It features four hit singles; "Remedy" (#1 on the Album Rock Tracks chart for 11 weeks), "Thorn in My Pride" (#1 on the Album Rock Tracks chart for four weeks), "Sting Me" (#1 on the Album Rock Tracks chart for two weeks), and "Hotel Illness" (#1 on the Album Rock Tracks chart for six weeks). It was a record for an album to feature four album rock number-one hits (previously set by Tom Petty in 1989, with three). The album itself reached the top spot of the Billboard 200 album chart, propelled by the success of these singles.
In 2006, the album was ranked number 100 on Guitar World magazine's list of the greatest 100 guitar albums of all time. Track listing
All songs written by Chris Robinson and Rich Robinson, except where noted.
"Sting Me" – 4:39
"Remedy" – 5:22
"Thorn in My Pride" – 6:03
"Bad Luck Blue Eyes Goodbye" – 6:28
"Sometimes Salvation" – 4:44
"Hotel Illness" – 3:59
"Black Moon Creeping" – 4:54
"No Speak No Slave" – 4:01
"My Morning Song" – 6:15
"Time Will Tell" (Bob Marley) – 4:08
Bonus tracks
"Sting Me (Slow)" – 5:48
"99 lbs." (Don Bryant) – 4:18
Japanese bonus track
"Shake 'Em on Down" - Live
Personnel
Chris Robinson – vocals
Rich Robinson – guitar
Marc Ford – guitar
Johnny Colt – bass guitar
Steve Gorman – drums
Eddie Harsch – keyboards
Sting Me
The Black Crowes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Put your good foot forward
No need for heroics I just want you to show it
Now's the time to shine
Your independence is a half ass deliverance
The train has left that station
The recognition of the same old condition
Your symptoms showing through
Well, regardless of the truth
You still act so aloof
In the face of a judge and jury
You got the nerve to say not guilty
Can you sting me, can you sting me
Can you sting me, can you sting me
Right to my rotten bones, yeah, rotten bones
Well, the bells ring out for the crimes of the century
Courtesy of your mother
Where the signs reads, 'Welcome to the valley of discovery'
Look at what money can buy
Sons and daughters better open your eyes
Tell me what you're seeing
This is submission is a tired tradition
It's everyone's sacrifice
Well believe you me
I've got nothing up my sleeve
Except this heart and a chip on my shoulder
Yes ya, I'm young and don't like getting older
Can you sting me, can you sting me
Can you sting me, can you sting me
Right to my rotten bones
Ooh, come on my sweet little thing
What new things can you show me today
I got one question I believe it's subjective
What is a wasp without her sting?
I don't need to sound bitter
But you touch me just like murder
Living ain't so easy
When all I want from you is to sting me
Can you sting me, can you sting me
Can you sting me, can you sting me
Can you sting me, can you sting me
Can you sting me, can you sting me
(You want to, want to sting me)
The Black Crowes' "Sting Me" is a song with lyrics that encourage individuals to show their true selves without hesitation. The lyrics suggest that the time to stand out and shine is now, and that there is no need for someone to act like a hero in the process. The song also addresses the feelings of being trapped in a particular condition or lifestyle, and encourages people to break free from it. The lyrics of the song are reflective about the perception of independence and the need to show it without fear. The singer wants the person to showcase their real selves without inhibitions or denial.
The lyrics reflect on the heavy burden of tradition, and how that can be limiting to personal growth. The song encourages a revolution of sorts, where people should take a stand and open their eyes to the world around them. The line "What is a wasp without her sting?" suggests that just like the sting of the wasp, individuals should show their unique and potent personalities the way it is.
Line by Line Meaning
If you feel like a riot, then don't you deny it
If you have an urge to rebel, don't suppress it
Put your good foot forward
Create a positive impression by making an effort
No need for heroics I just want you to show it
Don't go to extreme lengths, just demonstrate your feelings
Now's the time to shine
This is your opportunity to excel
Your independence is a half-ass deliverance
Your ability to be on your own is incomplete
The train has left that station
You cannot rely on that anymore
The recognition of the same old condition
You're realizing the same problem exists again
Your symptoms showing through
Your issues are becoming apparent
Well, regardless of the truth
Irrespective of what's real
You still act so aloof
You behave as if you don't care
In the face of a judge and jury
Even when you're under scrutiny
You got the nerve to say not guilty
You insist you're innocent despite evidence suggesting otherwise
Can you sting me, can you sting me
Can you cause me pain?
Right to my rotten bones, yeah, rotten bones
Deeply and fundamentally
Well, the bells ring out for the crimes of the century
Society is aware of the major wrongs
Courtesy of your mother
Thanks to your upbringing
Where the sign reads, 'Welcome to the valley of discovery'
Entering a place of revelation
Look at what money can buy
Noticing the power of wealth
Sons and daughters better open your eyes
Youth must become aware
Tell me what you're seeing
Share your perspective
This submission is a tired tradition
The act of giving in is an exhausted practice
It's everyone's sacrifice
Everyone pays a cost
Well believe you me
I'm telling the truth
I've got nothing up my sleeve
I have no secret plan
Except this heart and a chip on my shoulder
Only my feelings and a small amount of resentment
Yes ya, I'm young and don't like getting older
I'm youthful and unwilling to age
Ooh, come on my sweet little thing
Addressing a loved one
What new things can you show me today
What novel experiences can you offer?
I got one question I believe it's subjective
A question without a clear answer
What is a wasp without her sting?
What is a person or thing without their defining trait?
I don't need to sound bitter
I'm not trying to come across as angry
But you touch me just like murder
Your actions feel like violence
Living ain't so easy
Life is difficult
When all I want from you is to sting me
When all I want is for you to hurt me
Can you sting me, can you sting me
Can you cause me pain?
You want to, want to sting me
You have the desire to hurt me
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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