T.Rex was a primary force in glam rock, thanks to the creative direction of guitarist/vocalist Marc Bolan (born Mark Feld). Bolan created a deliberately trashy form of rock and roll that was proud of its own disposability, which stood in contrast to the low-key whimsical poetry of the earlier duo. T.Rex's music borrowed the underlying sexuality of early rock & roll, adding dirty, simple grooves and fat distorted guitars, as well as an overarching folky/hippie spirituality that always came through the clearest on ballads. While most of his peers concentrated on making cohesive albums, Bolan kept the idea of a three-minute pop single alive in the early 1970s. In Britain, he became a superstar, sparking a period of "T.Rextacy" among the pop audience with a series of Top Ten hits, including four number one singles. Over in America, the group only had one major hit -- the Top Ten "Bang a Gong (Get It On)" -- before disappearing from the charts in 1973. T.Rex's popularity in the U.K. didn't begin to waver until 1975, and they retained a devoted following until Marc Bolan's death in 1977. Over the next three decades, Bolan has emerged as a cult figure and the music of T.Rex has proved quite influential on hard rock, punk, new wave, and alternative rock.
Following a career as a teenage model, Marc Bolan began performing music professionally in 1965, releasing his first single, "The Wizard," on Decca Records. Bolan joined the psychedelic folk-rock combo John's Children in 1967, appearing on three unsuccessful singles before the group disbanded later that year. Following the breakup, he formed the folk duo Tyrannosaurus Rex with percussionist Steve Peregrine Took. The duo landed a record deal with a subsidiary of EMI in February 1968, recording their debut album with producer Tony Visconti. "Debora," the group's first single, peaked at number 34 in May of that year, and their debut album, "My People Were Fair and Had Sky in Their Hair...But Now They're Content to Wear Stars on Their Brow", reached number 15 shortly afterward. The duo released their second album, "Prophets, Seers & Sages, the Angels of the Ages", in November of 1968.
By this time, Tyrannosaurus Rex was building a sizable underground following, which helped Bolan's book of poetry, The Warlock of Love, enter the British best-seller charts. In the summer of 1969, the duo released their third album, "Unicorn", as well as the single "King of the Rumbling Spires," the first Tyrannosaurus Rex song to feature an electric guitar. Following an unsuccessful American tour that fall, Took left or as is often stated by people close to the band, was sacked. He was replaced by Mickey Finn, previously linked to the band Haphash and the coloured coat.(There are a few more artists using the name Mickey Finn, though that is where the connection ends)! The new duo's first single did not chart, yet their first album, 1970's "A Beard of Stars", reached number 21.
The turning point in Bolan's career came in October of 1970, when he shortened the group's name to T.Rex and released "Ride a White Swan," a fuzz-drenched single driven by a rolling backbeat. "Ride a White Swan" became a major hit in the U.K., climbing all the way to number two. The band's next album, T.Rex, peaked at number 13 and stayed on the charts for six months. Encouraged by the results, Bolan expanded T.Rex to a full band, adding bassist Steve Currie and drummer Bill Legend (born Bill Fifield). The new lineup recorded "Hot Love," which spent six weeks at number one in early 1971. That summer, T.Rex released "Get It On" (retitled "Bang a Gong (Get It On)" in the U.S.), which became their second straight U.K. number one; the single would go on to be their biggest international hit, reaching number ten in the U.S. in 1972. "Electric Warrior", the first album recorded by the full band, was released in the fall of 1971; it was number one for six weeks in Britain and cracked America's Top 40.
By now, "T.Rextacy" was in full swing in England, as the band had captured the imaginations of both teenagers and the media with its sequined, heavily made-up appearance; the image of Marc Bolan in a top hat, feather boa, and platform shoes, performing "Get It On" on the BBC became as famous as his music. At the beginning of 1972, T.Rex signed with EMI, setting up a distribution deal for Bolan's own T.Rex Wax Co. record label. "Telegram Sam," the group's first EMI single, became their third number one single.
"Metal Guru" also hit number one, spending four weeks at the top of the chart. The Slider, released in the summer of 1972, shot to number one upon its release, allegedly selling 100,000 copies in four days; the album was also T.Rex's most successful American release, reaching number 17. Appearing in the spring of 1973, Tanx was another Top Five hit for T.Rex; the singles "20th Century Boy" and "The Groover" soon followed it to the upper ranks of the charts. However, those singles would prove to be the band's last two Top Ten hits. In the summer of 1973, rhythm guitarist Jack Green joined the band, as did three backup vocalists, including the American soul singer Gloria Jones; Jones would soon become Bolan's girlfriend. At the beginning of 1974, drummer Bill Legend left the group and was replaced by Davy Lutton, as Jones became the group's keyboardist.
In early 1974, the single "Teenage Dream" was the first record to be released under the name Marc Bolan and T.Rex. The following album, Zinc Alloy and the Hidden Riders of Tomorrow, was the last Bolan recorded with Tony Visconti. Throughout the year, T.Rex's popularity rapidly declined -- by the time "Zip Gun Boogie" was released in November, it could only reach number 41. Finn and Green left the group at the end of the year, while keyboardist Dino Dines joined. The decline of T.Rex's popularity was confirmed when 1975's Bolan's "Zip Gun" failed to chart. Bolan took the rest of the year off, returning in the spring of 1976 with "Futuristic Dragon", which peaked at number 50. Released in the summer of 1976, "I Love to Boogie," a disco-flavored three-chord thumper, became Bolan's last Top 20 hit.
Bolan released "Dandy in the Underworld" in the spring of 1977; it was a modest hit, peaking at number 26. While "The Soul of My Suit" reached number 42 on the charts, T.Rex's next two singles failed to chart. Sensing it was time for a change of direction, Bolan began expanding his horizons in August. In addition to contributing a weekly column for Record Mirror, he hosted his own variety television show, Marc. Featuring guest appearances by artists like David Bowie and Generation X, Marc helped restore Bolan's hip image. Signing with RCA Records, the guitarist formed a new band with bassist Herbie Flowers and drummer Tony Newman, yet he never was able to record with the group. While driving home from a London club with Bolan, Gloria Jones lost control of her car, smashing into a tree. Marc Bolan, riding in the passenger's seat of the car, was killed instantly.
While T.Rex's music was intended to be disposable, it has proven surprisingly influential over the years. Hard rock and heavy metal bands borrowed the group's image, as well as the pounding insistence of their guitars. Punk bands may have discarded the high heels, feather boas, and top hats, yet they adhered to the simple three-chord structures and pop aesthetics that made the band popular, as they still are today 30 years after Marc's death.
Love For Me
T. Rex Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You caught a glimpse a feelin you cant fight
You got me wishin that we was alone
Hands on my body you're takin me home
You know I tried to leave you behind
But those lips and this drink got me feelin high
I got addicted to you on my side
You got some feelings that you can't deny
Pop another pill and say it's over
Na Na Na
Thats not enough for you
All my friends they say I don't deserve this
It don't mean a thing because you're worth it
Na Na Na
No matter what you do
Yeah we goin all night
Got me outta my damn mind
Why don't you love me
Love me love me love me
Tell me what have you done
Cuz baby you are my drug
Why don't you love me
Love me love me love me
I must be blind that L.A. sunlight
Went from a fling to the love of my life
You got me sayin shit I might regret
But damn you got eyes I could never forget
Started a fight you say you give up
Now we back at it we kiss and make up
Goin insane kept checkin my phone
Baby don't go and leave me all alone
Pour another drink and pull me closer
Pop another pill and say it's over
Na Na Na
Thats not enough for you
All my friends they say I don't deserve this
It don't mean a thing because you're worth it
Na Na Na
No matter what you do
Yeah we goin all night
Got me outta my damn mind
Why don't you love me
Love me love me love me
Tell me what have you done
Cuz baby you are my drug
Why don't you love me
Love me love me love me
Yeah you tell me that it's not enough it's not enough
It's never over
It's not enough it's not enough
Don't you leave me lonely
Not enough
Baby please just hold me
Yeah you tell me that it's not enough it's not enough
It's never over
It's not enough it's not enough
Don't you leave me lonely
Baby please just hold me
Yeah we goin all night
Got me outta my damn mind
Why don't you love me
Love me love me love me
Tell me what have you done
Cuz baby you are my drug
Why don't you love me
Love me love me love me
Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na
Why don't you love me
Love me love me love me
Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na
Why don't you love me
Love me love me love me
The lyrics to T. Rex's "Love For Me" describe a wild, carefree relationship that is full of adventure and passion. The first verse paints a scene of a couple running through the desert on their motorbike, with the dust and heat engulfing them. There is a sense of danger and excitement, as they live life to the fullest. The second verse takes us to a nameless town, where they disappear into the night with a silent sound. They find comfort and safety on a deserted beach, sleeping soundly knowing they are together.
The chorus repeats a plea to the lover to lead the way in expressing love and commitment. The singer is looking for someone who truly understands and accepts him, willing to take charge in their relationship. The third verse acknowledges that the singer still has much to learn and experience, but he is willing to give his life to the other person if they can show him the way.
Overall, the lyrics to "Love For Me" celebrate the youthful, carefree spirit of adventure and the desire for love and connection. It highlights the idea of taking risks and living life to the fullest, while also acknowledging the need for guidance and support from a loving partner.
Line by Line Meaning
Breathless stride on a downtown street
Walking quickly in the heart of the city
Motor bike ride in the midday heat
Riding a motorcycle in the hot sun
The dust that hung from the desert skies
The dirt in the air in the dry, arid desert
Run though we'd run
Despite running away from something
It still burned our eyes
Our eyes still hurt and were irritated
Oh yes we may run on the wild, wild side of life
We like to live dangerously and without caution
Our movements traced by a stranger close by your side
An unfamiliar person watching our actions intimately
Shadows of a promise β you can take my hand
The hint of a pledge β holding my hand as a symbol
And show me a way to understand
Teach me how to comprehend the situation
So if you think you know how to love me
If you believe you understand my heart
And you think you know what I need
And you are aware of what I require
And if you really, really want me to stay
And if you are truly yearning for my company
You got to lead the way
Then you must guide me forward
Reckless night in a nameless town
An adventurous evening in an unknown place
Then we moved out of sight with a silent sound
Then we vanished noiselessly
A beach that wept wit deserted waves
A shoreline with no people but empty waves
That's where we slept knowing we'd be safe
That's where we slept confident that we wouldn't get harmed
Now you may think you can walk on the wild, wild side with me
You may assume you can live dangerously with me
But there's a lot I can learn and a lot that I've yet to see
But there's still so much that I don't know and could discover
Know you've got my life lying in your hands
You have control over my life
It's up to you to make me understand
It's your responsibility to make me get it
So if you think you know how to love me
So if you believe you understand how to love me
And you think you know what I need
And you suppose you know what I require
And if you really, really want me to stay
And if you genuinely want me to remain with you
You got to lead the way
You must show me the path
Yes you think you know how to love me
Yes, you believe you comprehend how to care for me
And you think you can stand by me
And you are confident you can support me
And if you really, really want me to stay
And if you genuinely want me to remain with you
You got to lead the way
You must guide me towards the future
So if you think you know how to love me
So if you believe you understand how to love me
And you think you know what I need
And you assume you know what I require
And if you really, really want me to stay
And if you fervently want me to remain with you
You got to lead the way
You must be the one to direct and support me
Lyrics Β© DistroKid, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DAMIAN ROBERT NESTA MARLEY, JOSS STONE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
1966maryjane
Wow....different but I like it! Go, Marc!!!!
Andy T.Rex
I definitely share your view that this would have been brilliant if Marc had finished it. Even in demo form it explodes with energy. If Marc had lived this could have been on T.Rex's 1978 album....if only. Blows away some of the new wave bands of the time. Marc Bolan was a genius.
Noige
Kinda like the Clash in a punk - funk T.Rex kinda way,
MrRalphsworld
I think this is on the CD,Calling All Destroyers.a really great compilation of W.I.P. work from 74/76.Get it!!
Andy T.Rex
Just when you think you've heard all Marc's demo's another gem comes along. Where is this from? It sounds like something from the Walking Through That Door sessions or maybe Bust My Ball. I agree that it's another great opportunity missed. Just like dozens of Marc's unfinished recordings this would have been a classic. Thanks for posting and a great set of photos too.
64mung
This is the first time I heard this track...I like! Thanks for posting! 64m >:-)
DreamyLadyify
Fantastic!!! I love it so much. thanks. maria
Yoerc Mueller
sounds cool β«
carrieanne1967
Brilliant love it !!!
trexmarcbolan
Hello I really like this track - this is marc messing around i think if marc put some work into this song it would have been a great single for him