Mott the Hoople formed when Silence, a not-too-successful group from the Welsh borders, was joined by session pianist and rock and roll hopeful Ian Hunter along with musicians Mick Ralphs, Verden Allen, Pete Overend Watts, and Dale Griffin . They developed from Dylan obsessives to their own character over the course of four albums for Island. They were a very popular live act but only achieved brief commercial success.
In 1971, the band was close to splitting up but continued to record track "All the Young Dudes", a song written for them by up and coming pop star and fan David Bowie. Three more albums and several pop hits later, the group fell apart after Ian Hunter left in 1974. The remaining members mutated into Mott, an 'also-ran' band which released two albums before disbanding in 1976. Original guitarist Ralphs had a massive boost in his fortunes as a member of rockers Bad Company.
Griffin died in his sleep on 17 January 2016 at the age of 67 and Watts died, almost exactly a year later, on 22 January 2017, from throat cancer.
Journey
Mott the Hoople Lyrics
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In the morning dust they'll begin to rise
Halfway to a borderline
Well I can see the end
For the very first time
Well I know I lost just a little bit on the journey
When my mind's been split by little things that didn't fit on the way
Cause I'm trying so hard to get going
There's a man on a bridge called suicide
And he hides his head while the coast is dark
And the river drags and the water sways
Oh his rags've seen better days
And I guess he lost just a little bit on the journey
For his mind was split by little things that didn't fit on the way
(Oh) yes I know he lost just a little bit on the journey
For every gift he had to give
For every life (yeah) he had to live
Well they meant nothing without her to guide him on his way
Well he told her he was a leader
Of a well respected (load)
But when he tried to leave her
Well she looked right down her nose
Many times he tried to make her believe in herself
But she wouldn't listen to a word he said
Well he followed her though the darkness
All the chances I take
He followed her though the wilderness
Her mystery to break
Many times he tried to make her believe in herself
But she wouldn't listen to a word he said
So for 40 days and for 40 nights
Well they tied my (ways) they can see the light
And the angel screamed in my nightmare ride
And the changes left (yeah) but they will take their time
And I guess I lost just a little bit on the journey
Yes I know I lost just a little bit on the way
I know I lost just a little bit on t
he journey, trying so hard to get going but facing setbacks and obstacles along the way. The song speaks to the struggles and challenges that come with any journey in life. The first verse describes the slow progress and uncertainty of the journey, with changes taking their time and only becoming visible in the dust of the morning. The singer can finally see the end of the journey, though it comes with the realization of the losses along the way.
The second verse shifts to the story of the man on the bridge called suicide, who has lost his way and can't find a place to fit in. His mind is split by little things that didn't fit on the way, and he has lost something on the journey. In the final verse, the singer shares his own journey and the sacrifices he made along the way. He too has lost something, but knows that the changes will eventually come.
Overall, the song is about the hope and resilience needed to keep going on a journey, even when it feels like something has been lost. It speaks to the universal struggle of finding one's place in the world and overcoming obstacles to reach a destination.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: IAN HUNTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@billwood6177
The Journey is one of my 2 or 3 favorite songs.....ever. All The Way From Memphis is #1 ,a song with great lyrics and a monster live in concert. For me no other rock band came close to the power and at the same time the sensitivity that Mott the Hoople displayed in their music. Thank you for posting this anternate version of The Journey! Bill
@applemanuk
Great alternative version of a wonderful song from one of the greatest British bands ever. Long live Mott the Hoople. A band who wrote the soundtrack to so many our our lives without the commercial success they deserved. Thanks for posting this.
@shrunkenheadache
One of Mott/Hunters best. Great.
@kevinsteviestevenson4001
MOTT! Brain Capers! My fave!
@PhilBaird1
There's some truth in what you say. Commercial success came at a price, and as much as they gained they also lost something of what made them special. It's a finely balanced argument though, because the early stuff that we all love wasn't always great either. Perhaps without the post Bowie years we wouldn't have an essential part of the 'mythology' - the hollowness of fame, about which Ian wrote so movingly, and without which Mott the Hoople wouldn't be loved quite as much as they are.
@timhewtson6212
A really beautiful version. Not so different from the others, but softer and therefore more resonant, more haunting.
@portcullis5622
Beautiful song. In places, the keyboards are reminiscent of John 'Rabbit' Bundrick's playing on Free's 'Muddy Water'.
@clintondesveaux751
I know people love All The Young Dudes, but this is a much better song and a tough song to listen to when alone. It really speaks to what life can be like when we become selfish
@jerryencoe8831
HE DIDN'T WRITE "DUDES", BOWIE DID. I. H. HAD (HAS?) HIS OWN STYLE, THANK GATOS
@MindthegapMonday
Has, so many great records.