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.
Neanderthal Man
The Idle Race Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're a Neanderthal girl
Let's make Neanderthal love
In this Neanderthal world
[X 6]
Neanderthal man
Neanderthal man
I'm a Neanderthal Man
You're a Neanderthal girl
Let's make Neanderthal love
In this Neanderthal world
[X 3]
The Idle Race's song "Neanderthal Man" seems to be a playful ode to primitive desires and instincts. The lyrics seem to suggest that the two protagonists are literally Neanderthals - they live in a primitive world and engage in primitive behaviors, like making love. The repetition of the phrase "Neanderthal man" and "Neanderthal girl" emphasizes the idea that they are indeed living in a time before civilization and modernity.
However, it could also be interpreted as a commentary on contemporary society and the ways in which we may still be driven by base impulses and desires, despite our supposed sophistication. By identifying with these ancient, primal figures, the song suggests that human beings will always be creatures of instinct and passion.
Overall, "Neanderthal Man" is a catchy and fun song that invites listeners to let go of their inhibitions and embrace their most primitive desires.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a Neanderthal Man
I am a primitive, uncivilized man who lived during the Paleolithic Age and lacked modern advancements.
You're a Neanderthal girl
You are also a primitive, uncivilized woman who lived during the Paleolithic Age and lacked modern advancements.
Let's make Neanderthal love
Let's engage in sexual activity in a crude, simplistic manner that was typical of Neanderthals during the Paleolithic Age.
In this Neanderthal world
In this world that resembles the unrefined, primitive lifestyle of our Paleolithic ancestors.
Neanderthal man
A reference to myself, as a primitive man who lived during the Paleolithic Age and is lacking modern advancements.
Neanderthal man
A repetition of the previous line, referring to myself as a primitive man who lived during the Paleolithic Age and is lacking modern advancements.
Neanderthal man
A repetition of the previous line, referring to myself as a primitive man who lived during the Paleolithic Age and is lacking modern advancements.
You're a Neanderthal girl
You are also a primitive, uncivilized woman who lived during the Paleolithic Age and lacked modern advancements.
Let's make Neanderthal love
Let's engage in sexual activity in a crude, simplistic manner that was typical of Neanderthals during the Paleolithic Age.
In this Neanderthal world
In this world that resembles the unrefined, primitive lifestyle of our Paleolithic ancestors.
Neanderthal man
A repetition of the previous line, referring to myself as a primitive man who lived during the Paleolithic Age and is lacking modern advancements.
Neanderthal man
A repetition of the previous line, referring to myself as a primitive man who lived during the Paleolithic Age and is lacking modern advancements.
Neanderthal man
A repetition of the previous line, referring to myself as a primitive man who lived during the Paleolithic Age and is lacking modern advancements.
Contributed by Tyler E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.