The Universal

Small Faces

About The Universal

"The Universal" is a UK single released by English R&B influenced group Small Faces on 28 June 1968 and reached number 16, staying in the top 40 for a total of 10 weeks.


Year:
1999
2:42
55 
#2

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Pick and choose, the things you wear
Feel free to look around, with o obligation
Times have changed, so break new ground
Feel free and take your time take a little
Extra time, more time with no obligation

Clothes, in Vogue are all the rage
But don't expect too much, they can't perform miracles
Head to toe disguised again, it's heavy when they say
We don't perform miracles, no we don't perform miracles

Ooh to be ah jetsetter
Be ah head start
Ooh to be ah, ooh to be ah
Look at me, ooh in something new
Ooh to be ah

Cool gloss mags, reveal the facts
With a little bit of goo, it's usually in the who's who
Place your bets, predict the favourite party of the day
You'll find it in the whos who, who's there
You'll find them in the whos who

Ooh to be ah jetsetter
Be ah head start
Ooh to be ah, ooh to be ah
Look at me, ooh in something new
Ooh to be ah

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Small Faces

Small Faces were an English rock and roll band from London. The group was founded in 1965 by members Steve Marriott, Ronnie Lane, Kenney Jones, and Jimmy Winston, although by 1966 Winston was replaced by Ian McLagan as the band's keyboardist. more »

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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.
Release date
This song was released in June 1968.
Band members
The Small Faces band consisted of members Steve Marriott, Ronnie Lane, Kenney Jones, and Ian McLagan.
Chart performance
Despite its popularity, "The Universal" did not perform amazingly on the charts, peaking only at Number 16 in the UK Singles Chart.
Song’s meaning
The song lyrically revolves around the concepts of superficial society norms and their impact on personal freedom.
Production
Notably, "The Universal" was recorded in a field in Essex, using a Gypsy caravan as a control room.
Background
Steve Marriott decided to record the song outdoors after becoming disillusioned with studio recording.
Audio version uniqueness
The barking dog that can be heard at the beginning of the track was actually Steve Marriott’s pet dog, Seamus.
Album
"The Universal" was included on the band's fourth studio album, "Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake".
Mood
Although 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.
Influence
The song has been covered by several artists, including the English band, The Charlatans.
Film
"The Universal" was also featured in a film called "The History Boys".
Inspiration
The song was influenced by the band’s immersion in the swinging London scene of the time.
Legacy
Despite 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.
Live Performances
Unfortunately, due to its complex recording process, the song was difficult to recreate live, and therefore rarely played at concerts.

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