It is said that there were issues within the band with Both Rod Stewart and Ronnie Lane doing lead vocal versions of it, neither of these versions appeared on the album, On the final version Ronnie Wood did the vocal.
Rod Stewart then went on to cover the song in 1998 for the album "When we were the new boys".
Ronnie Wood has also done a version of the song with Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues orchestra which appears on the 2003 album "Jack O the Green, Small world Big band 3".
Ooh La La
Rod Stewart Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I laughed at all his words
I thought he was a bitter man
He spoke of women's ways
They'll trap you, then they use you
And before you even know
For love is blind and you're far too kind
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was younger
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was stronger
The can-can, such a pretty show
Steals your heart away
But backstage back on earth again
The dressing rooms are gray
They come on strong and it ain't too long
For they make you feel a man
But love is blind and you soon will find
You're just a boy again
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was younger
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was stronger
When you want her lips, you get her cheek
Makes you wonder where you are
If you want some more then she's fast asleep
Leave's you twinkling with the stars
Poor young grandson
There's nothing I can say
You'll have to learn, just like me
And that's the hardest way
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was younger
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was stronger
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was younger
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was stronger
Ooh la la
Ooh la la
Yeah yeah
Ooh la la
Ooh la la
Yeah yeah yeah yeah
Ooh la la
Ooh la la
Ooh la la
Yeah yeah yeah yeah
Ooh la la
Rod Stewart's song "Ooh La La" is a bittersweet reflection on the naivete of youth and the harsh lessons that come with experience. The song is told from the perspective of a man who is looking back on his life and realizing that he wishes he had known certain things when he was younger. The song is filled with regret and resignation, but also a sense of wisdom that comes with age.
The first verse is about the man's grandfather, who he initially thought was a bitter and unhappy man. However, he soon realizes that his grandfather was trying to warn him about the ways of women, telling him not to be too kind and to be aware of their traps. The man reflects on how he wished he had listened to his grandfather's advice, as he has now experienced the harsh realities of love himself.
The second verse is about the allure of the can-can and the performers who steal your heart with their beauty and charm. However, the backstage reality is often bleak and unfulfilling, and the man laments the fact that he was once fooled by their charms. The chorus repeats the sentiment that the man wishes he had known then what he knows now, with the refrain of "ooh la la" adding a touch of nostalgia.
The final verse is directed towards a younger generation, warning them that they will also have to go through the same painful experiences as the older generation. The song ends with a final repetition of the chorus and the refrain, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life and the constant process of learning and growing.
Line by Line Meaning
Poor old grand-dad
The singer's grandfather was pitied for his perspective on women.
I laughed at all his words
The singer initially disregarded his grandfather's warnings about women.
I thought he was a bitter man
The singer believed his grandfather's experiences made him resentful of women.
He spoke of women's ways
The grandfather spoke about his experiences with women and their behavior.
They'll trap you, then they use you
Women will ensnare and manipulate men to their advantage.
And before you even know
Men won't even see it coming.
For love is blind and you're far too kind
Men are blinded by love and kindness that they forget to take care of themselves.
Don't ever let it show
Men should never show their vulnerability and let their guard down.
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was younger
The artist wishes he had his grandfather's wisdom earlier in life.
The can-can, such a pretty show
Steals your heart away
The can-can dance and other performances could captivate men and lead them astray.
But backstage back on earth again
The dressing rooms are gray
Behind the scenes, things aren't as glamorous and appealing as they seem.
They come on strong and it ain't too long
For they make you feel a man
Women will tempt men with their advances and satisfy their masculine needs.
But love is blind and you soon will find
You're just a boy again
Even with their needs met, men will still lose their sense of control and independence in a relationship.
When you want her lips, you get her cheek
Makes you wonder where you are
Men will find women's behavior confusing and wonder about their own position in the relationship.
If you want some more then she's fast asleep
Leave's you twinkling with the stars
If men want more intimacy or affection, women will shut them off and leave them feeling unsatisfied and alone.
Poor young grandson
There's nothing I can say
You'll have to learn, just like me
And that's the hardest way
The artist's grandson will have to learn from his own experiences, just as the artist himself did.
Ooh la la
Ooh la la
Yeah yeah
Ooh la la
Ooh la la
Yeah yeah yeah yeah
Ooh la la
The repetitive 'Ooh la la' serves as a commentary on the cyclical nature of relationships and the lessons they teach us.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ron Lane, Ronald David Wood
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@GG-mh9of
Poor old grand-dad
I laughed at all his words
I thought he was a bitter man
He spoke of women's ways
They'll trap you, then they use you
And before you even know
For love is blind and you're far too kind
Don't ever let it show
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was younger
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was stronger
The can-can, such a pretty show
Steals your heart away
But backstage back on earth again
The dressing rooms are gray
They come on strong and it ain't too long
For they make you feel a man
But love is blind and you soon will find
You're just a boy again
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was younger
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was stronger
When you want her lips, you get her cheek
Makes you wonder where you are
If you want some more then she's fast asleep
Leave's you twinkling with the stars
Poor young grandson
There's nothing I can say
You'll have to learn, just like me
And that's the hardest way
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was younger
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was stronger
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was younger
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was stronger
Ooh la la
Ooh la la
Yeah yeah
Ooh la la
Ooh la la
Yeah yeah yeah yeah
Ooh la la
Ooh la la
Ooh la la
Yeah yeah yeah yeah
Ooh la la
@jaxbarnettprice
“Poor old grandad, I laughed at all his words.” Every time I hear that line, it always takes me back to times when my Mom and I would laugh so hard at the stories my 85 year old Grandpa Jim was telling. He’s extremely hilarious and acts like a child. Sure blessed that he’s still alive today and doing well. He’s like the happiest old man I know. So every time I hear this song, I usually think of him. Thank you Rod Stewart.
@patriciawright8786
JaxPrice Films--That was a great story. You have your grandpa's genes, & could live to be over a hundred yrs. old. Now, think about some young PUNK not caring IF, your wonderful granddad got Covid-19? Because he knows the chances are good that he won't DIE if, he gets it, so he doesn't stay home, & doesn't wear masks? My dad died 4 yrs. ago at 100 yrs. old. He was LOVED very much by all 7 of his kids. (I'm the youngest) By all his grandkids, & his many great-grandkids. Even old neighbors that he hadn't lived by for 10 yrs. Showed up to his full military honors funeral. He was an Air-Force Pilot, & won all kinds of big-time metals, & I didn't even know about them until that day. A wonderful person who is well-loved, & has 10 yrs. shaved off their lives by this virus is tragic. It can mean that a grandchild never gets to know their wonderful grandma! Some people's lives are not more important than someone else's. JUST, because they are younger. Matter of fact, there are some YOUNG people who their death might be a good thing? We will never know who. SO, STAY SAFE! For yourself, & your marvelous grandpa.
@jaxbarnettprice
Patricia Wright Thank you so much!! You are very sweet and kind. Much respect to your old man who made it to 100! That’s really incredible!
@thecurtray
my grandad was my world and i miss him alot. i went to war and he went to sleep on me. he knows i was with him. he was a hillbilly tobacco farmer that used horses for work. peace to you
@CamdenMcInnis
Pay close attention. That man is dropping gems. Glad you have him around to guide you. I wish I was close with my grandfathers
@ericb2501
Enjoy every minute w/him!
@maried.9538
This song always makes me smile , cause it's TRUE & it's a great song !!
I'm 61 year's old & I wished that I knew what I know now when I was younger & when I was stronger .
@nickpatterson6099
yeah i'm 32 now. and damn does this song hit. i dont know about you but i love how he has all these beautiful women around him and he's just jammin on the guitar doing his thing. i'm not old but i'm older now and priorities are different, passion is different. its just lovely going back in time for a moment and seeing yourself now.
@burnikburnik3605
Passing by because of my guitar lesson.
@TheBlackSheepDiaries
Want to see a real amateur's lame attempt at this one? Stop on over, show ya how not to do it!