Hymn For The Dudes

Album: Mott (1973)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song was co-written by Ian Hunter and Verden Allen. It was played live for a while before being taped by Allen in October 1972, and re-recorded for the album Mott. In the band's official biography by Campbell Devine, Hunter says he wrote the song for young kids; it's just to say "somebody cares about you."
  • There has been some suggestion that this song has a secondary meaning, and that the plain speaking Hunter penned the song to take a swipe at David Bowie, who gave the band their big break with "All The Young Dudes." In Devine's book, Hunter likens Bowie to a vampire "draining what he wants before moving on to the next victim." Devine himself says the song "appeared to demolish the pedestal Mott had placed Bowie on." The song ends:
    "You ain't the Nazz, you're just a buzz, some kinda temporary."

    Hunter wanted it to end, "Some kinda temporary twat" but was persuaded to drop this, although in his solo career he has been known to perform the original version.
  • Dale Griffin commented that the song was written before Bowie and amended. The track runs to 5:22 and is a hymn in every sense of the word. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for all above

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

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Jethro Tull

Jethro TullFact or Fiction

Stage urinals, flute devices, and the real Aqualung in this Fact or Fiction.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino EditionMusic Quiz

Whether he's splitting ears or burning Nazis, Quentin Tarantino uses memorable music in his films. See if you can match the song to the scene.

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)Songwriter Interviews

Mike Rutherford talks about the "Silent Running" storyline and "Land Of Confusion" in the age of Trump.

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillian

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillianSong Writing

A Soul Train dancer takes us through a day on the show, and explains what you had to do to get camera time.