One of the best known American power pop bands, the group's biggest hits over the years include "I Want You to Want Me", "Surrender", "Dream Police", "Don't Be Cruel" (a cover of Elvis Presley's hit), and "The Flame". Their most recent release, The Latest, has gained critical acclaim. They also wrote and performed the theme song for "The Colbert Report" as well as "That 70s Show", both tunes being fan favorites.
Nielsen and Petersson originally formed the group as Fuse in 1967, with Carlos joining the group several years later; however, when Zander joined as vocalist in 1972, the group was renamed Cheap Trick. Zander is considered one of the best hard rock vocalists of his era. For their part, Tom Petersson has been known for playing custom made 8, 12, and even a 18 string custom bass made by Modulus for Tom in 1981 and Rick Nielsen also has a penchant for unusual instruments. He owns and plays a five-necked solidbody electric guitar (it can be seen in the video for the song "She's Tight" among others).
Studio Albums
(1977) Cheap Trick [a.k.a Cheap Trick (1997)]
(1977) In Color
(1978) Heaven Tonight
(1979) Dream Police
(1980) All Shook Up
(1980) Found All The Parts
(1982) One on One
(1983) Next Position Please
(1985) Standing on the Edge
(1986) The Doctor
(1988) Lap of Luxury
(1990) Busted
(1994) Woke Up With A Monster
(1997) Cheap Trick [a.k.a Cheap Trick (1997)]
(2003) Special One
(2006) Rockford
(2009) The Latest
(2016) Bang, Zoom, Crazy...Hello
(2017) We're All Alright!
(2021) In Another World
[Live Albums]
(1978) At Budokan
(1978) Budokan II
(1998) At Budokan: the Complete Concert
(1999) Music for Hangovers
(2001) Silver
Gonna Raise Hell
Cheap Trick Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gonna raise hell, gonna raise hell.
Ambition? ha!
If all i've heard is true,
There's nothin' much i can do
To change the world, it's irreversible.
But in what it lacks,
It's got a taste that smacks of somethin' irresistible.
Gonna raise hell, gonna raise hell, gonna raise hell.
Gonna raise hell, gonna raise hell, gonna raise hell.
Submission? yes!
Now i won't name names, and a secret's a secret,
But a hint's a hint or a clue.
You really want to know, you really want to go,
There's only two things you got to do.
Gonna raise hell, gonna raise hell, gonna raise hell.
Gonna raise hell, gonna raise hell, gonna raise hell.
Mother, mother.
Mother, mother.
Mother, mother.
My mission? ah, yes!
Everybody hear? everybody here,
It's a fate i all agree.
Sometimes you win, i never lose,
To me it's no mystery.
Gonna raise hell, gonna raise hell, gonna raise hell.
Gonna raise hell, gonna raise hell, gonna raise hell.
(repeat to coda)
The lyrics to Cheap Trick's "Gonna Raise Hell" convey a sense of rebellion and defiance against the established order. The song begins with the repeated phrase "Gonna raise hell," which sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics. The first verse expresses a sense of futility in trying to change the world, but also acknowledges that there is something irresistible about it. The chorus reiterates the desire to cause chaos and shake up the status quo.
The second verse alludes to a secret or hidden knowledge that could reveal the way to truly raise hell. The song then culminates in the final verse, where the singer declares that his mission is to never lose and that it's no mystery to him. The repeated use of the word "mother" throughout the song adds to the sense of urgency and frustration.
Overall, the lyrics to "Gonna Raise Hell" are a call to action to rebel against the system and embrace a sense of chaos and unpredictability.
Line by Line Meaning
Gonna raise hell, gonna raise hell.
The singer is determined to stir up trouble.
Ambition? ha!
The singer scoffs at the idea of having goals and aspirations.
If all i've heard is true,
The singer believes rumors about the state of the world.
There's nothin' much i can do
The artist feels powerless to influence the world around them.
To change the world, it's irreversible.
The artist thinks the world is set in its ways and cannot be altered.
But in what it lacks,
Despite its flaws,
It's got a taste that smacks of somethin' irresistible.
The world still holds an allure that cannot be ignored.
Submission? yes!
The artist advocates for a more rebellious attitude instead of obedience.
Now i won't name names, and a secret's a secret,
The artist wants to keep certain information private and confidential.
But a hint's a hint or a clue.
The artist provides some guidance on how to uncover the secret.
You really want to know, you really want to go,
The singer implies that the secret is worth the effort to uncover.
There's only two things you got to do.
The process to uncover the secret is simple and straightforward.
Mother, mother.
The singer addresses their own mother, perhaps for support or guidance.
My mission? ah, yes!
The singer has a clear sense of purpose or goal.
Everybody hear? everybody here,
The singer wants their message to be heard by everyone in their audience.
It's a fate i all agree.
The artist believes that everyone shares their destiny.
Sometimes you win, i never lose,
The artist is confident in their ability to come out on top.
To me it's no mystery.
The singer understands what they need to do to succeed.
Repeat to coda
The song continues to cycle through the same lyrics, building up to a final ending or conclusion.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RICK NIELSEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind