"Get It On" is a 1971 single by English glam rock band T. Rex, written by frontman Marc Bolan and featured on their landmark album Electric Warrior. The song became T. Rex’s second UK No. 1 hit, spending four weeks at the top, and remains their most internationally recognized track. In the United States, it was retitled "Bang a Gong (Get It On)" to avoid confusion with a song by the band Chase12.
Musical Style and Production
The song is an archetype of glam rock, built around a sultry, instantly recognizable guitar riff inspired by Chuck Berry’s "Little Queenie"—Bolan even ad-libs a line from Berry’s song during the fade-out13. The arrangement is lush and layered, featuring:
- Marc Bolan on vocals and guitar
- Steve Currie (bass), Bill Legend (drums), Mickey Finn (percussion)
- Ian McDonald (King Crimson) on baritone and alto saxophones
- Rick Wakeman (later of Yes) on piano glissandos
- Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan (Flo & Eddie, ex-Turtles) on backing vocals
Producer Tony Visconti’s stereo mixing and the addition of session legends gave the track its rich, full sound1345.
Lyrics and Meaning
"Get It On" is a celebration of sexual energy and rock ‘n’ roll hedonism. The lyrics are loaded with playful, surreal imagery—describing a woman who is "dirty and sweet," "clad in black," "built like a car," and "an untamed youth." The chorus, "Get it on, bang a gong, get it on," is a barely disguised invitation to sex, though couched in Bolan’s whimsical, metaphor-heavy style367. Producer Tony Visconti revealed that Bolan drew inspiration from three different women he knew, blending fantasy and reality3.
Despite the line "bang a gong," there is no actual gong in the recording—the phrase is a metaphor for sexual climax and excitement35. The song’s suggestive content was considered cheeky but not explicit enough to provoke censorship at the time.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
"Get It On" is widely regarded as the definitive glam rock anthem, influencing artists from David Bowie to the punk and indie scenes that followed8. Its swaggering groove, catchy riff, and Bolan’s charismatic delivery made it a staple of 1970s radio and a touchstone for future generations. The song’s style, sound, and androgynous glam aesthetic helped define the era and inspired countless musicians and bands8.
It remains T. Rex’s best-known song and is regularly cited among the greatest rock tracks of all time5. Its enduring popularity is evident in its continued use in films, commercials, and covers by other artists.
Key Facts Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | T. Rex |
| Album | Electric Warrior (1971) |
| Writer | Marc Bolan |
| Producer | Tony Visconti |
| Chart Performance | UK #1 (4 weeks), US #10 (as "Bang a Gong (Get It On)") |
| Notable Musicians | Ian McDonald (sax), Rick Wakeman (piano), Flo & Eddie (vocals) |
| Style | Glam rock, with rock ‘n’ roll and Chuck Berry influences |
| Legacy | Glam rock anthem, major influence on pop and rock |
Summary
"Get It On" is a quintessential glam rock track—sensual, swaggering, and irresistibly catchy. With its iconic riff, playful lyrics, and exuberant production, it captured the spirit of early 1970s rock and remains a defining moment in T. Rex’s career and in the history of popular music1382.
