Small Faces were an influential British mod… Read Full Bio ↴Correct tag: Small Faces
Small Faces were an influential British mod/psychedelic band of the 1960s, led by Steve Marriott and Ronnie Lane with Kenney Jones and Ian MacLagan (who replaced original organist Jimmy Winston). The Small Faces were all genuine East End mods and they ranked second to The Who as Britain's premier Mod band. They were signed to Decca records initially and enjoyed major success across Europe between 1965 and 1967 with classic singles like "All or Nothing" and "Sha La la Lee" before moving to a new label.
By late 1967, the band had felt constricted financially & creatively by manager Don Arden (father of Sharon Osbourne), and were lured by Rolling Stones' publicist Andrew Loog Oldham into signing with his new Immediate label. They soon recorded more expansive psychedelic sounding material including hit pop tunes like "Lazy Sunday" which was included with their UK number one classic concept album Ogdens Nut Gone Flake and "Itchycoo Park" which was their only stateside charting single.
The demise of the Small Faces arrived on New Years Eve 1968, when Steve Marriott walked off stage at The Alexandra Palace in London. Marriott felt that despite the success of the group, he was still not being taken seriously as a musician. He went on to achieve major status in the U.S.A with Peter Frampton in Humble Pie. The others continued as The Faces, opting to drop the "Small" after one LP as new recruits Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood towered above their new band mates. Drummer Kenney Jones later joined The Who after the death of their drummer Keith Moon. As years went on, Marriott kept recording various lineups as Humble Pie but became somewhat of a caricature and casualty of rock excess. Tragically, Steve Marriott died in a house fire in 1991 and Ronnie Lane followed him in 1997 after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Keyboardist Ian McLagan has continued to tour and record with his own band as well as with artists like Billy Bragg, The New Barbarians ( a group composed of Ian, Ron Wood, Keith Richards, Stanley Clarke, and Billy Cobham), and The Rolling Stones. According to announcements at the shows on the New Barbarians tour, the proceeds of the live gigs were going to pay Ronnie Lane's medical expenses associated with Ronnie's struggle with Multiple Sclerosis.
The Small Faces remain one of British rock's most important legacy acts, with their membership having links to so many other acts. Amongst the many bands they influenced were The Jam, Ramones, Oasis and X.
One night stand
The Small Faces Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Many times I've fallen down
Cause I'm the king of my new found world
You wanna share my crown
When my name was comin' on something
Illusion struck me down
But times have changed and my name's in lights
I, I said I still remember all the things that you planned
Cause you're a one night stand
(Oh well, a one night stand, yeah)
I, I said I still remember all the things that you planned
Cause you're a one night stand
(Oh well, a one night stand, yeah)
Oh if a good girl you can't get me
Honey you're just wastin' time
Because my heart's grown cold and my mind's grown old
As even you will find
So behind those eyes you know it's true
I'm keepin' to one night stands
The song "One Night Stand" by The Small Faces is a story about someone who has experienced a lot of disappointment in their past relationships. The song begins with the singer acknowledging how many times they've tried and failed to find a meaningful connection with someone. Despite their past failures, they appear to have found success and recognition in their own life. They have become the "king" of their own "new found world." As they have achieved fame and notoriety, they feel that many people have been drawn to them for the wrong reasons. In particular, the singer believes that the person they're addressing in the song is only interested in being with them because of their newfound fame and status. This person is perceived as only wanting to be a "one night stand." Despite the singer being very aware of the other person's intentions, they still have feelings for them and remember the times when they made plans together.
The lyrics suggest that the singer feels jaded and disillusioned with relationships. They believe that they have been used in the past and that others will continue to use them for their own gain. They feel as though they cannot trust others because they are only interested in the fame and wealth that they bring. The singer's emotions are complex - while they feel jaded and used, they also crave connection and human contact. This creates a conflict that is reflected in the lyrics; the singer acknowledges that they are drawn to the other person despite knowing that they only want a one night stand.
The song ends cryptically with the line "So behind those eyes you know it's true, I'm keeping to one night stands." This suggests that the singer may be resigned to a life of casual encounters and feeling disconnected from others. The lyrics suggest that, despite the singer's success and fame, they are still searching for something meaningful - but keep coming up empty-handed.
Line by Line Meaning
Many times I've tried to tell you
I have made multiple attempts to communicate with you
Many times I've fallen down
I have failed numerous times
Cause I'm the king of my new found world
I am the ruler of my recent achievements
You wanna share my crown
You want to bask in my glory
When my name was comin' on something
When I was becoming well-known
Illusion struck me down
A deceptive idea hindered my progress
But times have changed and my name's in lights
But things have improved, and my name is now in the limelight
And you just hang around
And you remain in the background
I, I said I still remember all the things that you planned
I recall all the schemes you devised
Cause you're a one night stand
Because you are only here for a short time
(Oh well, a one night stand, yeah)
(A brief encounter, yes)
Oh if a good girl you can't get me
If you are looking for a wholesome person, I am not it
Honey you're just wastin' time
You're simply wasting your time
Because my heart's grown cold and my mind's grown old
My emotions have become numb, and my thoughts stagnant
As even you will find
You will eventually come to realize this
So behind those eyes you know it's true
It is evident in your gaze that you understand
I'm keepin' to one night stands
I am only interested in temporary connections
Contributed by Allison G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Tattyshoes Shigure
Such a great band... I love the off mic ‘yelps’ you sometimes hear on SF tracks, gives a ‘live’ feel to the recordings.
Deena777
I could listen to the small faces all day ! I wish I was a teenager when they were around
Christa Can
I loooove this song. I loooove The Small Faces. Steve Marriott lives on. Thanks for the memories.
Christa Can
OMG!! It's been a very long time since I heard this..Love it, thanks.
derek rayhnam
Great Song.
stOOpid68
4kn brilliant! got so many memories wrapped up in this tune ... .. .... (thats the drums at the end btw LOL!!) Nice post Mr Seeker Tre Liverpool Mods.
ther51
Brilliant what more can i say.
merseymained
@SuperLmcc- wow, then you're in for a treat if you check back the whole of the band's output.
Hannah Hague
NOBODY EVEN COMES CLOSE . . . ♥
American Born Patriot.
....they were forever getting robbed of money: from their manager and such, even those nice boys who went into Steve's house and took nearly all of his belongings. Nice going, boys.