The Artwoods were formed in 1963, and over the next two years became an ext… Read Full Bio ↴The Artwoods were formed in 1963, and over the next two years became an extremely popular live attraction, rivaling groups such as the Animals, although, despite releasing a clutch of singles and an album, their record sales never reflected this popularity. Singer Arthur Wood, from whom the band took their name, was the elder brother of The Rolling Stones' Ronnie Wood. He had been a vocalist with Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated for a short period during 1962, simultaneously fronting his own group, the Art Wood Combo..

When keyboardist Jon Lord and guitarist Derek Griffiths joined from Red Bludd's Bluesicians they re-christened themselves the Artwoods. Keef Hartley, formerly with Rory Storm & The Hurricanes, joined on drums in '64 and the band turned professional, secured a residency at London's 100 Club and gained a recording contract with Decca Records.

The intended debut single, a cover of Muddy Waters' "Hoochie Coochie Man" was shelved in favour of a version of an old Leadbelly song, Sweet Mary". Although it didn't reach the Charts it got sufficient airplay to bring them a lot of live work, including an appearance on the first live edition of Ready Steady Go! The second record, "Oh My Love", was another blues cover. Like its predecessor, and subsequent releases, it failed to chart.

The Artwoods were dropped by Decca at the end of 1966 and signed a one record deal with Parlophone, but "What Shall I Do" also flopped. Later in 1967 a final "one-off" single appeared on Fontana under the name "St. Valentine's Day Massacre" but by the time of its release the Artwoods had effectively ceased to exist.

The Artwoods' early records today stand up well against the work of more successful groups such as the Rolling Stones, the Yardbirds or ironically, the Birds, who included Art's younger brother Ron. But at the time they came out, despite appearances on programs like Ready, Steady, Go! their singles never seemed to connect with the record-buying public. In live performance, on the other hand, it was a different matter. They had a virtuoso lineup, Lord's piano and organ sound was a great complement to Wood's singing, Griffith's guitar work was tastefully flashy, and Keef Hartley was animated as well as powerful, with a big sound on the drums. Club audiences always knew they were good for a great show and the band loved playing live. Ultimately, in fact, the group's success in touring and their love of playing live may have hurt them.

The group broke up in mid '67 with Hartley going on to play with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers,Malcolm Pool played with Colosseum and Lord becoming a founder member of Deep Purple.

I Take What I Want
The Artwoods Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I take what I want, I'm a bad go-getter, yeah, yes, I am
I'm never a loser and I'm never a quitter yet, oh, no
'Cause I take what I want, baby, I want you, yeah, you

I've been watching you walk by and I haven't said a word, one word
But now I'm ready to get you and I'm going to make you my girl, my loving girl
Cause I take what I want, baby, I want you, yes, you
Gonna pick you up now, carry you away

So you better pack up now, baby, pack a bag today
Here I come, just a big bad man
When I walk away, baby, you'll be holdin' my hand

I take what I want, I'm a bad go-getter, yeah, yes, I am
I'm never a loser and I'm never a quitter yet, oh, no
'Cause I take what I want, baby, I want you, yeah, you

Nobody but you, baby, nobody but you, baby
To be by my side, nobody but you, baby
Tell you what I want, girl, I want you

I'm your loving man
I'm your loving man

I'm your loving man
I'm your loving man

Overall Meaning

The Artwoods's song "I Take What I Want" is a straightforward love song with a lighthearted, confident tone. The lyrics describe an assertive man who takes what he wants, both from life in general and from the woman he desires. He's not a loser or a quitter, and he's been watching her for some time. Now he's ready to make a move and wants to make her his girl, his "loving girl." He'll pick her up and carry her away, and when he walks away, she'll be holding his hand. The song is simply about a man expressing his desire for a woman and his willingness to pursue her.

The lyrics also suggest a little bit of a power dynamic between the man and the woman. The man is in control and is confident that he can get what he wants, while the woman is simply an object of desire. The song doesn't delve into any deeper emotions or complexities of a relationship, but it's a fun and playful ode to the thrill of pursuing someone you want.

Line by Line Meaning

I take what I want, I'm a bad go-getter, yeah, yes, I am
I am confident and assertive in getting what I want, and I am willing to take whatever actions necessary to achieve my goals.

I'm never a loser and I'm never a quitter yet, oh, no
I do not accept failure or give up easily, as I am determined to succeed in everything I pursue.

'Cause I take what I want, baby, I want you, yeah, you
My desire for you is strong and irresistible, and I am determined to win your affection and love.

I've been watching you walk by and I haven't said a word, one word
I have been silently observing your movements, waiting patiently for the right moment to make my move.

But now I'm ready to get you and I'm going to make you my girl, my loving girl
I am now prepared to pursue you and make a commitment to you as my romantic partner.

Gonna pick you up now, carry you away
I plan to physically take you with me, taking control of our relationship and asserting my dominance.

So you better pack up now, baby, pack a bag today
You should prepare yourself to leave your current situation and be ready to embark on a new adventure with me.

Here I come, just a big bad man
I am confident, imposing, and dominant in my demeanor and approach to this relationship.

When I walk away, baby, you'll be holdin' my hand
Despite my assertiveness and dominant nature, I will still provide comfort and care for you in our relationship, and we will work together as a unit.

Nobody but you, baby, nobody but you, baby
No one else can compare to you or satisfy my desires in the way that you do.

To be by my side, nobody but you, baby
I want you to be by my side always, as my romantic partner and lifelong companion.

Tell you what I want, girl, I want you
I am being direct and honest with you about my feelings and intentions, and I want you to reciprocate these emotions.

I'm your loving man
I am committed to you and will show you love and care in our relationship.

I'm your loving man
I will continue to be your loving partner throughout our time together.

I'm your loving man
My love for you will endure and remain strong, and I will always be dedicated to you.

I'm your loving man
As your partner, I will provide you with love, support, and companionship, and work with you to build a strong, lasting relationship.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Isaac Hayes, David Porter, Mabon Hodges

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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