Marc had played guitar since the age of 9, but started to pursue music more seriously around 1964, when he became Toby Tyler, covering songs by Bob Dylan, and Dion.
(A track recorded around this time as Mark Feld, "All At Once" has recently been discovered will be released soon.) In his teen years, Marc became known as one of the first "mods". This led him to a brief stint as a model, and he chose to leave school when he was 14 years old. He also played guitar in a band called John's Children. Marc was needed for this group as a 'Pete Townshend' figure, but after 3 months, he left the band.
Together with Steve Peregrin Took, he formed his own duo Tyrannosaurus Rex, which quickly gained a large underground following. After 3 successful albums, Steve Peregrin Took's drug habits and suggestion of doing some of his own songs was enough for Marc to kick him out of the duo. Mickey Finn quickly replaced Steve, and the new duo recorded the album A Beard Of Stars, with Marc replacing Steve's backing vocals on the tracks they already began recording.
On Marc's second album with Finn, he decided to shorten the name of the band to T. Rex, and found fame and chart succes in 1970 with Ride a White Swan.
Following that success, Marc wrote several more top 10 hits and albums, Electric Warrior(1971), The Slider (1972), Tanx(1973), Zinc Alloy and the Hidden Riders of Tomorrow Or a Creamed Cage In August)(1974), Bolan's Zip-Gun(1975), Futuristic Dragon(1976) and the final album
Dandy In the Underworld(1977).
Marc Bolan tried to make it clear during his lifetime that he was NOT to be grouped in the lot called Glam Rock. In 1973, he appeared under the headline "Glam Rock Is Dead: Says Marc" - he felt he was not being treated seriously as an artist, so with Zinc Alloy onward, he moved into a Rock & Soul sound, radically different than what was the musical trend at the time. Many of Marc's fans stayed behind with the Glam movement, but Marc pursued further into less commercial music adventures, with the help of his soul-singer girlfriend, Gloria Jones. Together they had a son, Rolan Bolan, in 1975.
Tragically, Marc died in a car crash on 16 September 1977 in a purple Mini driven by Gloria Jones.
Celebrate Summer
Marc Bolan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hey little girl want a quick romance
Hey little girl won't you take a chance
And celebrate summer with me
Hey little chick where did you learn that trick
Hey don't you know you got rock and roll
Hey little punk forget all that junk
And celebrate summer with me
This is summer
And it's now
Summer is heaven in '77
Hey little girl would you like a dance
Hey little girl want a quick romance
Hey little girl won't you be the one
To celebrate summer with me
The lyrics of "Celebrate Summer" by Marc Bolan and T. Rex encapsulate the carefree and hedonistic spirit of summer. The song opens with an invitation to dance and engage in a "quick romance," emphasizing the playful and spontaneous nature of the season. Bolan urges his little girl (or little chick or little punk) to forget their inhibitions and embrace the freedom of summer. He emphasizes that "summer's not a bummer" and that they should "celebrate summer" together.
The repeated refrain of "summer is heaven in '77" introduces a sense of nostalgia and a longing for a simpler time. The reference to '77 is likely a nod to the punk rock movement that was exploding in the UK at the time, as well as a reflection of Bolan's own influence on the scene. The lyrics are straightforward and uncomplicated, mirroring the breezy and carefree spirit of summer.
The musical composition of "Celebrate Summer" is also reflective of the season, with its upbeat tempo, catchy hooks, and overlapping harmonies. Bolan's distinctive guitar riffs and the driving drumbeat give the song a propulsive energy that perfectly captures the spirit of summer. Overall, "Celebrate Summer" is a joyful and infectious celebration of the season, and a testament to Bolan's talents as a songwriter and musician.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey little girl would you like a dance
Asking a young woman if she would like to dance.
Hey little girl want a quick romance
Asking a young woman if she would like to have a quick romantic encounter.
Hey little girl won't you take a chance
Encouraging a young woman to take a risk and enjoy life.
And celebrate summer with me
Inviting the young woman to enjoy the season of summer with the singer.
Hey little chick where did you learn that trick
Asking a young woman where she learned a particular skill or talent.
Hey don't you know you got rock and roll
Telling the young woman that she embodies the spirit of rock and roll.
Hey little punk forget all that junk
Encouraging someone to let go of their worries and enjoy themselves.
And celebrate summer with me
Asking someone to enjoy the season of summer with the singer.
Summer's not a bummer
Stating that summer is not a depressing or sad time of year.
This is summer
Acknowledging that the current time is within the season of summer.
And it's now
Emphasizing that summer is currently happening.
Summer is heaven in '77
Describing the experience of summer in 1977 as heavenly.
Hey little girl would you like a dance
Repeating the initial invitation to dance with the young woman.
Hey little girl want a quick romance
Repeating the initial invitation for a quick romantic encounter with the young woman.
Hey little girl won't you be the one
Asking the young woman to be the one to celebrate summer with the singer.
To celebrate summer with me
Repeating the invitation to enjoy the season of summer with the singer.
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group
Written by: MARC BOLAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sebvaisanen2201
Wow! This is incredible. There will be a big Marc Bolan revival soon
@markcole1400
That's one great song, still sounds great today.
I remember his show Marc. He was on his way back to the top after a few years in the wilderness.
He was a great artist. Greatly missed
@meercat70
Marc was my first love in pre school. The first boy to break my little heart!!! 🥰❤️❤️❤️
@josefheinen375
I was 18 as my father said me, that Marc was cilled by an eccident. Til today i'm sad about this. Each time if i'm in London (4 times a year) i drive to Golders Green and light a candle for him. R.I.P.
@KMAC1ful
Thank you x I keep a little Marc in my heart & plan a trip to Golders Green next year x
@SweetAeromotion
KMAC1ful have you been/are you still going to go?
@SweetAeromotion
KMAC1ful I’d love to go but my mother thinks I have a problem... Alcoholic marcoholic 😂🤔
@josefheinen5083
@HEY 4Q2 Yes i was. First i visited the accident-place than i drove toGolders Green.
@trexmarcbolan
he was always great to me - thanks for stopping by
@chrisredditch
I also spotted Herbie Flowers, playing the bass and mugging up to the camera.
Marc's in my heart