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.
Rest In Peace
Mott the Hoople Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
and if my life replaced itself again,
I wouldn't want a single thing to change.
Oh it's been good, though it's been strange.
And if my dreams were willing to come true,
oh I would not even try to force them through.
I'm sure there's things I've missed, that others preached.
The goals they reached, they weren't for me.
even though the worries seem to mount,
don't let them count.
Rest in peace.
Throw all those miles and paper smiles away.
You make willow pattern pictures through the rain.
And swallow when your heart begins to breathe,
just like the birds, do what they please.
'Cause you know, we ain't gonna be here all that long
and when I go I want to know I sung.
If there's a road ahead, I'll jump right in.
Just got to win, this is my hymn.
Rest in peace,
even though your worries seem to mount,
don't let them count.
Rest in peace.
Rest in peace.
The lyrics of "Rest in Peace" by Mott the Hoople deal with accepting the inevitability of death and finding peace in one's life. The first verse discusses the desire to continue living life just as it is, showing a sense of contentment with one's experiences and choices. It also highlights that even though life can be strange, it is still good. In the second verse, the song addresses the idea of achieving dreams, but not trying to force them, as there may be things that have been missed or simply were not meant to be. The chorus, "Rest in peace," is repeated multiple times, emphasizing the idea that even in difficult times, finding rest and inner peace is important. The lyrics also reference the fleeting nature of life and the need to make the most of the time one has.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh if my wheel could take another turn
If I had the chance to start all over again and redo my life, I would take that opportunity.
and if my life replaced itself again,
If I could be reborn and live my life all over again, I would gladly do so.
I wouldn't want a single thing to change.
I'm happy with the way my life turned out and do not want to alter anything.
Oh it's been good, though it's been strange.
My life has been a mix of positive and negative experiences, but overall I am content.
And if my dreams were willing to come true,
If my aspirations and goals had the chance to become reality, I would not force them to happen.
oh I would not even try to force them through.
I understand that some things are not meant to be and I wouldn't push for them to happen.
I'm sure there's things I've missed, that others preached.
I may have overlooked certain opportunities or advice given to me by others.
The goals they reached, they weren't for me.
Some of the objectives others achieved are not necessarily ones that I would have wanted to attain.
Rest in peace,
May you find solace and tranquility.
even though the worries seem to mount,
Despite how overwhelming your problems become,
don't let them count.
Don't let them have an impact on your life and well-being.
Throw all those miles and paper smiles away.
Disregard all the formalities and societal expectations that can weigh someone down.
You make willow pattern pictures through the rain.
Despite hardship and struggle, you still have the ability to find beauty in your surroundings.
And swallow when your heart begins to breathe,
Take a deep breath and focus on your inner self when you feel overwhelmed.
just like the birds, do what they please.
Similar to how birds follow their own instincts and fly where they want, you should also follow what you think is best for yourself.
'Cause you know, we ain't gonna be here all that long
Life is finite and we will eventually pass on from this world.
and when I go I want to know I sung.
When I die, I want to feel that I truly lived life to the fullest without any regrets.
If there's a road ahead, I'll jump right in.
If there's an opportunity in sight, I won't hesitate to seize it.
Just got to win, this is my hymn.
I have to succeed and achieve my goals, and this is the message I want to share with others.
Rest in peace,
May you find peace and ease of mind.
even though your worries seem to mount,
Despite how overwhelmed your problems may be,
don't let them count.
Don't let them dictate your life and emotions.
Rest in peace.
May you find calm and restfulness.
Rest in peace.
May you find a sense of inner calm and tranquility.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: D JONES, JOSEPH JOHNSON, TONY RANDLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind