LISTENING IN: Getting it on with T-Rex

What could be better than banging a gong and getting it on with Marc Bolan than also doing it with Elton John, who was a surprise guest with T-Rex in this performance of their 1971 classic on Britain’s Top of the Pops?

The Rocket Man was flying high with “Daniel” and “Crocodile Rock” in ’71, but was still several years away from superstardom, while Bolan certainly was the main attraction, having pioneered the glam rock movement and influencing countless other acts (like David Bowie).

The album “Electric Warrior” was the peak of T-Rex’s careers, not least based on “Bang a Gong (Get it On),” a song that was originally simply called “Get it On” but later renamed due to conflict with another song of the same name.

Fun fact: The original keyboard player on the song was Rick Wakeman, better known for his later contributions to Yes; on Top of the Pops, Elton merely “mimed” the recorded part.

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

Well you’re built like a car
You’ve got a hubcap
Diamond star halo
You’re built like a car
Oh yeah

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

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

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

Take me
For the meanwhile I’m still thinking

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