The band produced three albums on Restless Records: "Disgraceland", "Hellbilly", and "Supersadomasochisticexpialidocious". Not really parody, and only slightly punk, they were actually a seminal American psychobilly outfit, taking cues from the likes of The Meteors and Mad Sin.
The band was active in the late Eighties, early Nineties, and has recently reformed (2005). It consists of singer Jim Leedy (a.k.a. "Elvis Hitler"), guitarist John Defever, bassist Warren Defever, and drummer Damian Lang.
Their irreverent mix of rockabilly and lowbrow humor led to them having a cult following in their day, though they never had commercial success. They then disappeared from the public spotlight for the first time. Warren DeFever (a.k.a Warn DeFever) would go on to form the dramatically-different sounding experimental rock band His Name Is Alive, and work as a record producer for underground bands. He is known for going under various pseudonyms, and is also a member of numerous other bands including The Dirteaters (The Dirt Eaters), and the avant-garde noise / performance group Princess Dragonmom (Princess Dragon-mom).
In 1998, however, Elvis Hitler reunited as a four piece band, with Rich Strock filling in on bass, and played at various locations in Detroit and in Chicago. They then faded away again. They once more reunited in 2003 at The Magic Stick club in Detroit with Warren Defever returning to the bass. They played one more concert at that club on September 4th, 2004.
Due to the resistance of having a band with the name Hitler in the title, regardless of its intent, the band released one album under the name "Splatter."
Showdown
Elvis Hitler Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Got real drunk
And started a fight
Gunfighters out in the street
Bellies full of lead
And blood at their feet
Sheriff says I'd better get out of town
Next time he sees me
Bottle of rot gut
And a women of the night
A meal and a hot bath
Will make me fell all right
Dancing girls up on the stage
Drunken banditos that belong in a cage
Sheriff says if I don't get out of town
Next time he sees me
It'll be a showdown
Elvis Hitler's "Showdown" depicts the classic Western narrative of violence and conflict. The song personifies the character of a drunk and disorderly gunfighter who, after stumbling into town, starts trouble with the town's local gunfighters. As the sheriff apprehends him, he is informed that if he doesn't leave town, the next time they meet will undoubtedly result in a showdown. The gunfighter tries to drown his sorrows in a bottle of rotgut, the company of a prostitute, and a hot meal. However, he can't seem to escape conflict and gets caught up in antics at the saloon with drunken bandits and dancing girls on stage.
The song paints a vivid picture of the Western era's sleazy and dangerous vibe, with Fender guitars contributing to the chaotic ambiance. The lyrics are symbolic of the tough-man culture that dominates Western movies, romanticizing the idea of the gun-toting and liquor-bloated stranger riding in from nowhere. Overall, the "Showdown" seems to argue that violence and brutality are inevitable and may provide an individual with the rare opportunity to display strength otherwise absent.
Line by Line Meaning
Rode into town late one night
I arrived in town during the nighttime when most people are asleep.
Got real drunk
I consumed a lot of alcohol and became intoxicated.
And started a fight
I engaged in a violent altercation with someone, likely due to my drunkenness.
Gunfighters out in the street
People who are skilled with guns are present outside.
Bellies full of lead
These gunfighters have consumed bullets and are able to use them to shoot others.
And blood at their feet
Their violent actions have led to blood being spilled on the ground.
Sheriff says I'd better get out of town
The law enforcement officer warns me to leave this place.
Next time he sees me
The next time the sheriff encounters me here, something bad may happen.
It'll be a showdown
A decisive confrontation will occur between the sheriff and me.
Bottle of rot gut
A container of severely low-quality, perhaps dangerous alcohol.
And a women of the night
A female who works as a prostitute.
A meal and a hot bath
Eating food and taking a warm cleansing soak will make me feel better.
Will make me fell all right
These activities will improve my current mood and wellbeing.
Dancing girls up on the stage
Women who are possibly being paid to dance in front of an audience.
Drunken banditos that belong in a cage
Intoxicated and unruly men who should be locked up in a prison cell.
Sheriff says if I don't get out of town
The sheriff warns me once again that it is best for me to leave this area.
It'll be a showdown
A final and definitive conflict will take place between the sheriff and me if I do not comply with his demands to leave.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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Lungomolto
this is a very rare one and ultracool, bravo for uploading it
Melvin Spearchucker
thank you for uploading!
Philipe
Rode into town late one night
Got real drunk
And started a fight
Gunfighters out in the street
Bellies full of lead
And blood at their feet
Sheriff says I'd better get out of town
Next time he sees me
It'll be a showdown
Bottle of rot gut
And a women of the night
A meal and a hot bath
Will make me fell all right
Dancing girls up on the stage
Drunken banditos that belong in a cage
Sheriff says if I don't get out of town
Next time he sees me
It'll be a showdown
Ethereal Catholic2
One of the last punk rock bands along w Anti-Seen.
BlitsKreeg de Antioch
Where's the song