Formed circa 1968/69, the original core members included percussionist Patrick Olive, guitarist Franklyn De Allie and drummer Ian King, along with bass player Tony Wilson, pianist Larry Ferguson and with Jamaican-born songwriter/vocalist Errol Brown. For Apple, they released a reggae version of "Give Peace A Chance", and backed Mary Hopkins on "Think About Your Children" before the Apple label dissolved. In 1970, they signed to Rak Records, a label owned by UK producer Mickie Most who had the group compose the final chart hit for Herman's Hermits. On their own they were to become one of the U.K's best loved charts groups, with 25 UK top 40 hit singles in their career. Hot Chocolate enjoyed their first UK hit in 1970 with "Love Is Life" followed by many more U.K. Top 10 hits including "I Believe (In Love)," "Brother Louie" (a stateside #-1 for U.S Stories), "A Child's Prayer," "Put Your Love In Me," "No Doubt About It," "Girl Crazy," "It Started With A Kiss" and "What Kinda Boy You Looking For (Girl)."
While popular in the U.K, it wasn't until 1974 that they secured a U.S record deal with Big Tree records, releasing the single "Emma", and becoming associated with burgeoning disco scene with "Disco Queen." Their second US album featured "You Sexy Thing" which hit #3 on the US top 40 charts. By 1978 they were affiliated with Infinity Records in the U.S and hit #6 on the charts with "Every 1's A Winner." 1979 sees the band release the LP "Going Through The Motions" obviously burning out on disco, but still commercially aiming for the dancefloor market with the irionic track "Mindless Boogie". They continued for some years afterwards but never regained the chart action or a U.S label, with lead singer Errol Brown finally leaving in 1987, basically putting an end to the group.
In 1992, with a new line-up, manager and agent, Ric Martin, took control over the band's bookings and live appearances. Hot Chocolate continue to make live appearances in the UK and Europe. A minor resurgence in interest in Hot Chocolate's music occurred after the 1998 film "The Full Monty" used "You Sexy Thing" prominently in the soundtrack. Errol brown was also known under the nickname, "the singing malteser" due to his bald head.
Mindless Boogie
Hot Chocolate Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So for you and I
will the finger on the button decide
If we live or if we die?
The more you think, think
The more you blow, your mind
The more you search for a peace here
The less that you will find
Dance mindless boogie till we drop, don´t stop
Music is the drug
Music is the drug we´re searching for
Mindless boogie, boogie, boogie, boogie
Boogie, boogie, boogie, don´t stop
Mindless boogie, boogie, boogie, boogie
Boogie, boogie, boogie till we drop
Dance, dance
Nine hundred or more commit mass suicide in Jonestown
Very strange, very strange
More than ever
The world needs God´s helping hand
Confused, we don´t seem to know
What we´re doin´
Like a blind man
Spinnin´round in space
Dance mindless boogie till we drop, don´t stop
Music is the drug
Music is the drug we´re searching for
Mindless boogie, boogie, boogie, boogie
Boogie, boogie, boogie, don´t stop
Mindless boogie, boogie, boogie, boogie
Boogie, boogie, boogie till we drop
Dance, dance
Like clones and robots that we are
Music is the drug we´re searchin´for
Mindless boogie, boogie, boogie, boogie
The lyrics to "Mindless Boogie" by Hot Chocolate seem to be commenting on the state of society and how people use music as a form of escapism. The opening lines mention a "Neutron bomb", which was a type of atomic bomb that had a higher level of radiation and a smaller blast radius, designed to kill a large number of people while leaving infrastructure largely intact. The lyrics suggest that the fate of humanity rests in the hands of those who have their finger on the button. The more people think about the potential for mass destruction, the more they will blow their minds. The search for peace seems fruitless in the face of such potential destruction.
The chorus suggests that despite the bleakness of the world, people still need to dance and enjoy music. The lyrics speak of "mindless boogie", which could be interpreted as a way of shutting off one's mind and just enjoying the beat. The references to mass suicides in Jonestown and the world needing "God's helping hand" suggest that people are seeking answers and solutions, but are confused and lost in their search. The final lines reference "clones and robots", implying that people are just going through the motions of life and using music as a way to feel something genuine.
Line by Line Meaning
As the bomb goes Neutron
In an uncertain world where danger and chaos can strike at any moment, we feel the pressure of a ticking time bomb that could explode at any moment, causing immense destruction and loss of life.
So for you and I
This threatening reality affects both the listener and the singer, creating a shared sense of vulnerability and anxiety.
will the finger on the button decide
Ultimately, the fate of humanity is in the hands of decision-makers who have the power to push the button that launches catastrophic destruction.
If we live or if we die?
The stakes of this situation are life and death, resulting in an overwhelming feeling of fear and uncertainty.
The more you think, think
Overthinking can lead to a negative spiral of thoughts that can exacerbate anxiety and fear, creating a difficult cycle to break.
The more you blow, your mind
Ruminating and obsessing over negative thoughts can lead to emotional exhaustion and a sense of overwhelm, making it challenging to cope with the fear of instability and chaos.
The more you search for a peace here
Searching for inner peace in the midst of chaos and danger can be a challenging and elusive pursuit.
The less that you will find
Despite our best efforts to seek peace in unstable times, it may ultimately elude us, leaving us feeling even more adrift and uncertain.
Dance mindless boogie till we drop, don´t stop
In the face of overwhelming uncertainty and fear, the solution may be to dance – to lose ourselves in the rhythm of the music and forget our troubles for a time.
Music is the drug
Music has the power to transform our emotions, lifting us up when we feel down and helping us tune out the noise of the outside world.
Music is the drug we´re searching for
In a world filled with uncertainty and chaos, we crave the healing power of music to soothe our souls.
Nine hundred or more commit mass suicide in Jonestown
The Jonestown Massacre, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people through mass suicide, represents the ultimate manifestation of extremist ideas and the dangerous consequences that can arise from them.
Very strange, very strange
The bizarre and disturbing circumstances surrounding the Jonestown tragedy are difficult to comprehend and process.
More than ever
During difficult times when the world feels unpredictable and chaotic, it's even more essential to lean on a higher power or sense of spirituality to make sense of the chaos.
The world needs God´s helping hand
In the depths of crisis, it's natural to seek guidance and support from a higher power or spiritual figure to help us make sense of the chaos and uncertainty.
Confused, we don´t seem to know
In the midst of instability and danger, it's easy to feel lost and confused, uncertain about what the future holds.
What we´re doin´
The overwhelming sense of uncertainty and instability can create a sense of confusion and lack of purpose as we struggle to make sense of our place in the world.
Like a blind man
In the midst of chaos and danger, it can be challenging to navigate life with clarity and ease, much like a blind person who must feel their way through a dark room.
Spinnin´round in space
Feeling adrift and untethered in a world that feels unpredictable and chaotic can create a sense of disorientation and uncertainty, like spinning aimlessly in the vastness of space.
Like clones and robots that we are
The pressures of modern society and the overwhelming sense of chaos and instability can strip us of our individuality and uniqueness, leaving us feeling like mindless automatons following orders without question.
Mindless boogie, boogie, boogie, boogie
Through the power of music, we can transcend our earthly troubles and lose ourselves in the rhythm of the dance, experiencing a sense of catharsis and release.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ERROL AINSWORTH GLENSTOR BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ataque Paroxístico
I had to pause this in the middle, the funk was too intense and couldn't handle it. Mindblowing.
Malcolm Beckett
Yep😆🤪
Dj Go!
AWESOME TIMELESS DISCO HITS!!!
spring 0509
awesome good 😊
that mesmerising baseline 😎
Michael Curry
ain't nothing changed. the paranoia in errol's voice is scary.
LoriLynn97
i love this song
AuntyM66
I remember dancing to this when i was little.
Keith Casper
Great track--time for an update / remix.
Sergio Ramov
For me, the song that inspires David Bowie's Fashion...
Ataque Paroxístico
OMG