The Original Mixed Up Kid is another Hunter track from Mott The Hoople days arising on the Wildlife LP. It seems very much an autobiographical song from someone who typically does not feel as though he fits in with society. Hunter maintains that this is one of the best songs he ever wrote. Although the LP received mixed reviews Ian says that there are truthful songs on the release and personally Hunter's life was bittersweet. His first wife didn't want anything to do with the rock 'n' roll lifestyle and his marriage ended regrettably with their two children involved. As for most people issues of children during a broken marriage and custody are painful. The song was indicative of Hunter's mess at this time.
Interestingly, the Lord Byron line from Don Juan, `And Byron said happiness is born a twin,' made Ian seem intellectual but actually it was borrowed from his wife Trudi who was fan of the writer. Hunter was quoting not Byron but Trudi. The full quote is "All who joy would win must share it. Happiness was born a twin."
It was recorded at The Life Cafe, Manchester UK 19th May 2002.
Ian Hunter On Track for Sonicbond Publishing, TheDoctorOfDigital@pm.me
Don Juan
All who joy would win must share it. Happiness was born a Twin.
Original Mixed-Up Kid
(Ian Hunter)
The original mixed-up kid
Sleeps with the ladies all night
Home in the morning light
To nothin'
Climbs in to an empty bed
Pillows around his head
Hide the tears he sheds
For no one
And Byron said Happiness is born its twin
In those who share, for they will always win
But what about the man who tries so hard
But his heart is locked within
The original mixed-up kid
Must have been at the end of the line
When they gave out the forms to sign
For someone
And he can't make up his mind where he wants to go
Ain't there a heaven ain't there a hell well he just don't know
For in a crowded street he can see the sleet
When the other men just see the snow
The original mixed-up kid be on your conscience bound (?)
For you turned him upside down for nothin'
| The Original Mixed Up Kid (live 19th May 2002) | 5:32 | Originally a Mott The Hoople track. This live version (recorded Life Cafe, Manchester England) is on Bag Of Tricks (Vol 2) (box set only). |
Posts
