Heatwave released 'Rastus Ravel (Is A Mean Old Man)' (PEN 738 2F) on the Larry Page Penny Farthing Records label as the B-side of a 45 RPM single. The song was written and produced by ex-pirate radio DJ John Edward for Instant Sound Productions.
Story behind the song
Heatwave, the original group by that name ca.1969, recorded 'Rastus Ravel (Is A Mean Old Man)' in Pye Studios, London on 16th October 1970.
Friday 13th November 1970, Larry Page released their single on Penny Farthing Records in England, Germany and Japan.
John Fellows – Fender Jazz bass / back-up vocals
Terry Shea – Fender Stratocaster rhythm guitar / back-up vocals
Richard Steen – Epiphone Casino lead guitar / back-up vocals
Martin H. Samuel – 1970 Ludwig drums & Paiste cymbals / percussion
Peter Allatt – lead vocals / percussion
Doris Troy – back-up vocals
Rick Wakeman – piano
Lyrics
Rastus Ravel (Is A Mean Old Man)
Rastus Ravel is a mean old man
Rastus Ravel is a mean old man
mama had the time but she didn't have the money
Rastus was a man but he wouldn't take the honey
Rastus Ravel is a mean old man
Rastus Ravel is a mean old man
papa owned a mine but he couldn't pay the bills now
Rastus kept his job ‘cause he wouldn't take his pills now
Rastus Ravel is a mean old man
Rastus Ravel is a mean old man
nothin' on his mind but a dollar sign peepin'
tellin' what to do ‘cause the family wants keepin'
Rastus Ravel is a mean old man
Rastus Ravel is a mean old man
you take our money
said you take our soul
said we got no use for livin'
so you might as well be told
get my shotgun
gonna shoot you down
get my shotgun yeah
down on the ground yeah
I said you're so mean now yeah
get out of my way
mama had the time but she didn't have the money
Rastus was a man but he wouldn't take the honey
Rastus Ravel is a mean old man
Rastus Ravel is a mean old man