Mike & The Mechanics debuted with their stellar eponymous album in 1985 which highlighted Rutherford's innovative guitar work and the vocal talents of the two Pauls, amongst other guest vocalists. Initially, the group's albums were released between Genesis albums, all three Genesis members having solo projects of their own, most notable in the huge chart success of singer/drummer Phil Collins. This ended with the disbanding of Genesis in 1998.
The classic song "The Living Years" from the album of the same name was to be the height of their critical success to date; the #1 single was written by and about the dissension between singer BA Robertson and his father, a situation that was never rectified prior to his father's death, sung with great passion by Carrack. The album also featured the song "Nobody's Perfect" which received considerable airtime as the music to a successful television advertising campaign for Tennants bitter. Their third album "Word of Mouth" followed in 1991 with less commercial and critical success although the lead single, with vocals by Paul Young, reached the Top 20. The fourth album "Beggar On a Beach of Gold" was a high watermark in the quality of their material, with both the album and first single "Over My Shoulder" charting well with many considering the album the band's best work.
After a hiatus following Young's death from a heart attack on July 17, 2000, the band reformed in 2004 as Mike & the Mechanics featuring Paul Carrack releasing the album "Rewired".
A new Mike & the Mechanics album (titled "The Road") was released in the spring of 2011, supported by a 22-date UK tour. Replacing Carrack and Young as vocalists for the group are Andrew Roachford and Canadian actor/singer Tim Hower.
Take the Reins
Mike & The Mechanics Lyrics
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Understand, you might regret it, treating me the way you did
Hey old man, shut your mouth and listen, this here's the new regime
I command, you could go missin', you could be off the scene
(I'm not here to pray) I'm not here to pray
(So papa don't say) so papa don't say, I'm not ready
'Cause the hands feel so steady, take the reins
We got a team, we got the muscle, when things are getting tight
Will there seem, if there's a hustle, money changes every fight?
Look at me, you will discover, I'm not my father's son
You will see, when you recover, I'm mama's only one
(Look straight in my eye) look me in the eye
(Try to deny) try to deny, I'm not ready
But these hands feel so sturdy, oh, take the reins
(Take the reins)
(I'm sure in your game) I know that in your game
(You were okay) you were okay, that's behind us
Oh, Louise, is it vengeless?
Oh, take the reins
I'm a man, I'm not a little kid
Why, I understand
Shut your mouth and listen
Ah, and don't work out a new regime
Yeah, I got a team
Yeah, take the reins
I'm mama's only one
Ah, take the reins
The song "Take the Reins" by Mike & The Mechanics is about a young man who wants to prove himself to his father and take control of his life. He is tired of being treated like a child and wants his father to listen to what he has to say. The lyrics convey a sense of empowerment and confidence in oneself, as the young man is not afraid to take risks and make his own decisions. He acknowledges his flaws and past mistakes, but he also recognizes his strengths and the potential he has to achieve his goals.
The chorus "take the reins" is a metaphor for taking control of one's life and steering it in the direction they want to go. The young man feels ready to do this and is determined to succeed. The verses also touch upon themes of family dynamics, generational conflict, and the influence of money in relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a man, don't you forget it, I'm not a little kid
I am an adult and should be treated as such
Understand, you might regret it, treating me the way you did
You should be careful how you treat me, or you may come to regret it
Hey old man, shut your mouth and listen, this here's the new regime
You need to listen to me because I'm in charge now
I command, you could go missin', you could be off the scene
I have the power to make you disappear if you don't do what I say
(I'm not here to pray) I'm not here to pray
I am not looking for forgiveness or leniency
(So papa don't say) so papa don't say, I'm not ready
Please don't underestimate me or my abilities
'Cause the hands feel so steady, take the reins
I am confident in my ability to lead and make decisions
We got a team, we got the muscle, when things are getting tight
I have a strong group of people supporting me when times get tough
Will there seem, if there's a hustle, money changes every fight?
Is it true that money can win any battle?
Look at me, you will discover, I'm not my father's son
I am my own person and will not follow in my father's footsteps
You will see, when you recover, I'm mama's only one
My mother is the only person who truly understands me
(Look straight in my eye) look me in the eye
Pay attention to what I'm saying and take me seriously
(Try to deny) try to deny, I'm not ready
Don't doubt my ability to lead
But these hands feel so sturdy, oh, take the reins
I feel confident and capable of leading
(Take the reins)
I am ready to take charge
(I'm sure in your game) I know that in your game
I understand your tactics and am prepared to counter them
(You were okay) you were okay, that's behind us
The past is irrelevant and we need to focus on the present and future
Oh, Louise, is it vengeless?
Louise, are you forgiving and willing to move forward?
Oh, take the reins
I am ready to lead
I'm a man, I'm not a little kid
I am capable and mature
Why, I understand
I comprehend the situation
Ah, and don't work out a new regime
There is no need for another change in leadership
Yeah, I got a team
I have a strong group of supporters
Yeah, take the reins
I am ready to lead
I'm mama's only one
My mother is my biggest supporter
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: CHRISTOPHER NEIL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind