He was performing under the name Reg Patterson at London's Condor Club in 1957 when he was spotted by impresario Larry Parnes. Parnes gave his protégées surnames like Fury, Power, Gentle and Pride etc, hence the change to Wilde. The 'Marty' came from the commended 1955 film Marty. Wilde was signed to the British recording arm of Philips, with US releases appearing on the Epic label via Philips' reciprocal licensing agreement with Columbia Records Stateside. (Philips had yet to acquire the Mercury group as its US division).
From mid 1958 to the end of 1959, Wilde was one of the leading British rock singers, along with Tommy Steele and Cliff Richard. Wilde's backing group were called the Wildcats who featured Big Jim Sullivan on lead guitar, and Brian Locking and Brian Bennett (drums) who later joined The Shadows.
He appeared regularly on the BBC Television show 6.5 Special and was the main regular artiste on the Saturday ITV popular music shows Oh, Boy! and Boy Meets Girls. There he met and married Joyce, one of The Vernons Girls who were also show regulars. The courtship was highly public but, after the marriage, Wilde's popularity as a teen idol declined.
He moved partly into all-round entertainment, appearing in musicals such as the West End production of Bye Bye Birdie and films.
He enjoyed success as a songwriter in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He penned the virtual one-hit wonder's The Casuals' "Jesamine", plus Lulu's "I'm A Tiger", and the early Status Quo's "Ice In The Sun".
In the early 1970s, Wilde changed his music style to Glam Rock and became 'Zappo'. He released only a few singles which never charted and reverted back to Marty Wilde shortly after.
Later on, as songwriter and/or record producer, he masterminded a string of 1980s hits for his daughter Kim Wilde. His son, Ricki Wilde also gained some notice in the music industry, working mainly in promotion and A&R.
Like many of his contemporaries, Wilde continues to perform in nostalgia tours in the UK and beyond.
Jezebel
Marty Wilde Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She probably had less than every one of us
But when she knew how to walk she knew
How to bring the house down
Can't blame her for her beauty
She wins with her hands down
Jezebel, what a belle
How did you get that?
"Do you really want to know", she said
It would seem she's on her way
It's more, more than just a dream
She put on her stockings and shoes
Had nothing to lose, she said it was worth it
Reach for the top
And the sun is gonna shine
"Every winter was a war", she said
"I want to get what's mine"
Jezebel, Jezebel
Won't try to deny where she came from
You can see it in her pride
And the raven in her eyes
Try show her a better way
She'll say, "You don't know what you've been missing"
By the time she blinks you know she won't be listening
"Reach for the top", she said
"And the sun is gonna shine"
"Every winter was a war", she said
"I want to get what's mine"
The lyrics of Marty Wilde’s song Jezebel tell the story of a girl who rises above her humble beginnings to make something of herself. Born without the luxury of a silver spoon in her mouth, she had less than everyone else, but she didn’t let that deter her in life from a young age. She was born with the ability to draw crowds and bring down the house through her charisma, energy, and natural beauty. Even though some people may blame her for her good looks or undervalue her accomplishments, Jezebel still manages to win with her hands down.
The song celebrates her defiance and ambition to succeed. She is portrayed as a belle and a princess in her new dress. When asked how she acquired her success, Jezebel simply replied with an enigmatic “Do you really want to know?” as if to insinuate that her success was a result of hard work, persistence, and confidence in her abilities. Jezebel has set her sights on the top, and she believes that success is possible as long as you persevere.
The chorus is where the song’s message is most explicit, with Jezebel proclaiming that reaching for the top is the best way to make it in life. She acknowledges that times may have been tough in the past, which is why she reminds herself that every winter was a war, and that she wants to get what’s rightfully hers. Jezebel's story is one of determination and self-reliance, showing that it's possible to overcome adversity and succeed despite the odds.
Line by Line Meaning
Jezebel wasn't born with a silver spoon in her mouth
Jezebel didn't come from a privileged background
She probably had less than every one of us
She likely had less than everyone else
But when she knew how to walk she knew
From an early age, she knew
How to bring the house down
How to impress and captivate people
Can't blame her for her beauty
She shouldn't be punished for being beautiful
She wins with her hands down
It's easy for her to win people over
Jezebel, what a belle
Jezebel is a beautiful woman
Looks like a princess in her new dress
She looks regal in her outfit
How did you get that?
Others are curious about how she obtained her possessions
"Do you really want to know", she said
Jezebel is hesitant to reveal her secrets
It would seem she's on her way
Jezebel is making progress in life
It's more, more than just a dream
Her success is the result of hard work and dedication
She put on her stockings and shoes
Jezebel is getting ready to take action
Had nothing to lose, she said it was worth it
Jezebel is willing to take risks to achieve her goals
Reach for the top
Set high goals
And the sun is gonna shine
Success is achievable
"Every winter was a war", she said
Jezebel has overcome great challenges in life
"I want to get what's mine"
Jezebel is determined to achieve her goals
Jezebel, Jezebel
Repeating her name for emphasis
Won't try to deny where she came from
She's proud of her roots
You can see it in her pride
Her self-confidence is evident
And the raven in her eyes
Her dark eyes have depth and intensity
Try show her a better way
Others have attempted to help her
She'll say, "You don't know what you've been missing"
Jezebel feels like she's already living life to the fullest
By the time she blinks you know she won't be listening
Jezebel is not receptive to criticism or advice
"Reach for the top", she said
Repeating her earlier advice to aim high
"And the sun is gonna shine"
Repeating her earlier message of hope and optimism
"Every winter was a war", she said
Repeating her earlier testament to her resilience
"I want to get what's mine"
Restating her determination to succeed
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STUART MATTHEWMAN, HELEN ADU
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ronald Openshaw
One of the better voices in British Rock. should have been a much bigger star.
Derek Hazzard
Wow - if that don't give you goose bumps (especially the last note) then you're dead!
Manfred Williams
Yes, pure unadulterated talent.
Pipkin Hopkins
What a great version, and what a stupendous voice Marty has. Cool as !
John Croasdale
Fantastic performance and what a good backing band
Monotostereoking
Wow, that was great. I have seen Marty live a couple of times & he is a class act.
David Lomas
Saw Marty in concert at Cromer a week ago, boy he still has the voice, and did this song in his set. He was sensational and at 79 years old its unbelievable he can still hit and hold that last note as good as this video of ten years ago. One of the most enjoyable concerts I've seen for years. The Wildcats were also fabulous, but my biggest regret is not having seen him before. I'm so glad he was awarded an MBE, never has anybody been more deserving. Thanks Marty, you were brilliant.
Geoff Cook
Always thought he was crap, but on watching several videos on here I take it back, what a voice.
John Robertson
all those cover versions did him no favours, but live he had it and still does
John Robertson
what a great performance...a star