Hymn For The Dudes

Album: Mott (1973)
Play Video
  • God ain't jive
    For I can see his love
    As it runs alive
    'N one by one
    Through fields of rusted wire
    The war has just begun
    Oh, cross over shame like the wise dove
    Who cares not for fame just for shy love
    'N rejoice for the king ain't lost his throne, oh no
    He's still here, you are not alone

    Correct your heads
    For there's a new song rising
    High above the waves
    Go write your time
    Go sing it on the streets
    Go tell the world, but you go brave
    Oh my sweet instant Christian you are such a sly clown
    Too many questions, no replies now
    'N rejoice for the king ain't lost his throne, oh no
    He's still here, you are not alone

    I got an idea
    Go tell the superstar
    All his hairs are turning grey
    Star-spangled fear
    As all the people disappear
    The limelight fades away
    'Cause if you think you are a star
    For so long they'll come from near and far
    But you'll forget just who you are (yes you will)

    You ain't the nazz
    You're just a buzz
    Some kinda temporary

    Cross over shame like the wise dove
    Who cares not for fame just for shy love
    Oh-oh, my sweet instant Christian you are such a sly clown
    Too many questions, no replies now
    'N rejoice for the king ain't lost his throne. Oh no.
    He's still here, you are not alone, you are not alone. Writer/s: IAN HUNTER, VERDEN ALLEN
    Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 3

  • Zebedyzak from UkI know the band performed this song live before Verden Allen left the band, Kevin. Correct me if I am wrong, but I have reason to believe this was the first new song the band did after completing the "All The Young Dudes" album, and they were playing it live about 8 months before it saw the light of day on the totally excellent "Mott" album. As far as I know, Verden left about 6 months before the album was released. The band's official live album in 1974 originally omitted this song, although it was one of several bonus tracks on the later CD edition. Of course, that wasn't the same line-up and the original version on the "Mott" album remains the best.
  • Zebedyzak from UkI have heard the "twat" version and personally I think the inclusion of that word spoils it. Not that I find that word offensive, I just feel that it doesn't belong there. The version of "Hymn For The Dudes" on the "Mott" album is perfect as it is. It doesn't need any extra words added in.
  • Kevin from Los Angeles, CaThe "Twat" version, played live in the studio with Verden Allen when he was still in the band, is on the MTH box set "All the Young Dudes-the Anthology"...there is also a live in concert "twat" version on the "In Performance 1970-1974" box set on Angel Air Records.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Prince

PrinceFact or Fiction

Prince is shrouded in mystery, making him an excellent candidate for Fact or Fiction. Is he really a Scientologist? Does he own an exotic animal?

Wang Chung Pick The Top Songs Of The '80s

Wang Chung Pick The Top Songs Of The '80sSongwriter Interviews

'80s music ambassadors Wang Chung pick their top tracks of the decade, explaining what makes each one so special.

Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles

Timothy B. Schmit of the EaglesSongwriter Interviews

Did this Eagle come up with the term "Parrothead"? And what is it like playing "Hotel California" for the gazillionth time?

Gentle Giant

Gentle GiantSongwriter Interviews

An interview with Ray and Derek Shulman of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant to discuss counterpoint, polyrhythms, and... Bon Jovi.

Richard Butler of The Psychedelic Furs

Richard Butler of The Psychedelic FursSongwriter Interviews

Psychedelic Furs lead singer Richard Butler talks about their first album since 1991 and explains what's really going on in "Pretty In Pink."

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.