The group was formed in 1965 with Dave Bingham (lead vocals, harmonica), Glynn Bell (rhythm guitar), Rodger Mayne (lead guitar), John Read (bass), and Robin Boers (drums). In their early beginnings their music was partially influenced by The Who and The Yardbirds, however the band was still able to create a rough individual sound typified by their solid garage-punk material and raw delivery.
Nothin'
The Ugly Ducklings Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're driving me mad, yeah, you rattle on my brain.
I happened to mention what you said last night.
You paid no attention, you just dropped out of sight!
Baby you know I need, NOTHIN'
I need NOTHIN'.
I'm leavin' baby, get lost, get out of my life.
I'm cuttin' out to Georgia, I don't need a wife!
But I'll send it all back, 'cause I don't need a thing!
Baby you know I need, NOTHIN'
I need NOTHIN'
Instr.................
So long baby, goodbye, I'll see you again.
There's no need to cry, 'cause we'll still be friends.
But if when you call, nobody answers the phone.
You'll know that's all, baby, I ain't comin' home!!!!
Baby you know I need, NOTHIN'
I need NOTHIN'
The Ugly Ducklings' song Nothin' is a classic example of garage rock from the 1960s. The lyrics speak of a love that has gone sour, with the singer lamenting about his partner driving him mad and rattling his brain. He mentions how he tried to communicate with his partner but received no response, and decides to leave her and move to Georgia. The singer expresses that despite having a big Cadillac and a diamond ring, he doesn't need anything except to leave her. He repeats the phrase "I need nothing" as a way of emphasizing his resolve to leave. While he still wants to remain friends, he warns her that he may not come back if she calls him.
This song highlights the turmoil and emotional struggle that people face while dealing with a broken relationship. It's a poignant reminder that sometimes, the only way to move forward is to detach oneself completely from the situation. The song's raw energy and emotive lyrics capture the essence of garage rock, a genre that thrived on the expression of angst and disillusionment.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm here baby, I'm sad, you're driving me insane!
I am present with you, feeling unhappy, but it is you who is making me crazy.
You're driving me mad, yeah, you rattle on my brain.
Your behavior is making me extremely frustrated and overwhelmed.
I happened to mention what you said last night.
I spoke of the conversation we had the previous night.
You paid no attention, you just dropped out of sight!
You didn't bother to listen and ignored me completely.
Baby you know I need, NOTHIN'
I want you to understand that I don't need anything.
I'm leavin' baby, get lost, get out of my life.
I am leaving, so disappear and don't be a part of my life anymore.
I'm cuttin' out to Georgia, I don't need a wife!
I'm relocating to Georgia and don't require a partner for the move.
I got a big Cadillac and a diamond ring,
I possess luxurious items, a lavish car and an exceptional diamond piece.
But I'll send it all back, 'cause I don't need a thing!
I will return it all because I don't need any of it in my life.
Baby you know I need, NOTHIN'
I want you to comprehend that I don't need anything.
Instr.................
An instrumental break with no lyrics.
So long baby, goodbye, I'll see you again.
Farewell sweetheart, we'll meet again.
There's no need to cry, 'cause we'll still be friends.
Don't shed any tears because we can still be friends.
But if when you call, nobody answers the phone.
However, if you call and receive no answer, it's because I am not coming home.
You'll know that's all, baby, I ain't comin' home!!!!
You will realize that's the end and I won't be returning home.
Baby you know I need, NOTHIN'
I want you to understand that I don't need anything.
Contributed by Julia P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@ROBERTC160658
Saw the Ducks perform at the Bonaventure Curling Club Sat Sep 3 1966 in Montreal. 5000 teenagers went to the Bonaventure for shows/dances such as there every Sat evening May thru Sep 1965, 1966 and 1967. JB & the Playboys, Haunted, Rabble, Esquires, MG & the Escorts, Staccatos. Met some great babes at these dances/shows....I was 16, 17, 18....
@vdklippe
Mick Jagger proclaimed The Ugly Ducklings as my favourite Canadian band.
@flannigan7956
Give them a few hundred thousand pounds sir mick
@VE6XTC
This is one of my favourite sixties songs. I love that unpolished straight-ahead rock sound. Too bad I didn't hear it back then. Thankfully, Neon Nights with JB Shayne played it once and I fell in love with the tune.
@shawnrazzore7522
Bruce Atchison same!
@jandsh2
I actually heard it in the 60s and loved this TO band. A real trip down memory lane today!
@jandsh2
The Canadian Kinks, and deserved to be just as big. Best band TO ever produced, well, maybe tied with Rush.
@mjjoseph8259
I thought the Canadian Yardbirds.They both covered "I Wish You Would".But I respect your opinion.Cheers!
@BBINGHAM032352
Hey Dave! This is an awesome recording! By the way,greetings from Edmonton,Alberta,Canada. My younger brother was named David Bingham too (unfortunately he died in January 1990). Also.I am an original fan of the Edmonton band The King-Beezz,who's 45 RPM "I Gotta Move" b/w "I Can't Explain" I purchased here in Edmonton at the time of issue in 1966.
@joeandely3668
Sorry to have missed their live concerts in the 60s. This is their best but they had several other great songs as well.