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.
Nightmare
Mott the Hoople Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you don't they'll think you're insane
And hold you down like a dog
Every day will be a nightmare
When I see your pale pale face
Looking as though it is lost
Now I know there ain't no-one
Feels are waiting to come
But you don't know what you want anymore
For your (pillow?) now lies high
And the days they are starting to fly
When I see your pale pale face
Looking as though it is lost
Now I know there ain't no-one
To lead you through your nightmare
When I see your pale pale face
Looking as though it is lost
Now I know you need someone
To see you through your nightmare
The lyrics of Mott the Hoople's song "Nightmare" speak to the struggles of mental health and the societal judgment that often accompanies it. The opening line, "Take good care of what you say," suggests the importance of being mindful of one's words, as they may be used against them by those who don't understand or accept their state of mind. The fear of being labeled as "insane" can lead to feelings of being held down, trapped, or oppressed, as the lyrics liken the experience to that of a dog who is held down by its owners. The repetition of the phrase "Every day will be a nightmare" emphasizes the constant struggle that those with mental health issues may face, as the stigma and societal pressures can make everyday life feel like a nightmare.
The second verse describes the isolation and loneliness that can come with struggling with mental health. The singer describes seeing the person's "pale pale face" looking lost, which suggests a sense of helplessness or disorientation. The lyrics lament the absence of someone to lead the person through their nightmare, indicating a need for support and guidance through the struggles they are facing. The final verse acknowledges the confusion and uncertainty that can accompany mental health issues, particularly the feeling of being lost or unsure of what one wants. The lyrics suggest that time is passing quickly, and the person needs someone to help them navigate their struggles before they become too overwhelming.
Line by Line Meaning
Take good care of what you say
Be mindful of your words and how they may be perceived by others
If you don't they'll think you're insane
If you don't choose your words carefully, others may think you're crazy
And hold you down like a dog
They will constrain you and treat you like an animal
Every day will be a nightmare
Your life will be a constant source of fear and distress
When I see your pale pale face
I can see the fear and despair in your expression
Looking as though it is lost
You appear to be very confused and uncertain
Now I know there ain't no-one
There is no one who can help you in your current situation
To lead you through your nightmare
There is no one who can guide and support you through your troubled times
Feels are waiting to come
Emotions are building up inside of you, waiting to be expressed
But you don't know what you want anymore
You are lost and confused, unsure of your own desires and needs
For your (pillow?) now lies high
You may be sleeping on a high pillow, which could represent a life of comfort and privilege
And the days they are starting to fly
Time seems to be passing quickly, and you may feel like you're running out of it
Now I know you need someone
It's clear that you require help and support from others
To see you through your nightmare
You need someone who can guide and support you through your troubled times
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STEVE GRANT, ANNABELLA LWIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ledrotten
Definitly an exellent addition to the Mott catalouge ,never heard it before ,how on earth did you find it ,or even the details you mentioned about its origins ,was the record ever released? or is it on any rock compilations from the era ? its definitly a peice of history ,thanx for the upload
Kris Needs
This was one of 2 songs Verden demo'd with Mott before he left in Jan 73...
mottnianhunter
After leaving Mott The Hoople, Verden signed a solo deal with Polydor Records through Hedley Leyton, brother to John Leyton. Teamed with a singer named Mooni, they released one single under than name. Both songs were written by Verden Allen. (Exactly who Mooni is has never been established.) This tune was the flip side. Wine Ridden Talks / Nightmare 1973 UK 7S Polydor 2058 367
QrystalQlear
Interesting. I have never heard this song before, & I'm one of the biggest Mott The Hoople fans. It was never on any of their albums that I know of.
Chiara Sulis
I have it in Mott.
David Sleger
@Chiara Sulis it was a demo that was only added to more recent issues of "Mott" Never made it onto the proper release (1973). Too bad. It's a nice song.
David Hamilton
Amazing
David Hamilton
The Hammond on this is just so so good.
CoolCat70
WOW!
Graham Morgan
Had a beer with Vernon tonight in Wetherspoons in Abergavenny!!