A Raw and Honest Cry of Defiance Against the Inevitable
Ah, Slade. Just hearing that name, particularly for those of us who came of age when rock ‘n’ roll truly found its swagger, brings a certain glint to the eye. They weren’t just a band; they were an explosion of glitter, stomping boots, and anthemic singalongs that defined a generation. And while their colossal hits like “Cum On Feel the Noize” and “Merry Xmas Everybody” are etched into the very fabric of British music history, there’s a certain charm, a deeper resonance, in some of their lesser-known, yet equally potent, tracks. Today, we’re casting our minds back to one such gem, a song that perhaps didn’t dominate the airwaves in the same way, but held its own quiet power: “I Won’t Let It ‘Appen Agen.”
Released in 1973, a pivotal year for the band that saw them riding the crest of their glam rock wave, “I Won’t Let It ‘Appen Agen” found its home on the flip side of their iconic single, “Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me.” While “Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me” soared to the coveted number one spot on the UK Singles Chart, solidifying Slade‘s reign, the B-side, though not charted independently, benefited immensely from this association. It was a common practice back then for fans to flip over the vinyl and discover a hidden treasure, a deeper cut that often revealed another facet of the band’s artistry. And for those who did, they found a song that, while perhaps less outwardly celebratory, was no less Slade in its essence. It showcased a raw vulnerability, a defiant spirit that was always bubbling beneath the surface of their raucous exterior.
The story behind “I Won’t Let It ‘Appen Agen” is less about grand narratives and more about the universal human experience of regret, resilience, and the yearning for control in a world that often feels utterly chaotic. Like many of Slade‘s compositions, it was penned by the formidable songwriting duo of Noddy Holder and Jim Lea. These two had an uncanny knack for distilling complex emotions into deceptively simple, yet profoundly effective, lyrics. While there isn’t a specific, widely documented anecdote about its creation, the song resonates with the feeling of personal conviction after a difficult experience. It speaks to that moment of resolve, that internal declaration that “enough is enough.” One can imagine it born from the weariness of constant touring, the pressures of fame, or perhaps a more personal setback. The beauty of Slade‘s songwriting was that it often tapped into these relatable struggles, making their music incredibly accessible, even amidst the glitter and platform boots.
The meaning of “I Won’t Let It ‘Appen Agen” is laid bare in its title, delivered with that quintessential Slade phonetic spelling that always added a touch of working-class charm and authenticity. It’s a powerful declaration of self-preservation and a refusal to be repeatedly hurt or wronged. It’s the defiant cry of someone who has learned a hard lesson and is determined not to repeat past mistakes. The lyrics, though direct, carry a weight of emotional experience. They speak to the bittersweet realization that sometimes the most profound lessons are learned through pain, and the subsequent strength found in setting boundaries. For older listeners, this resonates deeply. We’ve all had those moments in life where we’ve picked ourselves up, dusted ourselves off, and vowed, with every fiber of our being, that we wouldn’t let history repeat itself. It’s a testament to the enduring power of human resilience, wrapped in a classic Slade arrangement that, while perhaps more subdued than their chart-toppers, still carries that unmistakable energy and emotional punch. It’s a song that, much like an old, well-worn photograph, invites reflection on our own journeys, our own moments of defiance, and the enduring spirit that has carried us through.