By late 1967, the band had felt constricted financially & creatively by manager Don Arden (father of Sharon Osbourne), and were lured by Rolling Stones' publicist Andrew Loog Oldham into signing with his new Immediate label. They soon recorded more expansive psychedelic sounding material including hit pop tunes like "Lazy Sunday" which was included with their UK number one classic concept album Ogdens Nut Gone Flake and "Itchycoo Park" which was their only stateside charting single.
The demise of the Small Faces arrived on New Years Eve 1968, when Steve Marriott walked off stage at The Alexandra Palace in London. Marriott felt that despite the success of the group, he was still not being taken seriously as a musician. He went on to achieve major status in the U.S.A with Peter Frampton in Humble Pie. The others continued as the Faces, opting to drop the "Small" after one LP as new recruits Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood towered above their new band mates. Drummer Kenney Jones later joined The Who after the death of their drummer Keith Moon. As years went on, Marriott kept recording various lineups as Humble Pie but became somewhat of a caricature and casualty of rock excess. Tragically, Steve Marriott died in a house fire in 1991 and Ronnie Lane followed him in 1997 after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Keyboardist Ian McLagan has continued to tour and record with his own band as well as with artists like Billy Bragg, The New Barbarians ( a group composed of Ian, Ron Wood, Keith Richards, Stanley Clarke, and Billy Cobham), and The Rolling Stones. According to announcements at the shows on the New Barbarians tour, the proceeds of the live gigs were going to pay Ronnie Lane's medical expenses associated with Ronnie's struggle with Multiple Sclerosis.
The Small Faces remain one of British rock's most important legacy acts, with their membership having links to so many other acts. Amongst the many bands they influenced were The Jam, Ramones, Oasis and X.
There are a number of locations around London linked to the Small Faces, many to be found in the East End where they grew up.
The J60 Music bar in Manor Park, an instrument shop where Steve Marriott first met Ronnie Lane
http://www.musicpilgrimages.com/articl/4012.php
Little Ilford park, also located in Manor Park, inspired the track Itchycoo Park, Steve and other kids in the East End used to play in this park when they grew up.
http://www.musicpilgrimages.com/articl/4002.php
In 1968 the Small Faces recorded a video for their track Lazy Sunday, Steve sings in his native East end accent and the video was shot in the East End using Kenney Jones parents' flat in Havering Street. The video ends with a shot of the nearby Thames.
http://www.musicpilgrimages.com/articl/4014.php
Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake
Small Faces Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Maybe because of the weather
Maybe... aah, I don′t know that
Or magic
You see that in the movie
I want to retire
From everything done, you know
That's my line of work
A family man
So I bought a big house
Come here, put my feet down
Then I will be the dad of another dad
My kid, will be like a kid on TV
We play ball and sit in the sun
But, yes you know how that is
In the lyrics of Small Faces' song "Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake," the singer reflects on his decision to move to a new place. He questions the reason behind his relocation, suggesting that it may have been influenced by external factors such as the weather or a sense of magic. The uncertainty in his tone reflects a sense of ambiguity and introspection as he contemplates the motivations behind his move. The mention of magic hints at a sense of whimsy or a belief in the mystical, adding a layer of mystery to his decision-making process.
The singer expresses a desire to retire from his current responsibilities and obligations, indicating a yearning for a fresh start or a break from his routine. He mentions that his line of work has defined his identity for some time, and he is now seeking a change or a new direction in life. This sense of introspection and introspective reflection conveys a deeper emotional struggle and a longing for transformation or reinvention.
As the singer envisions his future in this new place, he imagines himself as a "family man" who has purchased a big house and is ready to settle down. This aspiration for domestic bliss and familial bonding reflects a desire for stability and connection in his life. The mention of playing ball and enjoying the sun with his child evokes a sense of idyllic happiness and a longing for simple, joyful moments with loved ones.
However, there is an undercurrent of uncertainty and resignation as the singer acknowledges the complexities and challenges of family life. The closing lines of the song suggest a sense of resignation or acceptance of the difficulties that come with parenthood and relationships. The juxtaposition of idealized images of family life with a touch of realism and self-awareness creates a nuanced portrayal of the singer's hopes, dreams, and eventual acceptance of the complexities of life and relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Why did I move here
What was the reason behind my decision to relocate to this place
Maybe because of the weather
Perhaps the climate played a role in my choice
Maybe... aah, I don′t know that
Possibly, but I can't be certain
Or magic
It could have been something enchanting or mystical
You see that in the movie
Similar to what you witness in films
I want to retire
I desire to withdraw from my current occupation
From everything done, you know
To step away from all the responsibilities I have fulfilled
That's my line of work
That is the field in which I am employed
Sometimes a good person
Occasionally, I portray a virtuous character
A family man
A man devoted to his family
So I bought a big house
Hence, I invested in a large residence
Come here, put my feet down
Settle down in this location and establish roots
Then I will be the dad of another dad
I will take on the role of a father figure to someone who is already a father
My kid, will be like a kid on TV
My child will resemble those seen on television
We play ball and sit in the sun
We engage in sports and bask in the sunlight
But, yes you know how that is
However, as you are aware, reality may not always align with our idealized visions
Contributed by Jordyn P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.