Feats Don't Fail Me Now

Album: Feats Don't Fail Me Now (1974)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Feet don't fail me now" is an expression said to encourage oneself in a crucial moment. It was apt for Little Feat, who were on their last legs with the label, Warner Bros., and needed to sell some albums to stay afloat. It was so bad that after their third album, Dixie Chicken (1973), they split off to do session work to stay afloat. They were outstanding musicians, so this work came easily: group leader Lowell George played guitar on Robert Palmer's Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley album (1974); keyboard player Bill Payne toured with The Doobie Brothers; and Sam Clayton (percussion), Paul Barrère (guitar) and Kenny Gradney (bass) went to work for the reggae star Johnny Nash.

    They reconvened after their manager found them a studio at a bargain-basement price: Blue Seas Recording Studio outside of Baltimore. They were pleasantly surprised by the studio quality and got the album done efficiently. "Feats Don't Fail Me Now" was chosen for the title, and it really did get them back on their feet when the album exceeded expectations.
  • This was written by band members Lowell George and Paul Barrère, along with their songwriting associate, Martin Kibbee. George sang lead.
  • Like many Little Feat songs, this one is about a traveler; a truck driver rolling on through the night. It's similar lyrically to their most famous song, "Willin'," which is also about a trucker.
  • In some places, the song title is listed as "Feets Don't Fail Me Now," including on the vinyl album.
  • Lowell George's daughter, Inara George, was born on July 4, 1974, not long after they recorded the album. Lowell enjoyed his time recording in Maryland so much that he made "Maryland" her middle name. Inara got her dad's musical genes and grew up to be a singer.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

James Williamson of Iggy & the Stooges

James Williamson of Iggy & the StoogesSongwriter Interviews

The Stooges guitarist (and producer of the Kill City album) talks about those early recordings and what really happened with David Bowie.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.