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.
Where Do You All Come From
Mott the Hoople Lyrics
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Mott the Hoople's "Where Do You All Come From" is a groovy rock tune that captures a sense of confusion and curiosity towards the state of the world. The song starts with the questioning of where everyone comes from and the desire to understand them better. The lyric "Makes you feel any, heads you can heal" suggests that the singer is open-minded and willing to help others, but also acknowledges the chaotic nature of society ("My God you're upside down"). The line "An' I heard all you green gods are all jeering a bound" may refer to hippies and their beliefs being ridiculed by mainstream society.
The next verse continues with the theme of curiosity but now focuses on the outward appearance of the people being observed. The line "Where did you get that hat? Any religion would be proud of that" implies that the individual wearing the hat has a strong sense of identity and values that they express through their fashion choices. The lyric "While your pilgrim's all got stoned on that" further emphasizes the individualism and "coolness" of the people being observed.
The song concludes with a reference to Ralph J. Gleason, a music journalist who was an advocate for the counterculture movement, and a mention of the impending revolution. However, the singer seems tired and unable to participate in any revolutionary activities.
Overall, "Where Do You All Come From" captures a sense of curiosity and admiration towards the counterculture movement, while also acknowledging its chaotic and confusing nature.
Line by Line Meaning
Where do you all come from?
Asking about the origin of the people around
I gotta find you out
Curious to know about them
Makes you feel any, heads you can heal
Inquiring about the abilities of the individuals to heal suffering people
My God you're upside down
Expressing surprise at their condition
An' I heard all you green gods are all jeering a bound(?)
Referring to rumors about their mockery towards religion or authority systems
My don't they get around
Commenting on their widespread influence or reputation
Now where did you get that hat?
Asking about the origin of their fashion sense
Any religion would be proud of that
Complimenting their unique and eye-catching style
You can stand it on high like a flag in the sky
Recognizing the prominence and attention their fashion attracts
While your pilgrim's all got stoned on that
Referencing the rebellious or non-conformist attitudes of themselves or their followers
We'll share a thousand mirrors
Highlighting the similarities between themselves and the individuals addressed
And a beautiful view
Suggesting the possibility of finding common ground or understanding
And everybody talking about you
Acknowledging the buzz and discussion surrounding them
Where did you get those clothes?
Asking again about the origin of their fashion sense
Off a streetcar I suppose
Commenting sarcastically on their unusual or outlandish clothing
You gotta be cool to look like a fool
Acknowledging the necessity of confidence and boldness in their style
You ain't exactly smelling like a rose
Making a derogatory comment on their hygiene or personal scent
'N everybody's asking everybody out there(?)
Observing the general curiosity and interest in those around them
Thank you for reason Ralph J. Gleason
Acknowledging the journalist Gleason for his contribution to music journalism and criticism
For you I'll sing my song
Gratefully dedicating their song to Gleason
Now the revolution's coming and I just can't wait
Anticipating and eagerly awaiting a widespread cultural, social, or political change
Excuse me, but I'm too tired and it's late
Expressing exhaustion and disinterest in continuing the discussion
All your integrity's gone
Challenging the moral integrity of the individuals addressed
Tell me, where do you all come from?
Repeating the original question, and assertively demanding an answer
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: IAN HUNTER, MICHAEL GEOFFREY RALPHS, PETER OVEREND WATTS, TERENCE DALE GRIFFIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind