"Ooh La La" is a 1973 song by the English rock band Faces, written by Ronnie Lane and Ronnie Wood. It is the title track of the band's final studio album, Ooh La La. Unlike most Faces songs, which featured Rod Stewart or Ronnie Lane on lead vocals, "Ooh La La" is sung by Ronnie Wood—a rarity that gives the track a distinctive, wistful tone123.
Song Meaning and Lyrics
The song is framed as a conversation between a grandfather and his grandson. The elder imparts hard-won wisdom about love and relationships, warning the younger man about the pitfalls and heartaches that come with romantic entanglements. The grandfather’s advice is tinged with regret and experience, as captured in the iconic chorus:
"I wish that I knew what I know now, when I was younger"1423.
The lyrics reflect on the naivety of youth and the lessons that only time and experience can teach. The grandfather warns of love’s deceptions—how people can be manipulated or hurt before they even realize it, and how infatuation can blind one to reality. The song’s title and the phrase "can can's such a pretty show" allude to the allure and spectacle of romance, while contrasting it with the inevitable disappointments that often follow423.
Ultimately, the song acknowledges the cyclical nature of life and learning: despite the advice, each generation must learn these lessons for themselves. The closing lines—"You’ll have to learn, just like me, and that’s the hardest way"—underscore the inevitability of personal experience as the true teacher423.
Recording and Legacy
The recording of "Ooh La La" was marked by some internal band tension. Both Stewart and Lane attempted lead vocals but were dissatisfied with the results, so producer Glyn Johns suggested Wood try singing it. His version was used on the album, giving the song its unique character123. The track became one of Faces’ most enduring songs, reaching the UK Top 10 and later being covered by Rod Stewart in tribute to Lane after his death123.
In 2021, "Ooh La La" was ranked No. 246 on Rolling Stone's list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time"1. The song’s gentle wisdom and universal theme have ensured its lasting appeal, making it a staple of classic rock radio and a favorite for generations of listeners.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | Faces |
| Album | Ooh La La (1973) |
| Writers | Ronnie Lane, Ronnie Wood |
| Lead Vocal | Ronnie Wood |
| Theme | Wisdom gained with age, love’s pitfalls, generational advice |
| Notable Lyric | "I wish that I knew what I know now, when I was younger" |
| Legacy | UK Top 10 hit, Rolling Stone Top 500, covered by Rod Stewart |
Summary
"Ooh La La" is a timeless reflection on the lessons of love and life, delivered with warmth and a touch of melancholy. Its message—that wisdom often comes too late, and each generation must learn for themselves—resonates as deeply today as it did in 1973, cementing its place as one of Faces’ most beloved and enduring songs1423.
