The band initially consisted in 1969 of Steve Marriott (formerly of Small Faces; lead vocals, guitar, keyboards), Peter Frampton (from The Herd; lead guitar), Greg Ridley (from Spooky Tooth; bass) and Jerry Shirley (from The Apostolic Intervention; drums).
The joining of all these fairly known players resulted in Humble Pie being considered a bit of a “supergroup”. Worried about great expectations, the group began working together in secret at Marriott's cottage in Moreton, Essex. Signed to Andrew Loog Oldham's Immediate Records, their debut single "Natural Born Boogie" was rushed out in 1969 and was a UK number five hit; it was quickly followed by the album As Safe As Yesterday Is, praised as a progressive album in the vein of Small Faces. Their second album Town and Country was also released in 1969 and featured a more acoustic sound. Humble Pie concerts at this time featured an acoustic set followed by an electric set, an approach that would become popular decades later.
1970 saw the financial collapse of Immediate, a switch to A&M Records, and a change in band management. The albums Humble Pie and Rock On, both released that year, alternated between progressive rock and boogie rock excess. A concert at the Fillmore East in NYC was captured on Perfomance Rockin' The Fillmore (1971); it is considered one of the best live rock albums of its era, with Marriott, Frampton, and the rest of the group in fine form. The loud-quiet-loud epic "I Don't Need No Doctor" was an FM radio hit in the United States, propelling the album to the group's biggest commercial success yet.
However, Frampton had already left the band by the time of the album's release, to pursue a solo career that would become extremely successful later in the 1970s. With Dave "Clem" Clempson replacing Frampton, Humble Pie moved towards an even harder sound at the urging of manager Dee Anthony, emphasizing Marriott's blues and soul roots.
Smokin' (1972) had a minor hit in "Thirty Days in the Hole" and was reasonably successful commercially based on the group's constant touring. As a premiere US concert attraction, they traveled in a customized private jet, and partook in all forms of the rock n roll excess available to formerly working class musicians that rose to fame and riches in this era, even hiring The Blackberries, a trio of black backup singers including Vanetta Fields formerly of The Ikettes. Nevertheless the band's extended, long form concert boogie jam rock style was unable to break them into the mainstream radio. Eat It (1974) was three sides of mostly R&B covers and one side live, and while appreciated by their core fans, did nothing to expand the group's audience. The group staged the Goodbye Pie Tour in 1975 and essentially broke up.
In 1980 Marriott, divorced, and with financial problems in the UK, relocated to Atlanta Georgia and revived Humble Pie with Shirley, adding Bobby Tench (from Jeff Beck Group) on guitar and Anthony "Sooty" Jones on bass. Two albums with a more modern heavy metal sound were released but the effort soon fell apart. In 1991 Marriott and Frampton began collaborating again, with another Humble Pie rebirth possibly in the offing, but an unfortunate house fire took Marriott's life before anything tangible could materialise. http://rockandrollgarage.com/the-tragic-story-of-steve-marriott-death/
Summer Song
Humble Pie Lyrics
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I don't believe
In old promises
Just want you back again
I know I wrote
This longing for you
Is strong throughout the land
My summer song
How long, how long, how long?
I try to say what I mean
'Cause I mean to stay
I try to stay where I been
'Cause I been where I stay
Oh! Listen to
My summer song
How long, how long, how long?
I know the stake's been made
Even though I changed my ways
You'd better hear my voice
'Cause I've made my choice
Honey you be on my ways
Ah! Listen to my summer song
How long, how long, how long?
Try to say what I mean
'Cause I mean what I say
Yeah I try to stay where I been
'Cause I been where I stay
So won't you listen to my summer song
How long, how long, how long?
The lyrics of Humble Pie's "Summer Song" are nostalgic and reflective of a past relationship. The singer is confessing that despite not believing in old promises, they still want their former partner back. The lyrics suggest that the longing and desire for their ex-lover is prevalent and strong throughout the land. The repetition of "How long, how long, how long?" could be interpreted as a lack of closure or uncertainty about how the relationship will unfold.
The singer then implores their ex to listen to their "summer song" and hear them out. They acknowledge that they have made mistakes and changed their ways, but they are resolute in their decision and want their former lover back. The lyrics are straightforward and honest, with the singer trying to communicate their deepest feelings in a simple and meaningful way.
Overall, "Summer Song" is a poignant portrayal of love and loss, and the singer's yearning to reconnect with their past. The lyrics are emotive and relatable, and the simple melody is effective in conveying the melancholic sentiment of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
I know I don't
I am aware that I don't
I don't believe
I lack belief in
In old promises
Those that were made in the past
Just want you back again
I am desperate for your return
I know I wrote
I am aware that I wrote
This longing for you
The feeling of wanting you badly
Is strong throughout the land
This desire is prevalent everywhere
Won't you listen to
Please give me a chance to make my case
My summer song
This song I'm singing in summer
How long, how long, how long?
I am continually wondering how long it will last
I try to say what I mean
I attempt to convey my true intentions
'Cause I mean to stay
Because I wish to remain here
I try to stay where I been
I make a concerted effort to remain in my current location
'Cause I been where I stay
Because I am familiar with this place
Oh! Listen to
Please pay attention to
My summer song
This song I'm singing in summer
I know the stake's been made
I'm aware that I've made a mistake
Even though I changed my ways
Despite my attempts to reform myself
You'd better hear my voice
You should listen to what I have to say
'Cause I've made my choice
Because I have made up my mind
Honey you be on my ways
You are always in my thoughts
Ah! Listen to my summer song
Please pay attention to this song I'm singing in summer
I try to say what I mean
I attempt to convey my true intentions
'Cause I mean what I say
Because I genuinely believe in what I'm expressing
Yeah I try to stay where I been
Indeed, I make an effort to stay in my current location
'Cause I been where I stay
I'm familiar with this place and it feels like home
So won't you listen to my summer song
Please give me a chance to share this song I'm singing in summer
How long, how long, how long?
I am continually wondering how long it will last
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: STEVE MARRIOTT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
D Mark
beautiful tune... best singer Mr Stevey Marriott ever! God rest his soul...
HipEspirit
Wish I would have had this back in 73 when I was 14. It was a difficult time for me. But I have Steve's songs now. Love him.
D Mark
This dude can literally sing circles around R. Plant! Do you know how much Immediate Records paid these musicians?
Nothing! It all went to the management and records company. Just a little tid bit for ya. Peace n Namaste.
Larry Thompson
Marriot was the best singer ever. Better range than plant.