Originally called The Mavericks, Tony Crane (born Anthony Crane, 17 April 1… Read Full Bio ↴Originally called The Mavericks, Tony Crane (born Anthony Crane, 17 April 1945, in Anfield, Liverpool) and Billy Kinsley (born William Ellis Kinsley, 28 November 1946, at The Mill Road Hospital, Mill Road, Anfield, Liverpool) formed their first band in late 1960 and became The Pacifics in September 1961. They were re-named The Mersey Beats in February 1962 by Bob Wooler, MC of the famous Cavern Club. Later in April 1962 they became The Merseybeats. By now Crane and Kinsley had joined up with guitarist Aaron Williams (born 23 June 1942, in Liverpool) and drummer John Banks. They were originally signed to the Brian Epstein organisation, but when Epstein failed to supply The Merseybeats with the same classy suits that he had given The Beatles, they parted company with him, much to their later regret.

They then signed a record deal with Fontana and had their first hit single in 1963 with "It’s Love That Really Counts", followed in 1964 by their million-selling recording "I Think of You" which gained them their first gold disc. They had two more major hits, "Don’t Turn Around" and "Wishin' & Hopin'". Other successful recordings included "Last Night", "Don’t Let it Happen to Us", "I Love You Yes I Do", "I Stand Accused", "Mister Moonlight", "Really Mystified", "The Fortune Teller", and "Lovely Loretta".

The Merseybeats became well known for their distinctive style of fashion. They were credited as the 'Best Looking Group', dressed in tight-fitting suits with bolero jackets and frilly shirts. Their outfits, complete with high-heeled zip boots, provoked hysteria from their female fans.

They appeared regularly at Liverpool’s world famous Cavern Club and they claim to have appeared there with The Beatles on more occasions than any other band from that era. They were also successful abroad, touring in Germany and the U.S. in 1964, and having their own Merseybeats Show on Italian television.

Funny Face
The Merseybeats Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah
Yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah
(Come on, come on)

Mama said you got a funny face
Trevor said you done got a funny face
But even though you look a disgrace
Girl I love you're funny face

Well funny face, funny face (yeah)
Yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah

Around the world and back again
I take you out for more than ten
But even though you look a disgrace
Girl I love you're funny face

Well funny face, funny face
Yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah
Come on
Yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah
Lo-o-ove, come on

(Come on, come on) Come o-on
Down by the railroad, that's where I've been
Girl you should know the places I've seen
But even though you look a disgrace
Get on board you funny face

Yeah, funny face, funny face
Yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah
Come on now, yeah
Yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah
Oh baby, yeah, come on, wooh
I love you're face, yeah its funny
So funny, ah come on, ha-ha-ha-ha
(Hooh-ooh-ooh) yeah baby
Yeah baby its, I love you're face

Yoh, stop laughin' at me now, yeah
Come on, so funny

Overall Meaning

The Merseybeats's song "Funny Face" is a song about accepting someone for who they are, despite what other people might say. The opening lines suggest that the lead singer’s mother and possibly friend, Trevor, have made negative comments about the girl’s looks, but the singer does not care because he loves her for who she is - specifically, her "funny face." The repetition of “yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah” throughout the song gives a fun and upbeat energy that supports the positive message of the song.

The chorus reinforces the idea that the girl’s looks do not matter - the singer loves her no matter what she looks like. The bridge, “Around the world and back again/I take you out for more than ten” signifies the singer's willingness to explore the world with her and take her out on more than ten dates. The last verse talks about the singer wanting the girl to “Get on board” despite her perceived unattractive appearance. The song can be seen as a celebration of self-acceptance and choosing to love someone for their personality rather than their looks.

Line by Line Meaning

Mama said you got a funny face
Your mother thinks that your appearance isn’t normal

Trevor said you done got a funny face
Trevor mentioned that your looks aren’t ordinary

But even though you look a disgrace
Despite your unappealing appearance

Girl I love you're funny face
I adore your unique looks

Around the world and back again
I’ve traveled extensively with you

I take you out for more than ten
I’ve been with you on more than ten occasions

Get on board you funny face
Come with me even though you don’t look conventionally attractive

Down by the railroad, that's where I've been
I’ve been to many places, including the railway

Girl you should know the places I've seen
You should be aware of the places that I’ve visited

I love you're face, yeah its funny
I love your face even though it’s unusual

Yoh, stop laughin' at me now, yeah
Please stop laughing at me now