Let’s Get It On

Written for Song Lyric Sunday –
“Subvocalization”.
This is my response to the challenge.

Before we begin with this week’s Song Lyric Sunday challenge, I have a surprise for Jim Allen. Last week Jim announced his plan to change the years-old but beloved SLS banner and asked us to submit any designs that came to mind. I didn’t think I’d have the patience to work something up but today, with the help of Nano Banana at Gemini, I came up with this. Hope you like it, Jim!

♬ ♬ ♬ ♬ ♬ ♬

This week at Song Lyric Sunday, the theme is “Subvocalization” and our challenge is to write about a song that gets stuck in our head.

In 1967, English singer, guitarist, songwriter, and poet, Marc Bolan, formed the folk duo Tyrannosaurus Rex along with percussionist and bongo player Steve Peregrin Took. The band released four albums together before their sound began shifting. In 1970, leaning more toward rock, Bolan shortened the band’s name to T. Rex and replaced Took with Mickey Finn. The duo hit the charts and released their eponymous debut album, T. Rex, produced by Tony Visconti, who had already worked on the Tyrannosaurus Rex albums.

By 1971, T. Rex, which was now a full band with bassist Steve Currie and drummer Bill Legend, released their groundbreaking album, Electric Warrior …. their full entry into harder rock with hits such as “Jeepster” and the classic “Get It On”. The latter topped the charts in the U.K. and helped the band reach the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 at #9.

At the time of their last release, Dandy in the Underworld, in 1977, T. Rex already had a completely new lineup, with the exception of bassist Currie, backing Bolan. Shortly after that release, on September 16, 1977, Bolan was involved in a fatal car crash. He was a passenger in a car driven by his girlfriend, Gloria Jones, as they headed home from a restaurant. Both had been drinking. After crossing over a small arch bridge, the car struck a fence post and then a tree. Bolan died at the scene; Jones was critically injured. It was just two weeks shy of his 30^th birthday. The car crash site has become a shrine to his memory, where fans leave tributes beside the tree.

“Get It On” …. known as “Bang a Gong (Get It On)” in the U.S. …. is a definitive 1971 glam rock anthem written by Marc Bolan; the song features a distinctive, bluesy riff inspired by Chuck Berry’s “Little Queenie”. Recorded in Los Angeles, the track boasts saxophone by King Crimson’s Ian McDonald and piano glissandos played by a young Rick Wakeman. Backing vocals were provided by Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan, formerly of The Turtles.

So why does this song get stuck in my head? “Get It On” fits the formula for an “earworm” through its simple, driving rhythm, highly repetitive chorus, and distinctive, and quirky musical structure. The song’s funky  bass line provides a steady, driving groove that makes it easily remembered. It’s driven by a strong, memorable riff. “Get It On” builds up to a simple, satisfying chant and keeps the brain repeating the phrase. But the special secret ingredient in the sauce is Marc Bolan’s unique vocal performance mixed in with sexual innuendo and his strange but cleverly cool lyrics, many of which were written on the spot during recording sessions, leading to a largely spontaneous feel. They are highly suggestive of sexuality, wrapped in abstract and surreal imagery while also appearing hip, fashionable, and modern. Both terms “get it on” and “bang a gong” are euphemisms for having sex and the song focuses on raw attraction and the immediate, intense desire for a sexual partner. It’s a groovy, funky, sexy song.

“Bang a Gong/Get It On” is considered a cornerstone of the early-70s glitter rock era and solidified T. Rex’s popularity, with the group being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2020.

This is “Get It On” by T. Rex

Just for fun, here’s a 1971 T. Rex video from Top of the Pops with Elton John on the piano.

Subvocalization

Big thanks to Jim Adams for hosting another great Song Lyric Sunday this week and every week. Be sure to follow the link and check out his site.

Thanks for stopping by for a look and a listen.

That’s all she wrote, kids.

See you on the flip side. 😎

NAR©2026

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