Another article on Blimey is devoted to the history of the song My Oh My. Many fans of the British rock band Slade consider her the most beautiful in the discography of the legendary band, which is hard to disagree with.
The history of creation and the meaning of the song My Oh My
It was born out of Jim Lee’s desire to write a folk-style ballad that any fan could sing along with the band. The idea for the future composition came to him when he listened to how Noddy Holder and Dave Hill tuned their instruments before a concert at the University of Wales. He later recalled:
It reminded me of bagpipes. Under the buzz of the strings, I mentally composed a melody.
Holder liked it, and soon the lyrics of the song “My Oh My” were ready. The musicians recorded a demo version of it (for the first time in the history of the group), with which they went to the producers from RCA. The label’s management liked the track very much, and it was soon recorded under the direction of recording director John Panther.
Release and achievements
In November 1983, My Oh My was released as a single from The Amazing Kamikaze Syndrome and also featured on the alternative version of Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply. The single peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart and topped the charts in Sweden and Norway. The track peaked at number 37 on the Billboard Hot 100.
In 1985, My Oh My was re-released as a swing version on the back of the Do You Believe in Miracles? single. The band recorded it with the Monty Babson Big Band on the advice of Frank Sinatra. First, Monty Babson sang it, but Noddy, hearing how effective the song sounds in the new arrangement, decided that he should perform it himself.
Cover versions of My Oh My
Subsequently, covers of My Oh My in different styles and in several languages were recorded by many musicians. Frankly, I didn’t particularly like any of them, so I won’t single out anyone.
Clip My Oh My – Slade
The video for My Oh My, which features the Slade members riding through the countryside and singing from the back of a truck, was filmed around London.
Interesting Facts
- At the urging of the recording director, the band made changes to the original lyrics when the single was released.
- Holder sang the vocal part of the swing version on the first try, being tipsy after an evening spent in a pub.
- In 2010, Classic Rock magazine listed My Oh My as one of the fourteen most important Slade songs.
My Oh My Lyrics
I believe in woman, my oh my
I believe in lovin’, my oh my
Don’t a woman need a man
Try and catch one if you can
I believe in woman, my oh my
We all need someone to talk to my oh my
We all need someone to talk to my oh my
I need a shoulder to cry on
Call me I’ll be standing by
We all need someone to talk to my oh my
We all need a lot of lovin’ my oh my
Yeah, a whole lot of lovin’ my oh my
I can lend a helpin’ hand
If you ain’t go nothing planned
We all need some lovin’ my oh oh my
So let’s all swing together my oh my
We can all swing together my oh my
You’ve got troubles on your own
No need to face them all alone
We can all swing together my oh my
So let’s all pull together my oh my
Yeh let’s all pull together my oh my
We can ride the stormy weather
If we all get out and try
So let’s all pull together my oh my
Yeh let’s all pull together my oh my
My Oh My Lyrics Alternative
I believe in women, my God
I believe that it is possible to love, my God
Don’t a woman need a man
Come – catch
I believe in a woman, my God
We all need someone to talk to, my God
We all need someone to talk to, my God
You need a vest to cry on
Call me – I’ll be there
We all need someone to talk to, my God
We all need a lot of love, my God
Yes, a lot of love, my God
I can lend a helping hand
If you don’t have other plans
We all need love, my God
We can all unite, my God
We can all unite, my God
Do you have personal problems?
Don’t have to fight them alone
We can all unite, my God
So let’s all unite, my God
Yes, let’s all unite, my God
We can make it through the storm
If we go out and try
So let’s all unite, my God
Yes, let’s all unite, my God
Song quote
… although I didn’t like My Oh My when I first heard it, by the time I started playing and promoting it, I discovered a certain magical and hidden power in it. I would say My Oh My is my favorite song to date.
Dave Hill, 1987
