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
Whatcha Gonna Do About It?
Small Faces Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Want you to know that I care
I'm so happy when you're round me but I'm
Sad when you're not there
Sing the song now
(Whatcha gonna do about it?) oh yeah
(Whatcha gonna do about it?) she's so nice
(Whatcha gonna do about it?)
I want you to give your sweet, sweet kisses
Want you to hold me tight
I want you to come whenever I call you
And let me walk you home at night
(Whatcha gonna do about it?) eh, yeah
(Whatcha gonna do about it?) please answer my question, baby
(Whatcha gonna do about it?) she's so nice
(Whatcha gonna do about it?)
I want you to know that I love you, baby
I said this before but that I care
I'm so happy when you're round me but I'm
Sad when you're not there
Baby, there it comes again
(Whatcha gonna do about it?) oh yeah
(Whatcha gonna do about it?) 'cause I'm so crazy
(Whatcha gonna do about it?) you're too
(Whatcha gonna do about it?)
(Whatcha gonna do about it?)
Small Faces's song Whatcha Gonna Do About It? is a declaration of love by the singer to his sweetheart. He wants her to know how much he loves and cares for her. He is happy when she is around, but gets sad when she is not there with him. The chorus of the song emphasizes his desire for her and his need for her to reciprocate his feelings. The singer asks her what she is going to do about it, demonstrating his need for her to take action and express her love for him.
The song has a catchy beat, and the lyrics are easy to remember, making it a hit song. It represents the classic 60s sound and has been covered by several artists over the years, including Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. The song's upbeat rhythm and relatable lyrics made it a favorite among fans of the Small Faces.
Interestingly, the song was originally penned by Motown songwriters Ronald "Ronnie" White and William "Smokey" Robinson for The Temptations. However, the song didn't make it onto The Temptations' recording lineup. A chance meeting between lead vocalist Steve Marriott and the song's publishers and writers led the Small Faces to record the song, which became a hit for the band.
Overall, Whatcha Gonna Do About It? is a fun and energetic love song with relatable lyrics that anyone can sing along to.
Line by Line Meaning
I want you to know that I love you, baby
I want to make sure you are aware of my love for you
Want you to know that I care
I want to make sure you know that I care about you
I'm so happy when you're round me but I'm
My happiness is amplified when you are with me but I feel
Sad when you're not there
Sad and lonely when you are not present
(Whatcha gonna do about it?) oh yeah
What action are you going to take to address the situation?
(Whatcha gonna do about it?) tell the truth
Be honest and forthcoming in your response
(Whatcha gonna do about it?) she's so nice
She is a remarkable person
(Whatcha gonna do about it?)
What action are you going to take to address the situation?
I want you to give your sweet, sweet kisses
I desire your affectionate kisses
Want you to hold me tight
I desire to be held tightly by you
I want you to come whenever I call you
I want you to be responsive and available when I need you
And let me walk you home at night
Allow me to walk with you as you return home in the evening
(Whatcha gonna do about it?) eh, yeah
What course of action will you adopt to address these requests?
(Whatcha gonna do about it?) please answer my question, baby
Please provide a response to my request, dear
(Whatcha gonna do about it?) she's so nice
She is an exceptional person
(Whatcha gonna do about it?)
What action are you going to take to address the situation?
I want you to know that I love you, baby
I want you to be fully aware of my love for you
I said this before but that I care
I have previously stated this but I want to emphasize it again
I'm so happy when you're round me but I'm
My happiness is greatly enhanced when you are with me but I am
Sad when you're not there
Unhappy and lonely when you are not present
Baby, there it comes again
I am experiencing these emotions once again
(Whatcha gonna do about it?) oh yeah
What action are you going to take to address the situation?
(Whatcha gonna do about it?) 'cause I'm so crazy
Because I am so infatuated and enamored with you
(Whatcha gonna do about it?) you're too
You are also attractive and desirable
(Whatcha gonna do about it?)
What action are you going to take to address the situation?
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: BRIAN AUGUST POTTER, IAN RALPH SAMWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lynnglidewell7367
One of the best voices in Rock history. We are fortunate to have so many recordings of him. His energy was also infectious. I wish life had ended better for him and Ronnie Lane then what it did.
@elliebradley5192
I'm 72 now and loved them from the start, Steve's voice was phenomenal and the energy he put into his performances just added to the experience, absolutely brilliant ❤
@janisrestivo9619
No words can describe Steve Marriott's talent. 🏆🎤
@teanosuger
Well the fact it took Rod Stewart and Ronnie wood to replace Steve says it all
@nosechain4919
There's no need to ask a silly question...
@janisrestivo9619
@@nosechain4919 No one asked a question, or you.🙄
@jodi_hpsn
Robert Plant of zeppelin was highly influenced by Marriott.
@nigelmitchell351
The best version of this anywhere !
@johnsurrey7426
NINETEEN - Steve was NINETEEN when this was recorded. Such a phenomenal voice!!
@bethh.9647
Outstanding