tearing up my clothes
My probation man says you know you ought to quit
I said now don't you hang me up now with none of that shit
I got the teenage depression that's what I'm talkin' bout
If you don't know what I mean then you better look out
Same thing every day, well I cant get out of bed
I cant stand the thought of another day at school
But I know the weekends coming so I gotta keep my cool
I got the teenage depression that's what I'm talkin' bout
If you don't know what I mean then you better look out
It really makes me mad when they always ask me why
That I never comb my hair and I never wear a tie
School teacher bugging me it's the same old thing
Get out of my way I need another shot of gin
I got the teenage depression that's what I'm talkin' bout
If you don't know what I mean then you better look out
Got the teenage depression, It's becoming an obsession
Got the teenage depression, It's becoming an obsession
Got the teenage depression, It's becoming an obsession
Got the teenage depression, It's becoming an obsession
I got the teenage depression that's what I'm talkin' bout
If you don't know what I mean then you better look outâ?¦.Look out !
I got the teenage depression that's what I'm talkin' bout
If you don't know what I mean then you better look outâ?¦.Look out !
The Eddie & The Hot Rods song "Teenage Depression" speaks of the frustration and angst felt by many teenagers. The singer in the song is spending all his money on drugs and has been caught by his father, who is now angry and tearing up his clothes. He feels trapped in his situation and doesn't see a way out, which is reflected in the chorus when he sings "I got the teenage depression that's what I'm talking bout. If you don't know what I mean then you better look out."
The lyrics also touch on the monotony of everyday life and the feeling of being trapped in school, with too many questions and not enough answers. The singer is also frustrated with authority figures, such as his probation officer and school teacher, who he believes are only adding to his problems.
Overall, the song captures the feelings of being a teenager in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming and confining. It speaks to the rebellious nature of youth and the desire to break free from expectations and restrictions.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I'm spending all my money and its going up my nose
I am using all my money to buy drugs and snort them through my nose.
My Daddy's found me out and he's tearing up my clothes
My father discovered my drug use and is now punishing me by destroying my belongings.
My probation man says you know you ought to quit
My probation officer advises me to stop using drugs.
I said now don't you hang me up now with none of that shit
I told the probation officer that I do not want to hear any of his advice or warnings.
I got the teenage depression that's what I'm talkin' bout
I am experiencing teenage depression, which is causing me to engage in self-destructive behavior.
If you don't know what I mean then you better look out
If you are not familiar with teenage depression and its effects, you should be cautious and educate yourself.
Same thing every day, well I cant get out of bed
Every day feels monotonous and boring to me, and it is difficult for me to motivate myself to get out of bed.
Too many questions are confusing up my head
My thoughts are jumbled and confusing, and I am struggling to make sense of the world around me.
I cant stand the thought of another day at school
The idea of having to attend school for another day fills me with dread and anxiety.
But I know the weekends coming so I gotta keep my cool
Despite my anxiety about school, I am looking forward to the weekend and trying to stay calm in the meantime.
It really makes me mad when they always ask me why
It annoys me when people ask about my behavior and try to understand what I am going through.
That I never comb my hair and I never wear a tie
People criticize my appearance and lack of conformity to traditional grooming standards.
School teacher bugging me it's the same old thing
My teachers are constantly bothering me and asking me to focus on my studies, which I find tedious and uninteresting.
Get out of my way I need another shot of gin
I am so overwhelmed and stressed by my life that I need alcohol to cope.
Got the teenage depression, It's becoming an obsession
I am consumed by my depression and it is becoming an all-encompassing obsession.
I got the teenage depression that's what I'm talkin' bout
I am still struggling with teenage depression and its effects on my life.
If you don't know what I mean then you better look outâ?¦.Look out !
If you are not familiar with depression and its effects, you should be cautious and educate yourself. This is a warning.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVE HIGGS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@evakrauze694
Well I'm spending all my money and its going up my nose
My Daddy's found me out and he's tearing up my clothes
My probation man says you know you ought to quit
I said now don't you hang me up now with none of that shit
I got the teenage depression thats what I'm talkin' bout
If you don't know what I mean then you better look out
Same thing every day, well I cant get out of bed
Too many questions are confusing up my head
I cant stand the thought of another day at school
But I know the weekends coming so I gotta keep my cool
I got the teenage depression thats what I'm talkin' bout
If you don't know what I mean then you better look out
It really makes me mad when they always ask me why
That I never comb my hair and I never wear a tie
School teacher bugging me it's the same old thing
Get out of my way I need another shot of gin
I got the teenage depression thats what I'm talkin' bout
If you don't know what I mean then you better look out
Got the teenage depression, It's becoming an obsession
Got the teenage depression, It's becoming an obsession
Got the teenage depression, It's becoming an obsession
Got the teenage depression, It's becoming an obsession
I got the teenage depression thats what I'm talkin' bout
If you don't know what I mean then you better look out, Look out
I got the teenage depression thats what I'm talkin' bout
If you don't know what I mean then you better look out, Look out!
@ricksuegreen1502
In 1976 the music accelerator needed to be floored.
It was running on empty.
Thank god Eddie and the boys came to town.
...... lordy. We need them back.
@midnightfellaspodcast7426
Listen to viagra boys or hankwood and the hammerheads
@c.s.4428
Just as we need the original Damned lineup, and for that matter the Saints..!
@bazilkush388
19 and I’m going thru the teenage depression right now, this band captured my heart and soul
@FUCKINGENIOUS
If you get the focus off of yourself and volunteer to help others it tends to lift the depression
@SlyDellian
@The Death Twitch Yep. Just getting off your ass and staying active is a good start.
@steveritt
Haha and here i am at 57 and still haven't gotten over the damn teenage depression
@mynewschannel3100
I am 63 and still rockin to this tooon!
I had to buy this album twice as my ex-girlfriend scratch the original to pieces in a fit of rage as was her want...
@kartonsize5567
Cool gramps
@Naoczny2
Rockmen always have troubles with writing lyrics about something else than psychic problems. drug addiction and hangover.