Victor "Moulty" Moulton, the subject of the song, was
drummer of
The Barbarians, despite the impairment of his left hand. Moulton critically damaged the hand when, at the age of 14, a homemade
pipe bomb prematurely detonated while it was in Moulton's grip. The hand was amputated, and subsequently replaced with a metallic
prosthetic device that Moulton could attach a
drum stick to. When Moulton formed the group in 1964, his disability added an unusual allure to the band's rebellious image that was, in part, responsible for their popularity after their appearance on
The T.A.M.I. Show alongside
The Rolling Stones,
Lesley Gore, and
The Supremes. Moulton commenced recording of the song in early 1966 in New York City while the rest of the band was situated in Boston. For the recording session, Moulton was backed by the Hawks, later known as
the Band, who were currently working as
Bob Dylan's support group. The lyrics were rearranged by Moulton to include the spoken intro section of the song. The composition opens with Moulton melodramatically reflecting on the struggle of losing his left hand, while the
backing vocalists encouraged "Moulty" to "Don't turn away". It continues with "Moulty" achieving his dream, and the song shifts into a
ballad-esque structure in the third verse when "Moulty" realizes he is still lacking love. A
chorus ensues and fades out, leaving the question of whether or not "Moulty" managed to find his love. With the uncertain conclusion, a mystique remained around Moulton, which played a role in his enigmatic persona. Regardless, "Moulty" managed to peak at number 90 on the
Billboard Hot 100, remaining on the charts for four weeks. The song became somewhat of an inspiration to the band's younger followers, insisting them to "never give up no matter what the odds". However, The Barbarians were so disgruntled with management for releasing the song over Moulton's objection that the band soon ceased relations with the company. and included as a bonus track in the 2000
Sundazed Music reissue of the group's debut
album. ==References==