Whatcha Gonna Do About It?

Album: Small Faces (1965)
Charted: 14
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was the first single for Small Faces. At the time, the Who were popular in West London, and these guys were seen as East London's answer to the Who.
  • This song was recorded 6 weeks after the group first got together, and Keyboardist Jimmy Winston left immediately after this single for a solo career. He was replaced by Ian McLagan, who stayed with the band until they disbanded in 1978.
  • When first performing, Small Faces were just as popular for their stylish Mod clothing as for their music.
  • This did not appear on an album for 10 months after its release.
  • Steve Marriott and Ronnie Lane already had the melody for the song. However they had no lyrics so their manager Don Arden brought in "Move It" songwriter Ian Samwell to provide the words. Kenney Jones recalled to Uncut magazine: "We hadn't fully established our own songwriting abilities – our stage show was mainly covers of things like Otis Redding's 'Shake' – and this really suited the power of Steve's voice. The style was very indicative of the time and we loved it."
  • Arden later admitted to spending £12,000 chart fixing to ensure their debut song would be a hit. Asked by Uncut if this was true Jones replied: "That's what he told us. Everybody did that at the time, including the Beatles. Probably still do."
  • The feedback was Marriott's idea. Recalled Jones: "He was pissing about in front of his old Marshall amp and it sounded lovely, so we kept it."

Comments: 2

  • Keith from Downey, CaThat's Steve Marriott singing; who went on to form Humble Pie with Peter Frampton.
  • Joshua from Twin Cities, MnFittingly enough for a band likened to the Who, the drummer tapped by the Who to replace the late Keith Moon was Small Faces alumnus Kenny Jones.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & FireSongwriter Interviews

The longtime bassist of Earth, Wind & Fire discusses how his band came to do a holiday album, and offers insight into some of the greatest dance/soul tunes of all-time.

Rickie Lee Jones

Rickie Lee JonesSongwriter Interviews

Rickie Lee Jones on songwriting, social media, and how she's handling Trump.

Mike Scott of The Waterboys - "Fisherman's Blues"

Mike Scott of The Waterboys - "Fisherman's Blues"They're Playing My Song

Armed with a childhood spent devouring books, Mike Scott's heart was stolen by the punk rock scene of 1977. Not surprisingly, he would go on to become the most literate of rockers.

How The Beatles Crafted Killer Choruses

How The Beatles Crafted Killer ChorusesSong Writing

The author of Help! 100 Songwriting, Recording And Career Tips Used By The Beatles, explains how the group crafted their choruses so effectively.

Joe Jackson

Joe JacksonSongwriter Interviews

Joe talks about the challenges of of making a Duke Ellington tribute album, and tells the stories behind some of his hits.

Maxi Priest

Maxi PriestSongwriter Interviews

The British reggae legend tells the story of his #1 hit "Close To You," talks about his groundbreaking Shabba Ranks collaboration "Housecall," and discusses his latest project with Robin Trower.