The Earth Band was, from a pop perspective, almost deliberately contrary, but combined the stylistic approach of progressive rock with Mann's keen ear for melody. Mann's interest in English 20th century classical music saw him re-create Gustav Holst's Planets Suite, garnering an unlikely UK hit with a version of the "Jupiter" movement that had lyrics added and entitled "Joybringer". Their 1973 album The Good Earth tapped into ecological concerns, a recurring theme in Mann's music in later years, and had a free gift of a piece of land in Wales with each album sold.
The membership of the Earth Band was relatively informal; Mick Rogers originally performed lead guitar and lead vocal duties before being replaced by Chris Thompson on vocals and Dave Flett on guitar. Drumming duties were fulfilled by Chris Slade, who was later to be a member of AC/DC and Asia in a long and varied career which perhaps can be summed up by his being released by AC/DC despite being, according to the rest of the band, the best musician in the band. Similarly, the technically skilled bass player Colin Pattenden, after leaving the Earth Band, became a sound consultant, running his own company designing and installing sound systems. There was much about the Earth Band that was potentially successful, but the contrariness of the band's approach and Mann's perfectionism meant that albums frequently came out with different track listings in different territories, or in alternative versions.
The breakthrough for the band in the US came when they had a No. 1 pop charts hit in early 1977 with Bruce Springsteen's "Blinded by the Light". While the Springsteen original from 1973's Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J. album has a folky, acoustic sound, the Manfred Mann's Earth Band version is driving rock, combining Mann's Moog synthesizer and organ work with Flett's guitar. Manfred can be heard singing at the end of "Blinded By The Light", in the round, with Thompson - it was this feature of the song that initially attracted him. The band took advantage of the publicity and re-released another Springsteen song, "Spirit in the Night", which had been recorded the previous year on Nightingales and Bombers, originally with Rogers on vocals although for some territories it was re-recorded with a vocal from Thompson.
Nightingales and Bombers, The Roaring Silence, and Watch are considered the highlight of the Earth Band's achievement. Watch produced another hit single in "Davy's On The Road Again", and the albums were innovative and original despite the dependence on covers of other artists' songs. Nightingales and Bombers took its title from a World War II naturalist's recording of a nightingale singing in a garden as warplanes flew overhead; the recording appears in a track on the album. Roaring Silence featured a guest appearance by jazz saxophonist Barbara Thompson, and Watch included two stand-out recordings from the bands live performances of "Davy's On The Road Again" and "Mighty Quinn".
Flett left before 1979's Angel Station to be replaced by Steve Waller, sharing the vocal duties with Thompson who was also intent on pursuing a solo career. 1980's Chance showed a move towards a more electronic approach, and produced several cuts that were hits in the UK and/or saw significant airplay in both the US and UK. The songs "Lies (All Through The 80's)", "Stranded", and "For You" (another Springsteen song) still receive significant airplay over 25 years since their release.
Mann became very active in the international anti-apartheid movement, and was banned from entering South Africa, the country in which he had been born. Instead members of the band made journeys to South Africa to record African musicians for the album Somewhere in Afrika, pre-figuring Paul Simon's Graceland. The album included a cover of The Police's "Demolition Man" and a well-received version of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song", which remains in the band's set today. American versions of the album also included Ian Thomas's "The Runner", whose music video had images of the Munich and Montreal Olympic Games, and which enjoyed much airtime in the lead-up to the Los Angeles Olympics.
Manfred Mann's Earth Band has continued recording to the present day, covering tracks by artists as varied as Paul Weller, Robert Cray, Del Amitri, and The Lovin' Spoonful. Mann has also released a solo project, Plains Music, based on Native American music, and his latest album, 2006, includes collaborations with the German rapper Thomas D and tracks featuring the music of, amongst others, the Super Furry Animals. The Earth Band remain active in live performances in Europe, with a line up that includes both Manfred Mann and Mick Rogers.
Most of the band's albums have been re-released in recent years and a 4-CD set featuring many previously unissued versions of tracks was released in August 2005. This includes material from the unreleased (and thought to be lost) Manfred Mann ChapterIII Volume 3 album and the first Earth Band album, Stepping Sideways. The fourth CD in the package includes both unreleased studio material and live performances.
Bulldog
Manfred Mann's Earth Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bullfrog doing it again
Some kind of happiness is measured out in miles
What makes you think you're something special when you smile ?
Childlike no-one understands
Jack-knife in your sweaty hands
Some kind of innocence is measured out in years
You don't know what it's like to listen to your fears
You can talk to me
You can talk to me
If you're lonely you can talk to me
Big man walking in the park
Wigwam frightened of the dark
Some kind of loneliness is measured out in you
You think you know it but you haven't got a clue
You can talk to me
You can talk to me
You can talk to me
If you're lonely you can talk to me
You can talk to me
You can talk to me
You can talk to me
If you're lonely you can talk to me
Sheepdog standing in the rain
Bullfrog doing it again
Some kind of innocence is measured out in years
You don't know what it's like to listen to your fears
You can talk to me
You can talk to me
You can talk to me
If you're lonely you can talk to me
You can talk to me
You can talk to me
You can talk to me
If you're lonely you can talk to me
[repeat to fade]
The lyrics of Manfred Mann's Earth Band's song Bulldog talk about different emotions and situations that people face every day. The first verse talks about a Sheepdog standing in the rain and a Bullfrog doing it again, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for people who seem to be stuck in their daily routine without any variation in their lives. It hints at the idea that there could be different ways to measure happiness and specialness than just going along with the status quo. The next line in the verse questions the idea of someone thinking that they are special just because they smile. It suggests that outward appearances may not always reflect the true nature of a person.
The second verse deals with loneliness and fear. It talks about a Big man walking in the park and a Wigman frightened of the dark. Again, both lines suggest that things are not always what they seem on the surface, and that appearance can be deceiving. The last line suggests that people may think they understand loneliness, but they really have no clue what it feels like. The chorus re-emphasizes the idea that people can always talk to someone to share their feelings and emotions. It reinforces the message that there is someone who will always be there to listen, even if one is feeling lonely or scared.
Line by Line Meaning
Sheepdog standing in the rain
A loyal but vulnerable protector is left exposed to the harshness of the world
Bullfrog doing it again
The confident and consistent performer moves freely and easily through their environment
Some kind of happiness is measured out in miles
Happiness is elusive or takes effort to achieve, and can only be attained by distancing oneself from negative influences or situations
What makes you think you're something special when you smile ?
Questioning the genuineness of a person's happiness or confidence, and hinting at their possible attempts to hide flaws or insecurities
Childlike no-one understands
Someone's inner child or innocence is ignored or misunderstood by others, leaving them feeling isolated or overlooked
Jack-knife in your sweaty hands
A weapon or tool is being held tightly by someone who is tense or nervous
Some kind of innocence is measured out in years
Innocence or naivete is perceived to be associated with a lack of experience or wisdom, and can be lost or gained over time
You don't know what it's like to listen to your fears
Others cannot truly understand the extent or impact of one's fears or anxieties, even if they claim to empathize
Big man walking in the park
A physically imposing or confident person is striding confidently through a public space
Wigwam frightened of the dark
Someone living in a seemingly safe or comforting space is still experiencing fear or vulnerability
Some kind of loneliness is measured out in you
Loneliness can be an inherent trait or characteristic of a person, and may be difficult to overcome or explain
You think you know it but you haven't got a clue
Others may think they understand someone's struggles or feelings, but in reality, they are ignorant or mistaken
If you're lonely you can talk to me
The songwriter offers comfort and understanding to those who feel alone or misunderstood
You can talk to me
The repeated phrase reinforces the idea that the singer is open and welcoming to anyone who needs support
Contributed by Taylor D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
David Marks
One of my favorite covers of a Beatles song.
Cristián Odgers
Cool!!!