Mott the Hoople were a British rock band that was formed in 1968 in Herefor… Read Full Bio ↴Mott the Hoople were a British rock band that was formed in 1968 in Herefordshire, England, near the Welsh border. They were led by Ian Hunter until his departure in 1974. The band itself broke up in 1976. The group is best known for the international hit single "All the Young Dudes", written by David Bowie and featured in films such as 'Clueless' and 'Juno'. The band's name came from a novel, authored by Willard Manus, about a freak-show worker named Norman Mott.

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.

Ready for Love / After Lights
Mott the Hoople Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Walking down the rocky road
Wondering where my life is leading
Rolling on to the bitter end

Finding out along the way
What it takes to keep love living
You should know how it feels my friend

Ooh, want you to stay
Ooh, want you today
I'm ready for love, oh baby, I'm ready for love
Ready for love, oh baby, I'm ready for love
Oh oh oh oh oh

Don't let go
You know I'm ready for you
Don't you be slow
You know what I'm going to do

Give it to me
You know what I'm talking of
Give it to me
I'm ready for love

Now I'm on my feet again
Better things are bound to happen
All my dues surely must be paid

Many miles and many tears
Times were hard but now they're changing
You should know that I'm not afraid

Ooh, want you to stay
Ooh, want you today
I'm ready for love, oh baby, I'm ready for love
Ready for love, oh baby, I'm ready for love
Oh oh oh oh oh

Don't let go
You know I'm ready for you
Don't be slow
You know what I'm going to do

Why don't you give it to me
You know what I'm talking of
Give it to me
I'm ready for love

Oh, I'm cold and I'm ready for love, oh baby, I'm ready for love

Ready for love, oh baby, I'm ready for love
Oh oh oh oh oh

Overall Meaning

In the first verse of Mott the Hoople's "Ready For Love/After Lights," the singer is feeling lost and uncertain about the direction his life is going in. He's afraid that his journey may end on a bitter note. As he travels down this difficult path, he discovers that love is key to his continued journey. He implores the listener, who may also be feeling lost, to understand the importance of love in life. The chorus echoes this sentiment, with the singer expressing his readiness for love, and urging the listener not to let go, but to give it to him.

The second verse sees the singer on his feet again, with better things happening in his life. He has paid his dues, having experienced hard times, but he is not afraid. The chorus repeats, with the singer once again expressing his readiness for love and urging the listener not to be slow, but to give it to him. The repetition of the chorus expresses the importance of love as a constant and necessary thing in life.

Overall, this song is about the power of love to keep us going when times are tough. It encourages listeners to keep moving forward, to be ready for love, and to embrace all that life has to offer, both good and bad.

Line by Line Meaning

Walking down the rocky road
Reflecting on a challenging journey

Wondering where my life is leading
Uncertainty about life's direction

Rolling on to the bitter end
Continuing forward despite hardship

Finding out along the way
Learning through personal experience

What it takes to keep love living
Recognizing the effort required in a romantic relationship

You should know how it feels my friend
Encouraging empathy

Ooh, want you to stay
Expressing a desire for companionship

Ooh, want you today
Wanting to connect immediately

I'm ready for love, oh baby, I'm ready for love
Emphasizing a readiness for romance

Don't let go
Urging the partner to hold on

You know I'm ready for you
Assuring commitment