Ooh La La by Faces

Album: Ooh La La (1973)

License This Song

artistfacts

Songfacts®:

They say youth is wasted on the young. That sentiment is expressed succinctly in this song, as the grandfather says:

I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was younger

It's something every grandfather says at some point (typically regarding to matters of the heart), and this time he might be getting through, as the grandson heeds his words. The song was written by Faces band members Ronnie Lane and Ronnie Wood.
It was Ronnie Wood, not Rod Stewart or Ronnie Lane, who sang the lead vocal for this song. Lane and Stewart were at odds at the time. Stewart did not think the song was up to his standards, although both he and Lane recorded lead vocals for it. Their producer, Glyn Johns, suggested Wood give it a try, and that's the version that was used for the album, which was Faces' last studio album. Lane left the group after Ooh La La was released and the group disbanded after their 1974 tour. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Joel - Chicago, IL
Rod Stewart released his own version of "Ooh La La" as a single in 1998; it did very well, reaching #2 in the UK and #44 in America. Stewart also made a video for the song and included it on his album When We Were The New Boys.
Mitsubishi used this in commercials for their 2001 Galant.
This was used in the final scene of the 1998 movie Rushmore. It was also used in the opening scene of the 2004 movie Without a Paddle. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Cliff - Burkesville, KY
When Rolling Stone asked Ron Wood in 2021 what he wished he knew when he was younger, he replied: "I wish I knew that all the promoters were ripping me off."

Comments: 15

Nelson Thompson from Salmon ArmTruly love this song, expresses my heart and soul.
We all experienced something close.
I Hope everyone has been affected by these thoughts.
Keith from MarlowFavourite Ronnie Lane song is Debris, b side to Stay with Me. Wood's guitar playing is sublime. Backing vocals by Rod Stewart. Perfection.
Isaac from UkI was wondering who sang the vocals but in my opinion I think it's Ronnie wood sounds a bit like Skynyrd. I listened to Ronnie lanes version his vocals don't match the 73 recording
Randy from Houghton Lake, MiI was 18 a senior in high school when this came out, now I'm that grandpa
Randy from Houghton Lake, MiI was 17 a senior in high school when this came out, now I'm that grandpa
Domenic from Torontoit was Ronnie Lane that sang that song...Ron wood as is stated above could never sing this song....as a matter of fact if you hear Mr Wood on his album Gimme Some Neck, he sounds like he gargled with broken glass for his entire life...Sorry to whom ever wrote that he sang Ooh La La ......you are wrong ( from a Faces fan since 1966 when they released their first album which was produced by Steve Marriott , and Ronnie Lane )
Kelly from Durango, Cothis is one of those songs that is just so rich and full of feeling and memories and thoughts and ideas, plus it just sounds fantastic! It's interesting to hear about random bands that prominent musicians were in before they became more famous. Beautiful guitar too by the way.
Rob from Wilkes-barre, PaYea I know Stay With Me is so damn good.
Scott from Boston, MaWhy is this the only Faces song on here? Where is "Stay With Me"? "Stay With Me" was the best Faces song IMO. Rod Stewart had great vocals on it and it is Ron Wood's best guitar performance IMO, including anything w/ the Stones.
Robert from Vasteras, SwedenOne of Ronnie Lane's best co-written songs. The beautiful line "I wish that I knew then, what I do now, when I was younger" was inspired by the 1968 UK hit "If I Knew Then What I Know Now" by Val Doonican.
Patrick Hamilton from Braintree, EnglandGreat song, though i still think bad n' ruin is their best song. id like someone to try and find some hidden message in three button hand me down too(?) thats the song that i was looking for, haha. all three great songs.
Alex from Lagrange, GaWhat a great song with a great message, plus its cool to hear Woody sing every once in a while.
Jim from North Billerica, MaI always loved cover to this album, featuring a man drawn very pythonesque and sporting a moving jaw!
Chad from Iowa City, IaThis song is also on the Without a Paddle Movie.
Sigmoid from Vancouver, CanadaThis song was also used at the end of the film "Rushmore" by Wes Anderson.

see more comments

More Songfacts:

Don't You Want MeThe Human League

Phil Oakey of The Human League recorded his vocals for "Don't You Want Me" in the studio bathroom. The recording was disrupted by guitarist Jo Callis reaching through an open window from outside to repeatedly flush one of the toilets.

Bug A BooDestiny's Child

In the 1999 Destiny's Child song "Bug A Boo," they complain about a guy who bugs them on MCI, AOL, and their pagers.

Up-Up and AwayThe 5th Dimension

Jimmy Webb was inspired to write The 5th Dimension song "Up-Up and Away" after seeing a hot-air balloon his friend flew on promotions for the Southern California radio station KMEN.

We Will Become SilhouettesThe Postal Service

"We Will Become Silhouettes" by The Postal Service sounds happy and fun, but it's a very bleak song about a nuclear winter. Lead singer Ben Gibbard wrote the lyric while ruminating over 9/11.