Santana is a Latin music and rock band formed in San Francisco, California … Read Full Bio ↴Santana is a Latin music and rock band formed in San Francisco, California in 1966 by Mexican-American guitarist Carlos Santana. The band came to public attention with their performance of "Soul Sacrifice" at Woodstock in 1969. This exposure helped propel their first album, also named Santana, into a hit, followed in the next two years by Abraxas and Santana III. Lineup changes were common. Carlos Santana's increasing involvement with guru Sri Chinmoy took the band into more esoteric music, though it never lost its Latin influence.

In 1998, the band Santana was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Carlos Santana, José "Chepito" Areas, David Brown, Gregg Rolie, Mike Carabello, and Michael Shrieve The band has earned nine Grammy Awards and three Latin Grammy Awards, the latter all in 2000. Carlos Santana won a Grammy Award as a solo artist in 1988. The band has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the world's best-selling groups of all time. In 2013, Santana announced a reunion of the classic line-up for a new album, Santana IV, which was released in April 2016. They are tied for having the most won Grammy Awards in one night.

Bang A Gong
Santana Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Well, you're dirty and sweet
Clad in black, don't look back, and I love you
You're dirty and sweet, oh yeah
Well, you're slim and you're weak
You got the teeth of the hydra upon you
You're dirty, sweet and you're my girl

[Chorus]

Get it on, bang a gong, get it on
Get it on, bang a gong, get it on

Well, you're built like a car
You got a hubcap diamond star halo
You're built like a car, oh yeah
Well, you're an untamed youth
That's the truth, with your cloak full of eagles
You're dirty, sweet and you're my girl

[Chorus]

Well, you're windy and wild
You got the blues in your shoes and your stockings
You're windy and wild, oh yeah
Well, you're built like a car
You got a hubcap diamond star halo
You're dirty, sweet and you're my girl

[Chorus]

Well, you're dirty and sweet
Clad in black, don't look back, and I love you
You're dirty and sweet, oh yeah
Well you dance when you walk
So let's dance, take a chance, understand me
You're dirty, sweet and you're my girl

[Chorus]

Get it on, bang a gong, get it on
Get it on

[Chorus: x2]

Take me
Well, meanwhile, I'm still thinking

Overall Meaning

about your interpretation, let me give you my take on the lyrics. The song "Bang A Gong" is about a woman who is unconventional, wild, and free-spirited. The lyrics describe her as "dirty and sweet," "slim and weak," and "windy and wild." The singer of the song is in awe and infatuated with her, and he loves her despite her unconventional traits. Throughout the song, the lyrics repeat the phrase "Get it on, bang a gong," which can be interpreted as a call to action, a declaration of desire or a metaphor for sexual energy.

The opening lyrics refer to the woman's appearance, "dirty and sweet" suggests that she has both edgy and charming characteristics. The line "clad in black, don't look back" hints at her mysterious and confident persona. The teeth of the hydra imagery connote that she has a dangerous edge to her character. The use of animal imagery implies that the woman is not conventional, docile, or tame. She is tough, resilient, and independent, like an eagle.

The lyrics "built like a car" and "hubcap diamond star halo" suggest that she has a unique, attractive feature that draws others in. The chorus with its repetition of "bang a gong, get it on" creates a sense of excitement and urgency, it can be interpreted as an invitation or as an excitement to start something.

Overall, "Bang A Gong" is a song that celebrates the beauty of people who live outside of the norm, unconventional and glorifies their independence.

Line by Line Meaning

Well, you're dirty and sweet
You have a raw and gritty edge to you, yet you are still alluring and charming.

Clad in black, don't look back, and I love you
You exude a sense of mystery and confidence, and I am drawn to that.

You're dirty and sweet, oh yeah
You combine roughness and elegance in a way that is both intriguing and attractive.

Well, you're slim and you're weak
You may seem vulnerable, but there is a strength within you that shines through.

You got the teeth of the hydra upon you
You possess a fierce power that is not to be underestimated.

You're dirty, sweet and you're my girl
You have a complex and compelling personality, and I am proud to have you as mine.

[Chorus] Get it on, bang a gong, get it on
Let's unleash our passion and indulge in carnal pleasures together.

Well, you're built like a car
Your physique is impressive and commands attention.

You got a hubcap diamond star halo
Your beauty is radiant and unique, like an otherworldly crown.

Well, you're an untamed youth
You have an untethered spirit that cannot be restrained or broken.

That's the truth, with your cloak full of eagles
You are honest and authentic, and your style reflects your free-spirited nature.

You're windy and wild, oh yeah
You are unpredictable and free-spirited, which adds to your mystique and charm.

Well, you're built like a car
Once again, your physique is impressive and noteworthy.

You got a hubcap diamond star halo
Your unique beauty is a defining trait that sets you apart from others.

You're dirty, sweet and you're my girl
As before, your complexity and allure make me proud to be with you.

[Chorus]
Once again, let's be passionate and indulge in our desires.

Well, you dance when you walk
Your movements are graceful and fluid, adding to your natural charm.

So let's dance, take a chance, understand me
Let's live in the moment and enjoy each other, with no need for explanation or worries.

You're dirty, sweet and you're my girl
Once more, your unique blend of darkness and light makes me grateful that you are mine.

[Chorus]
Let's once again revel in each other's bodies and embrace our primal desires.

Get it on
Let's not hesitate, but instead give in to our carnal desires completely.

[Chorus: x2]
Let's continue to indulge in each other, over and over again.

Take me
Finally, let's give in to each other completely, without restraint or hesitation.

Well, meanwhile, I'm still thinking
Despite all of the passion we share, I am still allowing my mind to wander and think about you.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Marc Bolan

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

@aharon59

13y↑28

I`m sure Marc Bolan would be pleased that almost 40 years after his death people are still playing and enjoying his songs. I don`t know what Santana fans make of this, as a T.Rex fan since `71, I love hearing people covering his stuff.

@bassistmanic

6y↑1

but gavin rossdale ruined the vibe he wishes he was half as funky as the glamrock king himself if he had used someone more upbeat vocally like chester again or chris daughtry or got bruno mars id say good cover

@jasoncarpp7742

44w

I imagine he would be. I've heard T-Rex's version of "Bang-a-Gong" and I love it as well. But listening to this? OMFG! This is even better (I think)!

@aharon59

44w

@@bassistmanic indeed, this is all about the guitar, the vocal is vanilla, even the backing vocals don`t do it justice. Still, it`s good to see Bolan`s music going forward.

@peterhorah7884

4y↑6

Wow! What a great version! Santana, you are soooo the best!

@jasoncarpp7742

4y↑5

Awesome song! This is the best version I'd heard of "Bang A Gong".

@tasinallb

14y↑4

TREX is my all time favorite! thank you both for bringing this back. . different and still magnificent!

@TheZAMBONILADY

8y↑2

I love this! I was around for the original recording and now I have this on continuous loop inside my head. Dance!!!!

@nicolopez8180

44w

You always great my guitar King no matter what they say, You the best you make magic
You inspire me
Love from Africa🙏❤❤❤🎸🎵

@JohnAllanification

13y↑3

i guess Carlos had a blast the last time he did something like this - i'm glad that he's done it again.

@542bful

8y↑1

Brasil Rio de Janeiro. Santana sempre é sensacional.

@WarmothGuitarist

13y↑3

I didn't know what to expect from this, but Gavin's voice sounds really good on this version...and of course, Carlos plays a mean guit-fiddle.

@JamesOhGoodie

13y↑1

I swear, I don't know why this song or this album works so well for me, but it does!

@YouGotToJive

14y

Surely it's just a nice vibe that Marc's music was being played and enjoyed in a recording studio filled with some phenomenal musicians and for people to enjoy.

@claudioandreapizzaballa3606

7y↑3

The best guitar in the univers

@AndrewsOpinion15

11y

I LOVE THIS SONG !!!!!!!

@zapatacroc1322

Me hubiera gustado que todas las rolas tuvieran versiones en video!!!

@scruffydude1

13y↑1

awesome!!!

@Keke88

I love it!!!!!!!!!!!

@claudioandreapizzaballa3606

Amazing wonderful

@MrEnrikoriko

13y↑3

chingon neta....

@cricketbat09

Incredible. :)

@tonysan2

14y

@kayeturner so true! everything he touches with that PAUL REED SMITH is GOLDEN!

@MichaelJones-ir4sj

This rocks!

@kayeturner

14y

I do love a bloody good guitar jam!! i dont think its about the quility of the cover its just Santana doing what he does best having fun with the music be could make 3 blind mice sound legendary!!!

@alniderstros7305

CARLOS gets it!!!!!!!…Awesome!!!

@70electricwarrior1

14y↑1

I saw Santana in Manchester, awesome, as for this song I am a massive T.REX fan and although on first hearing I hated this version, it has started to grow on me. Not the best cover around of "Get it On" but at least it's keeping Marc's music alive and kicking.

@tonysan2

14y↑1

@DesecrationSmile52 so true! it's an awesome version!

@vaibanez17

14y↑3

Some people don't like Carlos Santana's style and I guess most of these people's complaint is that he injects his style into the songs. This just in; that is what a GOOD cover is. It's a good cover if you inject YOUR style on it and don't play a boring note-for-note repeat of the previous track. If you want note-for-note go listen to T.Rex. This is Santana showing off what he does in his style. Get over it. If he sucks, how come he always gets all these great singers to perform with him?

@TheRealSpider

14y

@vaibanez17 Agreed, 100% :) People don't get what it is to be a great musician. Performers who make a cover the same as always... boring, 1 day people cheer, the next day they forget. This cover is outstanding, and yes, Carlos placed his style in, making it unique, better than the same ol' thing again and again. :)!!!

@carlox1

14y

Fantastic the ligt latin touch

@Teyssou

14y↑2

gavin rossdale is a legend.

@glenndavid8725

Like the Midas touch this is the Santana touch.

@6StringBuckeye917

14y↑2

I don't really care for this tune so I can't judge it really. The playing and singing is great and I probably like the vibe of this better than the original. Sweet!

@fuscorayj

14y↑1

If you dwell in the past you will most always be dissatisfied, if you however embrace the intention of bringing the past alive once again then surely you won't be offended by the liberties taken to invoke one's own sentiment into the work.

@lakelost2472

14w

Very well said sir!

@Carlos-wr3mt

8y↑5

SANTANA EL HENDRIX LATINO 👏

@NatalieMcDonald

14y

I love early Santana and I loved Gavin Rossdale when he was in Bush, but clearly Carlos Santana doesn't "get" Marc Bolan. It sounds like they just decided to take a familiar 1970s bar-band staple and turn it into a laid-back jam. It's always good to keep Marc Bolan's music in the public eye, but they missed a golden opportunity here by making the production so restrained.

@stonecoldsweat

13y

SOOOOOOO Nice !!

@eddgiles

13y↑1

all of santana's covers are awesome.hell i bet that he can take a justin bieber song and turn it into real music. maybe thats too much

@Wildberryjamband

13y↑1

Santana seriously overplays too many fills on this song.

@marcuscameronmclenmarcusca6095

8y↑1

cool cover

@PutItAway101

13y

Why is every single song on this piece of shyte mixed identically? It's like they set the faders on track one and then rolled tape on the entire session without moving them. A little variety could fractionally reduce the sonic torture.

@Zorbasrhodos

14y

Yes! Yes! Yes!

@paulhooson6850

"She's Not There" was fantastic, but this totally misses the T.Rex groove of their version of "Bang A Gong".

@Wildberryjamband

13y↑1

if a regular cover band played this exact same song, exactly the same way, they would obviously be doing a poor job, the guitar player an over-playing ego maniac and no one would think it was very good - - but, since its Santana, its automatically assumed to be good. A similar example is that if Lisa Marie Presley sent her demo to a label with a different name, she would have never been given the chance to make a CD. Back to this Santana CD, I bought it, it sucks, cos he's too into himself

@davehenrie

17w

I don't go to Santana to hear a studio reproduction. I don't go to see bands like Santana and focus on the Singer(s). I don't go to concerts for bands with Primo Guitar Gods and then whine cuz the keyboards were too restrained. This IS Carlos Santana. You go to see & HEAR CARLOS FREAKIN' SANTANA play. Might as well go to a Karaoke bar if you want to hear a nice clean homogenized version.