Their manager was Simon Napier-Bell, who devised white stage outfits and an outrageous stage act which included fighting each other and Bolan whipping the stage with a chain. Their 1967 single "Desdemona" was banned by the BBC for the 'controversial' lyric, "Lift up your skirt and fly".
Bolan was with the band for about four months. His main roles were to be the band's composer and play electric guitar (until then, he only played acoustic guitar). His singing voice is sometimes lead in "unofficial" recordings only (demos, BBC radio sessions). After he left, Townson switched to guitar and former roadie Chris Colville took over on drums.
John's Children recorded another single, "Go Go Girl", a Bolan composition he later recorded with Tyrannosaurus Rex as "Mustang Ford". John's Children also performed Bolan's "Mustang Ford" version of the song. The band released one more single, "It's Been a Long Time" (issued as an Andy Ellison solo single) and then embarked on a "disastrous" tour of Germany. Their last performance was at the Star-Club in Hamburg, Germany (substituting for the Bee Gees), after which they split up in 1968. Ellison went on to make several solo singles. before resurfacing in Jet in 1974, along with drummer Chris Townson. Jet metamorphosed into Radio Stars in the mid-Seventies.
Desdemona
John's Children Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're the daughter of a man
He may be rich he's in a ditch
He does not understand
Just how to move or rock and roll
To the conventions of the young
Desdemona, Desdemona
Desdemona, Desdemona
Lift up your skirt and fly
Just because my friend and I
Got a jute joint by the Seine
Does not mean I'm past fourteen
And cannot play the game
I'm glad I split and got a pad
On Boulevard Rue Fourteen
Desdemona, Desdemona
Desdemona Desdemona
Desdemona, Desdemona
Lift Up your skirt and fly
Just because Toulouse Lautrec
Painted some chick in the rude
Doesn't give you the right
To steal my night
And leave me naked in the nude
Well just because the touch of your hand
Can turn me on just like a stick
Desdemona, Desdemona
Desdemona Desdemona
Desdemona, Desdemona
Lift up your skirt and speak
The lyrics to John's Children's song "Desdemona" tell the story of a young woman who is the daughter of a wealthy man, but who doesn't quite fit in with the young and rebellious rock and roll scene. The singer urges Desdemona to break free from her father's expectations and embrace her own individuality. He comments that just because her father is wealthy and successful, it doesn't mean that he understands how to rock and roll like the young people do.
The singer then goes on to describe his own experiences of breaking free from convention and living life on his own terms. He mentions hanging out at a jute joint by the Seine, and getting a pad on Boulevard Rue Fourteen. He tells Desdemona to lift up her skirt and fly, implying that she should seize the moment and live life to the fullest.
The song's central message is one of youthful rebellion and individuality. It encourages young people to embrace their own unique identities and not be held back by society's expectations or the opinions of their elders.
Line by Line Meaning
Desdemona just because
I am addressing you, Desdemona, without any particular reason.
You're the daughter of a man
You are the offspring of a male individual.
He may be rich he's in a ditch
Perhaps the man who sired you is affluent, but his life is in a precarious state.
He does not understand
He possesses an inability to comprehend certain things.
Just how to move or rock and roll
He lacks the capability to dance or enjoy contemporary music.
To the conventions of the young
He is unable to adhere to the norms or customs of younger generations.
Lift up your skirt and fly
Raise your clothing and take flight, either physically or metaphorically.
Just because my friend and I
Simply because my colleague and I exist.
Got a jute joint by the Seine
We obtained a hemp establishment near the river Seine.
Does not mean I'm past fourteen
This circumstance should not lead you to assume that I am older than fourteen years of age.
And cannot play the game
I am still capable of participating in certain activities.
I'm glad I split and got a pad
I am pleased with my decision to leave and acquire my own living space.
On Boulevard Rue Fourteen
This new residence is located on the fourteenth Boulevard Rue.
Lift up your skirt and speak
Please express yourself candidly and openly, without fear.
Just because Toulouse Lautrec
The mere fact that Toulouse Lautrec existed.
Painted some chick in the rude
Because he created a painting of a woman who was considered impolite or indecent.
Doesn't give you the right
This does not grant you permission or entitlement.
To steal my night
You do not have the authority to take away my evening.
And leave me naked in the nude
To abandon me defenseless and unclothed.
Well just because the touch of your hand
Simply because your physical touch has an effect on me.
Can turn me on just like a stick
It is possible for me to become aroused or excited by your touch, just like a stick can be lit on fire.
Desdemona, Desdemona
I am addressing you again by name, Desdemona.
Desdemona Desdemona
Repeating your name once more.
Desdemona, Desdemona
Addressing you by name a third time.
Lift up your skirt and fly
Repeating the earlier phrase, to raise your clothing and soar either literally or figuratively.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: MARC BOLAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ravendelasker22
Its so odd hearing such an iconic voice on backup vocals, a rare treat and great to hear Marc's musical evolution.
@briandaniels2126
It's a little easier to accept Marc on the backing vocal for me because number 1...the lead vocal isn't horrible and number 2....Marc's backing vocal gives the track a second hook that really ends up defining the song.
@pacorroca
Respect to Andy Ellison, another great singer. And I love Marc's voice
@rhodeer
Andy Ellison had a great voice. JC and The Silence were incredible without MB but also totally great with him.
@susankirkland3852
Can hear Marc Bolan's backing vocals; so distinctive. His guitar too 😀. Just great to hear this👍🎶🎸
@antoinetoisi2525
Mark Feld ♥️
@susankirkland3852
ANTOINE TOISI ❤️
@susankirkland3852
ANTOINE TOISI yes Mark Feld ❤️
@Deedee-ee1sg
WOW, Marc Bolan s unmistakable voice!!
@russkinter3000
I bought a Polydor comp titled "Rare Tracks" simply because it had this. Bolan's voice from this era was totally unique.