The 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
15 facts about this song
Genre"The Universal" by "Small Faces" is a psychedelic pop song, showcasing vibrant and trippy vibes typical of the late 60s.
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Release dateThis song was released in June 1968.
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Band membersThe Small Faces band consisted of members Steve Marriott, Ronnie Lane, Kenney Jones, and Ian McLagan.
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Chart performanceDespite its popularity, "The Universal" did not perform amazingly on the charts, peaking only at Number 16 in the UK Singles Chart.
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Song’s meaningThe song lyrically revolves around the concepts of superficial society norms and their impact on personal freedom.
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ProductionNotably, "The Universal" was recorded in a field in Essex, using a Gypsy caravan as a control room.
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BackgroundSteve Marriott decided to record the song outdoors after becoming disillusioned with studio recording.
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Audio version uniquenessThe barking dog that can be heard at the beginning of the track was actually Steve Marriott’s pet dog, Seamus.
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Album"The Universal" was included on the band's fourth studio album, "Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake".
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MoodAlthough the song deals with heavy societal issues, it is delivered with a playful tune, highlighting the band's ability to balance deep subjects with light-hearted music.
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InfluenceThe song has been covered by several artists, including the English band, The Charlatans.
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Film"The Universal" was also featured in a film called "The History Boys".
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InspirationThe song was influenced by the band’s immersion in the swinging London scene of the time.
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LegacyDespite not being one of their most commercially successful songs, "The Universal" is considered a fan favorite and is regularly included in compilations of the band's greatest hits.
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Live PerformancesUnfortunately, due to its complex recording process, the song was difficult to recreate live, and therefore rarely played at concerts.
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Citation
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"The Universal Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 16 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/3484577/Small+Faces/The+Universal>.
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