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.
The Golden Age of Rock 'n' Roll
Mott the Hoople Lyrics
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The golden age of rock 'n' roll
Everybody hazy, shell-shocked and crazy
Screaming for the face at the window
Jeans for the genies, dresses for the dreamies
Fighting for a place in the front row
(It's good for your body, it's good for your soul)
Oh, oh, let's go
(It's the golden age of rock 'n' roll)
Well, you getta little buzz, send for the fuzz
Guitars getting higher and higher
The dude in the paint thinks he's gonna faint
Stoke more coke on the fire
Oh, oh, oh
(You gotta stay young, you can never grow old)
Oh, oh, whoa
(It's the golden age of rock 'n' roll)
The golden age of rock 'n' roll will never die
As long as children feel the need to laugh and cry
Don't wanna smash, want a smash sensation
Don't wanna wreck, just recreation
Don't wanna fight, but if you turn us down
We're gonna turn you around, gonna mess with the sound
The show's gotta move, everybody groove
There ain't no trouble on the streets now
So if the going gets rough, don't you blame us
You ninety-six decibel freaks
Oh, oh, oh
(It's good for body, it's good for your soul)
Oh, ohh, ohh
(It's the golden age of rock 'n' roll)
Oh, oh, oh
(You gotta stay young, you can never grow old)
Oh, oh, whoa
(It's the golden age of rock 'n' roll)
Oh, oh, oh
(It's good for body, it's good for your soul)
Oh, oh, oh
(It's the golden age of rock 'n' roll)
Oh, oh, oh
(You gotta stay young, you can never grow old)
Oh, oh, whoa
(It's the golden age of rock 'n' roll)
Oh, oh, oh
(It's good for body, it's good for your soul)
Oh, oh, oh
(It's the golden age of rock 'n' roll)
That's all
Mott the Hoople's song "The Golden Age of Rock 'n' Roll" is an anthem that captures the energy and excitement of the rock 'n' roll movement of the 1960s and 70s. The song touches upon the craziness, buzz, and intense passion that characterized the movement. The powerful opening line "Ladies and gentlemen, the golden age of rock 'n' roll" sets the tone for the rest of the song.
The lyrics follow a narrative that describes the environment of rock concerts during the era. The crowds are described as being "hazy, shell-shocked and crazy," fighting to get a place in the front row wearing "jeans for the genies, dresses for the dreamies." The song speaks of the use of drugs and the high that it brings, with the guitars getting higher and higher and how "they're gonna stoke more coke on the fire." The song also emphasizes the primal and anarchic nature of rock concerts, with the line "Don't wanna fight, but if you turn us down we're gonna turn you around, gonna mess with the sound."
Overall, "The Golden Age of Rock 'n' Roll" is a celebration of the spirit of rock 'n' roll and the cultural movement it inspired.
Line by Line Meaning
Ladies and gentlemen
Introducing the topic of discussion, the Golden Age of Rock 'n' Roll
Everybody hazy, shell-shocked and crazy
Describing the audience as disoriented, overwhelmed, and excited
Screaming for the face at the window
Expressing the fans' enthusiasm for seeing their favorite rockstar
Jeans for the genies, dresses for the dreamies
Referring to the fashion trends of the fans, with boys wearing jeans and girls wearing dresses
Fighting for a place in the front row
Describing the fans' eagerness to be closest to the stage
Oh, oh, oh
(It's good for your body, it's good for your soul)
Highlighting the beneficial impact of rock 'n' roll on fans' physical and spiritual well-being
Oh, oh, let's go
(It's the golden age of rock 'n' roll)
Encouraging fans to embrace the excitement of the Golden Age of Rock 'n' Roll
Well, you getta little buzz, send for the fuzz
Referring to fans' use of drugs and the potential of getting caught by the police
Guitars getting higher and higher
Describing the increasing intensity of the music
The dude in the paint thinks he's gonna faint
Referring to someone who is wearing heavy makeup and may be overwhelmed by the excitement
Stoke more coke on the fire
Encouraging the audience to increase their enjoyment of the music through drug use
Oh, oh, oh
(You gotta stay young, you can never grow old)
Emphasizing the importance of staying youthful to fully appreciate Rock 'n' Roll
Oh, oh, whoa
(It's the golden age of rock 'n' roll)
Reminding fans of the unique vibrancy of the Golden Age of Rock 'n' Roll
The golden age of rock 'n' roll will never die
As long as children feel the need to laugh and cry
Recognizing the universality of Rock 'n' Roll to appeal to the emotions of all individuals, regardless of age
Don't wanna smash, want a smash sensation
Don't wanna wreck, just recreation
Partying hard while still having fun and avoiding chaos and destruction
Don't wanna fight, but if you turn us down
We're gonna turn you around, gonna mess with the sound
The fans peacefully enjoying the music until something upsets them
The show's gotta move, everybody groove
There ain't no trouble on the streets now
Encouraging everyone to enjoy the music and dance, with no need for conflict
So if the going gets rough, don't you blame us
You ninety-six decibel freaks
Explaining that the loud music is not responsible for any difficulties or trouble
Oh, oh, oh
(It's good for body, it's good for your soul)
Reinforcing the positive impact of rock 'n' roll to both mind and body
Oh, ohh, ohh
(It's the golden age of rock 'n' roll)
Reminding the audience of the unique significance of the Golden Age of Rock 'n' Roll
It's good for body, it's good for your soul
Echoing the idea that Rock 'n' Roll is beneficial to one's physical and spiritual health
You gotta stay young, you can never grow old
Highlighting that embracing the energy of Rock 'n' Roll helps keep a person young
It's the golden age of rock 'n' roll
Celebrating the unique vibrancy of the music during the Golden Age of Rock 'n' Roll
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: IAN HUNTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind