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.
Trouble
Gillan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you're looking for trouble
You came to the right place
If you're looking for trouble
Just look right in my face
I was born standing up
And talking back
My daddy was a green-eyed mountain jack
Yes I'm evil, so don't you mess around with me
Ive never looked for trouble
But I've never ran
I dont take no orders
From no kind of man
I'm only made out
Of flesh, blood and bone
But if you're gonna start a rumble
Don't you try it on alone
My name is misery
Well I'm evil, so don't you mess around with me
If you're looking for trouble
You came to the right place
If you're looking for trouble
Just look right in my face
I was born standing up
And talking back
My daddy was a green-eyed mountain jack
'Cause I'm evil, my middle name is misery
Yes I'm evil, baby, so don't you mess around with me
I said I'm evil, baby, don't you mess around with me
The song, Trouble by Gillan, is a classic hard rock anthem with a defiant message. The first verse suggests that the singer is ready for any challenge as they were "born standing up and talking back," and their father was a tough figure as well. The chorus warns anyone who is looking to cause trouble that they should not mess with the singer, as they are "evil" and "misery" is their middle name. In the second verse, the singer acknowledges that they have never been one to start trouble, but they won't back down if someone tries to start a fight.
The song is a declaration of strength and power, with the singer asserting their assertiveness and toughness in the face of any opposition. The lyrics are uncompromising and show a kind of macho bravado that was popular in rock music of the time. The simplicity of the lyrics and the catchy melody make it an enduring classic.
The use of the term "evil" in the song is interesting as it can be interpreted in different ways. The singer could be saying that they are tough and unafraid, or it could be interpreted as a kind of antihero persona, someone who is a bit dangerous and unpredictable. The line "my middle name is misery" adds to the sense of menace in the song, suggesting that the singer is not to be messed with.
Overall, Trouble is a classic rock song with memorable lyrics and a catchy melody. It is an anthem for anyone who wants to show their strength and power in the face of opposition.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, If you're looking for trouble
I never try to cause a problem but, if that's what you're searching for, you've found it by coming to me.
You came to the right place
You found trouble by approaching me because I'm ready to stand up for myself and won't back down from a fight.
If you're looking for trouble, Just look right in my face
There's no need to go looking for a fight because I'm already standing right in front of you, warning you not to mess with me.
I was born standing up And talking back
I haven't learned how to back down when someone tries to intimidate me, instead, I stand tall and respond with confidence.
My daddy was a green-eyed mountain jack
My father was a tough man, who taught me how to be strong and hold my ground.
'Cause I'm evil, my middle name is misery
I'm seen as cruel and unpleasant by some people, which is why others tend to avoid crossing me.
Yes I'm evil, so don't you mess around with me
I'm not someone you want to mess with because there will be consequences if you do.
I've never looked for trouble But I've never ran
Although I don't start trouble, I don't run away from it either.
I don't take no orders From no kind of man
No one can tell me what to do or put me in my place because I am my own person.
I'm only made out Of flesh, blood and bone
I may not be superhuman, but I'm not afraid to stand up for myself and fight if necessary.
But if you're gonna start a rumble Don't you try it on alone
If you're going to start a fight, don't expect to win because I'll have others by my side.
My name is misery Well I'm evil, so don't you mess around with me
I have a reputation for being a difficult and unpleasant person to deal with, which is why you should avoid starting anything with me.
I said I'm evil, baby, don't you mess around with me
I'm warning you once again that I'm not someone to be taken lightly, and starting anything with me is not a good idea.
Contributed by Stella G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Antonya Mont
Elvis tribute....👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼❣
Heather MacLeod
Pure banging. I used to head bang to this at high school discos
Tere Flores
Eres unico Gillan te amo.
Nelida Lobato
buenisimo pesado al estilo de Ian
Mark Brock
RIP Bernie Torme
ольга к.
Супер! 👍👍👍💜💜💜
Vivian Purple
Оля ! Стойте " РОВНО " - не падайте со Смеху . Постарайтесь угадать для чего я скинул ети видосики . В середине песни " I WAS MADE FOR LIVIN YOUR BABY "
tadija ancelkovic
BRAVISIMOOO!!!
Lil1943
And Elvis was his inspiration - to become a singer so that he could become a "film star" more quickly! Life takes turns, thankfully for all of us. But I think he would have been great acting in Jesus Christ Superstar, which he turned down - both stage and film roles.
Giuseppe Speranza
Ian Gillan at 35 years 🎸