Universal
Small Faces
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There's such a lot of good ways to be bad And so many bad ways to be good, haven't paid my rent yet I tell them "sorry but I haven't got the money anymore" Just for today I thought I'd leave home alone, hold hands with day And if I'm so bad, why don't they take me away? Just like what you hear with a shell pressed to your ear That's the sea in the trees in the morning Hello, The Universal Good morning Steve, well you won't believe me today Working doesn't seem to be the perfect thing for me so I'll continue to play And if I'm so bad why don't they take me away? Well, a hippy-trippy name-dropper came through my door He said "I just bumped into Mick he told me you know where to score?" No, not me friend, I mind my own and my own minds me Well, my love is at the foot of your hand, come what may But if June comes first please won't you take me away?
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Written by: RONNIE LANE, STEVE MARRIOTT
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
20 facts about this song
Universal" Song FactReleased in 1968, "The Universal" was created by the British band Small Faces, renowned for their mod-style music, similar to bands like The Who.
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Band FactSmall Faces is an unforgettable part of British rock-and-roll history due to their original sound and charismatic performances, often employing multiple musical styles including rock, pop, and psychedelia.
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Song Fact"The Universal" was one of Small Faces' experimental tracks, moving away from their usual R&B inspired sounds, it hinted at the psychedelic music for which the band began to grow a fondness.
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Release FactThe track was released as a single but unfortunately did not match the commercial success of some of the band's earlier releases, peaking at number 16 in the UK Singles Chart.
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Lyrics Fact"The Universal" is known for its thought-provoking lyrics, indicating the band members' interest in mysticism and transcendence.
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Instrumentation FactThe song heavily features an acoustic guitar, with a resonant and unique tone. This was achieved by recording the guitar outdoors, giving it a distinct sound.
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Recording Fact"The Universal" was recorded with a portable tape machine in the garden of singer and songwriter Steve Marriott's Essex home, emphasizing the band's unconventional and experimental approach to creating music.
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Music Style Fact"The Universal" blends elements of folk, pop, and psychedelia, providing a unique blend that sets it apart from many other late-60s songs.
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Song Length FactThe song runs for a somewhat concise 2 minutes and 42 seconds, keeping with the typical song length of the period.
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Legacy FactDespite its commercial performance, "The Universal" has stood the test of time, remaining a fan favorite and a testament to the creative evolution of Small Faces.
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Genre Classification"Universal" by Small Faces is predominantly categorized as a psychedelic pop song. The band itself falls under the rock and roll, rhythm and blues, blues rock, and psychedelic rock genres.
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Album InclusionThe song "Universal" was included in the band's fourth studio album, "Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake" released in 1968.
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Band Line-upThe line-up of Small Faces when "Universal" was recorded included Steve Marriott, Ronnie Lane, Kenny Jones, and Ian McLagan.
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Song StructureUnlike many popular songs of its time, "Universal" did not adhere to the typical verse-chorus-verse structure. Instead, the song reportedly uses its more abstract form to convey a varied and layered series of ideas.
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Song ThemeThe song is laced with themes commonly found in psychedelic rock such as exploration of self, the essence of reality, existentialism, and metaphysical concepts.
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Recording Session"Universal" was recorded at Olympic Studios, one of the foremost rock recording venues of its era.
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InstrumentationThe song showcases the band's wider range of instrumentation, with use of acoustic guitar, bass guitar, drums, piano, and maracas. It also features the Mellotron, an early keyboard instrument known for its distinctive sound, extensively used by bands in psychedelic and progressive rock genre.
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Chart PerformanceDespite the album's overall success, the individual track "Universal" did not chart separately.
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Critical AnalysisOver time, the song "Universal" has been critically praised for its sophisticated lyrics and changing rhythms. It encapsulates the spirit of the band’s album "Ogdens’ Nut Gone Flake" which is often referred to as a pioneering psychedelic rock album.
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LegacyAlthough "Universal" wasn't one of the Small Faces' biggest hits or most well-known songs, it contributed greatly to their status as pioneers in the psychedelic rock genre and influential in shaping the music in the late 60s and 70s.
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"Universal Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 1 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/14712718/Small+Faces/Universal>.
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