Introduction

“Ooh La La” by The Faces is a soulful journey through folk-rock, released in 1973. The Faces, led by Rod Stewart and Ron Wood, created a masterpiece that encapsulates the spirit of the early ’70s. The song’s unique blend of heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies makes it a timeless gem in the vast landscape of rock music. Join us as we delve into the magic of “Ooh La La” and explore the soul-stirring sound that continues to resonate with music enthusiasts.

Did You Know?

  • “Ooh La La” is notable for its distinctive vocals, performed by Ronnie Lane, the bassist of The Faces, providing a contrast to Rod Stewart’s usual lead vocals.
  • Despite not achieving significant commercial success upon release, the song has gained a cult following and is now considered one of The Faces’ signature tracks.
  • The Faces, known for their energetic live performances, showcased their musical chemistry in “Ooh La La,” combining folk influences with rock elements.
  • The song has been featured in various films and television shows, contributing to its enduring popularity.

Video

Lyrics: Ooh La La

Poor old Grandad
Laughed at all his words
Thought he was a bitter man
He spoke of women’s ways
“They trap you, use you
Before you even know
Love is blind, you’re far too kind
Don’t ever let it show”

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

Can-can such a pretty show
Steal your heart away
But backstage back on Earth again
The dressing rooms are gray
They come on strong but it ain’t too long
They make you feel a man
Use you and soon you’ll find
You’re just a boy again

Wish that I knew what I know now
When I was younger
Wish that I knew what I know now
When I was stronger

When you want a kiss, you get her cheek
Makes you wonder where you are
If you want some more but she’s fast asleep
And she’s twinkling with the stars
Poor old grandson, there’s nothing I can say
You’ll have to learn, just like me
And that’s the hardest way

Wish that I knew what I know now
When I was younger
Wish that I knew what I know now
When I was stronger
That I knew what I know now
When I was younger
I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was stronger

Ooh-la-la-la-la

You Missed

MINNIE PEARL WALKED ONSTAGE AT THE GRAND OLE OPRY FOR 50 YEARS WITH A $1.98 PRICE TAG ON HER HAT — AND THEN ONE NIGHT, SHE JUST COULDN’T ANYMORE. Here’s something most people don’t think about with Minnie Pearl. That price tag hanging off her straw hat? It wasn’t random. Sarah Cannon — that was her real name — created it as a joke about a country girl too proud of her new hat to take the tag off. And audiences loved it so much that it became the most recognizable prop in country music history. For over fifty years, that tag meant Minnie was here, and everything was going to be fun. So imagine what it felt like when she couldn’t put the hat on anymore. In June 1991, Sarah had a massive stroke. She was 79. And just like that, the woman who hadn’t missed an Opry show in decades was gone from the stage. But here’s what gets me. She didn’t die in 1991. She lived another five years after that stroke, mostly out of the public eye, unable to perform, unable to be “Minnie” the way she’d always been. Her husband Henry Cannon took care of her at their Nashville home. Friends visited, but they said it was hard. The woman who made millions of people laugh couldn’t get through a full conversation some days. Roy Acuff, her old friend from the Opry, kept her dressing room exactly the way she left it. Nobody used it. The hat sat there. She passed on March 4, 1996. And what most people remember is the comedy. The “HOW-DEEE” catchphrase. The big goofy grin. What they don’t remember is that Sarah Cannon was also a serious fundraiser for cancer research. Centennial Medical Center in Nashville named their cancer center after her — not after Minnie, after Sarah. She raised millions and rarely talked about it publicly. There’s a story about the very last time Sarah tried to put on the hat at home, months after the stroke, and what her husband said to her in that moment — it’s the kind of detail that makes you see fifty years of comedy completely differently. Roy Acuff kept Minnie Pearl’s dressing room untouched for years after she left — was that loyalty to a friend, or was he holding a door open for someone he knew was never coming back?