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.
The Leopards Featuring Gardenia and The Mighty Slug
T. Rex Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're the leopards
We're the leopards
The leader of the pack lives down in the local drain
We're the leopards
King Kong built a car inside his brain
We're the leopards
You tell me who's the sexiest, Bud
We're the leopards
Old Doug Henry lost an ear when he crossed my path
We're the leopards
Called himself Jesus; well, that's what he said to me
We're the leopards
I have never seen a freak look as weird as you
Except for Gardenia and the Mighty Slug
We're the leopards
Cycle Michael, grotesque school desk in my brain
We're the leopards
Mincing Quincy, dropping bop drops down the drain
We're the leopards
I'll just tell you, boy, we're mean, and we're tough
Just like Gardenia and the Mighty Slug
We're the leopards
I know that we know that he knows it's wrong
We're the leopards
To spend your life inside a song
We're the leopards
Greasy Gert tried it and she liked it too
Just like Gardenia and the Mighty Slug
We're the leopards
Uncle Bimbo drunk up the sea of Galilee
We're the leopards
And, like a fool, he promised it all to me
We're the leopards
But I'm young and built of steel
Just like Gardenia and the Mighty Slug
Just like Gardenia and the Mighty Slug
Just like Gardenia and the Mighty Slug
We're the leopards
We're the leopards
We're the leopards
The lyrics to T. Rex's song "The Leopards Featuring Gardenia and the Mighty Slug" are a surreal exploration of the underground world of outcasts and misfits. The song portrays a group of people who have banded together to form a tribe, calling themselves the "Leopards." They are led by the enigmatic and powerful figure who lives in the local drain. The song's narrator describes various members of the group, including King Kong, who has built a car inside his brain, Old Doug Henry, who lost an ear when he crossed the singer's path, and Gardenia and the Mighty Slug, who are proclaimed the sexiest of the group.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of rebellion and defiance against societal norms. The Leopards are outcasts who have rejected mainstream society, choosing instead to create their own rules and code of conduct. They are described as mean and tough, but also playful and irreverent. The song ends with the repeated refrain of "Just like Gardenia and the Mighty Slug," emphasizing the unity and identity of the group.
Overall, "The Leopards Featuring Gardenia and the Mighty Slug" is a strange and mysterious song that celebrates the idea of non-conformity and individuality. It paints a vivid picture of a subculture of outsiders who have created their own world, free from the constraints of society.
Line by Line Meaning
We're the leopards
We are a tough and mean gang.
We're the leopards
We are not afraid to assert our dominance and show our strength.
We're the leopards
We are proud of our gang and our reputation.
The leader of the pack lives down in the local drain
Our leader is not afraid to hide in the shadows and emerge when necessary.
King Kong built a car inside his brain
Our leader is strong and powerful, even in his thoughts.
You tell me who's the sexiest, Bud
Who do you think is the most attractive among us?
Why, it's Gardenia and the Mighty Slug
It's clear that Gardenia and the Mighty Slug are the most attractive members of our gang.
Old Doug Henry lost an ear when he crossed my path
Anyone who dares to challenge us or cross our path will suffer the consequences.
Called himself Jesus; well, that's what he said to me
We encounter all types of people, even those who claim to be someone they're not.
I have never seen a freak look as weird as you
We encounter many strange people, but you take the cake.
Cycle Michael, grotesque school desk in my brain
We have many vivid and disturbing memories that we carry with us.
Mincing Quincy, dropping bop drops down the drain
We encounter many characters with peculiar habits and behaviors.
I'll just tell you, boy, we're mean, and we're tough
We are proud of our toughness and do not back down easily.
Just like Gardenia and the Mighty Slug
Like them, we are fierce and unyielding.
I know that we know that he knows it's wrong
We are aware that some of our actions may be considered unethical or immoral.
To spend your life inside a song
We are content with our lifestyle and do not care what others think of us.
Greasy Gert tried it and she liked it too
Others may try to emulate our way of life, but not everyone is cut out for it.
Uncle Bimbo drunk up the sea of Galilee
We encounter many eccentric individuals with strange stories to tell.
And, like a fool, he promised it all to me
Some people may make empty promises or offer things they cannot deliver.
But I'm young and built of steel
Despite the challenges we face, we are young and resilient.
Just like Gardenia and the Mighty Slug
Like them, we are strong and durable.
Just like Gardenia and the Mighty Slug
We continually strive to embody the strength and fierceness of Gardenia and the Mighty Slug.
We're the leopards
We are not easily intimidated and will defend ourselves and our territory.
We're the leopards
We are not afraid to assert our dominance and power.
We're the leopards
We are a cohesive and impressive gang.
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group
Written by: MARC BOLAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@slickerbill5330
Excellent, thanks for the video. .....47 year old fan
@rhoydnwaterman
I'm a hard rock fan in Australia. I fucking love this song though. I love Bolan. Always will.
Try the whole album people, not just the last song. It will change you......
@briancasey6686
love it