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.

Rose
Mott the Hoople Lyrics

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It ain't so long ago since we were just two kids
Remember well memories we all hid
But you're much older now, although you still are young
I know you well, I'm like you

Hey Rose, you're finer than you know
Why hang around with clothes of another name
Hair so dyed she lost too much inside

Ain't nothing left to hide in the game

Hey Rose, how do you laugh in your own show
Try to fight the fears that rise within
Rock 'n' roll slag, oh my, you're such a drag
Trying to find the corner to inject

Hey Rose, so silently she goes
Careful not to make up, see your maker
Hey Rose, how do you laugh when she's on show
Try to fight the fears that rise within

Hey, rock 'n' roll slag, oh oh, you're such a drag
Trying to find the corner to inject

Hey Rose, you're finer than you know
And I hate to see you cold on a summer day

Overall Meaning

In Mott the Hoople's song "Rose", the singer reminisces about a past relationship with a young woman named Rose. The lyrics express concern for Rose, who appears to be struggling with self-esteem issues and possibly drug addiction. The line "Why hang around with clothes of another name" suggests that Rose may be hiding her true identity behind a persona or image. The image of dyed hair that has lost "too much inside" could represent the loss of Rose's authenticity or inner self.

The song also portrays a sense of sadness and regret. The singer acknowledges that Rose is "finer than [she] knows," but laments that she is "such a drag" and seems to be "trying to find the corner to inject." The line "And I hate to see you cold on a summer day" evokes a sense of hopelessness and despair.

Overall, "Rose" is a poignant reflection on the struggles of youth, love, and identity. The song captures the raw emotions and uncertainties of a young relationship, while also shedding light on the darker aspects of addiction and self-doubt.

RoseMott the Hoople Lyrics

Rose
Mott the Hoople Lyrics