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T. Rex – Get It On (Bang a Gong) – 1971

About The Song

“Get It On (Bang a Gong)” is a glam rock classic by the British rock band T. Rex, released in 1971 as a single and later featured on their album “Electric Warrior.” Here are five facts about the song:

  1. Iconic Glam Rock Anthem: “Get It On” is often considered one of the defining songs of the glam rock genre. Its infectious groove, Marc Bolan’s distinctive vocals, and the overall glam aesthetic contributed to its success and enduring popularity.
  2. Chart Success: The song became T. Rex’s first number-one hit in the UK Singles Chart. In the United States, it reached the number ten spot on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the band’s breakthrough into the American music scene.
  3. Double Title: In the United States, the song was released under the title “Bang a Gong (Get It On)” due to possible confusion with another song titled “Get It On” by the band Chase.
  4. Influence and Covers: “Get It On” has been covered by various artists over the years, including the Power Station in the 1980s. The song’s riff and groove have been sampled and referenced in numerous works, highlighting its enduring influence.
  5. Marc Bolan’s Lyricism: Marc Bolan, the frontman and songwriter for T. Rex, was known for his poetic and surreal lyrics. “Get It On” features playful and suggestive lyrics, contributing to the song’s appeal and capturing the free-spirited essence of the glam rock era.

Video

Lyrics

Well, you’re dirty and sweet
Clad in black, don’t look back and I love you
You’re dirty and sweet, oh yeah
Well, you’re slim and you’re weak
You’ve got the teeth of the hydra upon you
You’re dirty, sweet and you’re my girl

Get it on, bang a gong, get it on
Get it on, bang a gong, get it on

Well, you’re built like a car
You’ve got a hubcap diamond star halo
You’re built like a car, oh yeah
Well, you’re an untamed youth
That’s the truth with your cloak full of eagles
You’re dirty, sweet and you’re my girl

Get it on, bang a gong, get it on
Get it on, bang a gong, get it on (oh)

Well, you’re windy and wild
You’ve got the blues in your shoes and your stockings
You’re windy and wild, oh yeah
Well you’re built like a car
You’ve got a hubcap diamond star halo
You’re dirty, sweet and you’re my girl

Get it on, bang a gong, get it on
Get it on, bang a gong, get it on

Well, you’re dirty and sweet
Clad in black, don’t look back and I love you
You’re dirty and sweet, oh yeah
Well, you dance when you walk
So let’s dance, take a chance, understand me
You’re dirty, sweet and you’re my girl

Get it on, bang a gong, get it on
Get it on, bang a gong, get it on (ow)
Get it on, bang a gong, get it on (ow)
(Get it on)

Get it on, bang a gong, get it on
Get it on, bang a gong, get it on
Get it on, bang a gong, get it on
Get it on, bang a gong, get it on

Take me
For a meanwhile I’m still thinking