T. Rex’s 1971 “Get It On” Performance Will Have You On Your Feet

T. Rex’s 1971 “Get It On” Performance Will Have You On Your Feet | Society Of Rock Videos

Dirty And Sweet

Originally written about a sexual encounter, T. Rex’s “Get It On” meaning went over fan’s heads but still shot the one-hit-wonder to the top of the charts in 1968. This was frontman Marc Bolan’s masterpiece but eventually caused a major riff between himself and BBC disc jockey John Peel when he lacked excitement when playing the hit on the radio.

“Well you’re dirty and sweet, clad in black, don’t look back and I love you. You’re dirty and sweet, oh yeah…”

Decked out with silver paint or stickers on his face, Bolan delivers his signature vocals on the British TV Show Top of the Pops has the teens up on their feet. Apparently Bolan used to perform with Elton John from time-t0-time and at one point in this video you can clearly see a picture of a striking resemblance to beloved Elton on the piano.

Interesting Fact: In England, this was called “Get It On (Bang A Gong).” The title was changed on the American release so it would be less offensive.

You can really tell that T. Rex enjoyed glam rock and the fame and fun that came with it as you see them all smiling and being silly throughout the performance. Although we love hearing this song on TV and commercials, nothing compares to this live performance! 

+ Get It On 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 a hydra upon you
You’re dirty sweet and you’re my girl.

Get it on, bang the gong, get it on
Get it on, bang the gong, get it on

You’re built like a car,
You’ve got a hub cap 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 the gong, get it on
Get it on, bang the gong, get it on

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

Get it on, bang the gong, get it on
Get it on, bang the gong, get it on

You’re dirty and sweet,
Clad in black, don’t look back
And I love you
You’re dirty and sweet, oh yeah
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 the gong, get it on
Get it on, bang the gong, get it on

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