In 1978 Ian Gillan had become dissatisfied with the jazz fusion style of his band called Ian Gillan Band and dissolved it, retaining only keyboard player Colin Towns, and formed a new band entitled Gillan. He added Steve Byrd on guitar, Liam Glenocky on drums and John McCoy (ex-zzebra) on bass, and initially pursued a progressive rock direction, releasing their eponymous debut in 1978, although they could only get a record deal in Japan. This recording has subsequently become more widely available as THE JAPANESE ALBUM.
The album was sufficiently successful to attract more attention and in 1979 the band secured a European deal with Acrobat Records. Before a new album was recorded, Byrd was replaced by Bernie Tormé and Glenocky by Mick Underwood, Ian Gillan's former colleague in Episode Six. Torme's "screaming guitar" sound fundamentally altered the dynamics and Gillan took a heavy metal direction. This lineup's first album was released as MR. UNIVERSE and contained many re-worked songs from The Japanese Album. The band caught the rise of the NWOBHM at just the right time and the group gained popularity in Europe. At Christmas Gillan turned down an offer from Ritchie Blackmore to join Rainbow, but Blackmore did make a "legendary" guest appearance for Gillan at their Christmas show. It was the first time Ian Gillan and Blackmore had performed together since 1973.
In 1980 Gillan reached the peak of their success, releasing the successful GLORY ROAD album with the limited edition "free" LP for gillan fans only. However the band remained unknown in North America and were unable to raise any interest there despite tours.
By 1981 the band members were becoming disgruntled that their European and Japanese success was not translating into increased pay, and after the FUTURE SHOCK album tour, Torme walked out just before the band were due to appear on Top of the Pops. He was replaced by White Spirit guitarist Janick Gers and this line up releaed the live/studio combi double album DOUBLE TROUBLE at the end of the year. In 1982 final album MAGIC followed. By this time, tension over money had reached fever-pitch and Ian Gillan needed time to have nodes removed from his vocal chords. He also received and accepted an offer to replace Ronnie James Dio in Black Sabbath. After the Magic tour Ian Gillan dissolved the band to the incredulity of the other members, particularly McCoy, and the acrimony remained into the 21st century.
McCoy subsequently released compilations of studio out-takes to which he had the rights, beginning with Gillan Tapes, Vol. 1, and ensured that revenues were distributed fairly amongst the band.
I'll Rip Your Spine Out
Gillan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And you tell me I'm wasting my time
Can't play a natural role with my lady
Got to just take my place in your line
Now you listen to all that I'm saying
I'm a free man and I'll show you how
There ain't no politics that I'm afraid of
And I may just eat your sacred cow
Listen dumb punk I'll rip out your spine
If you rouse me from fantasy land
You live your life and I'll live mine
Or things won't turn out the way you planned
You know your intrusion's untimely don't you
I'm a free man and in my own land
I'll treat my woman the way that we want to
She is my woman and I am the man
If I give you my passion and freedom
If I send you my love for yourself
You'd just screw up and sow your foul seeds on
Virgin pastures and children of hope
Now you listen to all that I'm saying
I'm a free man and in my own land
I'll rip your spine out to show I'm not playing
So you'd better move on as fast as you can
The lyrics to Gillan's song "I'll Rip Your Spine Out" are about asserting one's individuality and autonomy against societal pressure to conform. The singer of the song is being told that he cannot have a genuine relationship with his partner because he does not fit into the established social order. He is threatened with violence and ostracism if he does not comply. However, he stands his ground and declares that he will not bow down to "politics" or compromise his personal values.
The use of the metaphor of "ripping out your spine" is a powerful image of physical violence that reflects the intense emotion behind the lyrics. It also suggests that the singer sees himself as a strong, assertive figure who will not be intimidated by threats. The overall message of the song is that individuals should not be afraid to stand up for themselves and pursue their own path in life, even if it means going against the established norms of society.
Line by Line Meaning
And you say there ain't nothing here for me
You claim that there are no opportunities for me here
And you tell me I'm wasting my time
You inform me that I'm not making good use of my time
Can't play a natural role with my lady
I cannot behave naturally with my significant other
Got to just take my place in your line
I must conform to your expectations
Now you listen to all that I'm saying
Pay attention to everything I'm saying
I'm a free man and I'll show you how
I'm an independent person, and I'll prove it to you
There ain't no politics that I'm afraid of
I have no fear of political games
And I may just eat your sacred cow
I could disrespect something you consider holy or untouchable
Listen dumb punk I'll rip out your spine
Listen, ignorant person, I will physically harm you
If you rouse me from fantasy land
If you try to snap me out of my dream world
You live your life and I'll live mine
You do your own thing, and I'll do mine
Or things won't turn out the way you planned
Otherwise, your expectations won't come to fruition
You know your intrusion's untimely don't you
You're aware that your interruption was poorly timed
I'm a free man and in my own land
I'm independent and in control in my territory
I'll treat my woman the way that we want to
I'll respect my partner and treat her according to our desires
She is my woman and I am the man
She's my significant other, and I'm the one in charge
If I give you my passion and freedom
If I grant you my emotional intensity and liberty
If I send you my love for yourself
If I express my love for you as an individual
You'd just screw up and sow your foul seeds on
You'd just mess up and cause harm to others
Virgin pastures and children of hope
Innocent environments and optimistic young people
I'll rip your spine out to show I'm not playing
I'll injure you severely to demonstrate that I'm serious
So you'd better move on as fast as you can
Therefore, it's best for you to depart as quickly as possible
Contributed by Lauren L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.