Rhythm guitarist Dave Pritchard, bass guitarist Greg Masters and drummer Roger Spencer were the core of a band initally known as Billy King and the Nightriders, then later known as Mike Sheridan and the Nightriders and briefly as just The Nightriders.
In 1966 they advertised for a new guitarist/vocalist, Jeff Lynne applied and joined the band. After releasing one single they changed their name to Idle Race. Under Jeff Lynne's leadership they released two albums that sold poorly, despite support from John Peel and Kenny Everett.
In 1970, Jeff Lynne decided to join The Move so he and Roy Wood could work on what would eventually become Electric Light Orchestra
The remaining members of The Idle Race recruited 2 new members and released one further album. After Greg Masters left the group they became The Steve Gibbons Band.
Knocking Nails Into My House
The Idle Race Lyrics
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But the men they say it's not
See this house is the only thing I got
Running 'round they work so hard and fast
But they don't know my house is built to last
Here comes a man
And he's looking very angry at me
They're knocking nails into [walls?/woods?] upon my wall
They run and hide as the old grey ceiling falls
Gleefully they gather in my shed
They've gone for now
So I can ease my head
Here comes a man
In a van
And he's looking very angry at me
They're knocking nails into my house
They're knocking nails into my house
They work so hard
All that's left is
My front room,
There goes a wall
Oh I think I spoke too soon
Here comes a man
In a van
And he's looking very angry at me
They're knocking nails into my house
They're knocking nails into my house
They're knocking nails into my house
The Idle Race's song "Knocking Nails Into My House" tells the story of a man who is protective of his house, which he sees as the only thing he truly owns. However, the men who work on his home claim that the house is not his, causing frustration and unease for the singer. Despite his worries, the man knows that his house is built to last, a fact he takes solace in. However, the workers continue to carry out their job, slamming nails into the walls and woodwork of the house. The sound of this deeply disturbs the man, who struggles to find peace and quiet as his beloved home is dismantled before his eyes.
The singer is met with feelings of anger and worry when he is confronted by a man in a van who appears to be upset with him for some unknown reason, adding to his mounting stress. The men continue their work, knocking nails into the house with abandon. The singer finds brief moments of relief, leaving the house to clear his head or taking refuge in his shed when the workers are not around. Despite his efforts, though, the house is slowly torn apart, the old grey ceiling falling and the walls rattling as the men work on it.
The song is a powerful metaphor for the feeling of loss and displacement that comes with having something important to you taken away. The house in the song represents an aspect of the singer's life that is being dismantled, changed, and jeopardized. The workers knocking nails into the walls can be seen as representative of external forces, often society or other people, destroying what one holds dear. The song's catchy melody and upbeat tempo further underline this juxtaposition between the pain and the upbeat sound.
Line by Line Meaning
This house is mine
The singer claims ownership of the house.
But the men they say it's not
Despite the singer's claim, the men dispute their ownership.
See this house is the only thing I got
The singer is emotionally attached to the house as it is their only possession.
Running 'round they work so hard and fast
The men are busy working on the house.
But they don't know my house is built to last
The artist believes that their house is constructed strongly enough to withstand the work being done on it.
Here comes a man
In a van
And he's looking very angry at me
Someone arrives in a van and seems upset with the singer.
They're knocking nails into [walls?/woods?] upon my wall
The men are hammering nails into the walls of the house.
They run and hide as the old grey ceiling falls
The ceiling collapses, and the men scatter in fear.
Gleefully they gather in my shed
The men congregate in the artist's shed, possibly to discuss their progress or plans for the house.
They've gone for now
So I can ease my head
The men have left, giving the artist a moment of peace.
They work so hard
All that's left is
My front room,
There goes a wall
Oh I think I spoke too soon
Despite the singer's earlier confidence in their house's strength, the men's work eventually causes a wall to collapse.
They're knocking nails into my house
They're knocking nails into my house
They're knocking nails into my house
Repeatedly, the men continue to hammer nails into the house, causing damage.
Contributed by Aaliyah I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.