Gillan was born in Hounslow, Middlesex, England. He joined the band Deep Purple in 1969. In 1970, he sang the part of Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar. After leaving Deep Purple in 1973, he went into brief retirement before forming the Ian Gillan Band. The early band sound had a distinct jazz-rock aspect which proved unpopular and was replaced by a more high powered hard rock sound as Gillan reformed the lineup and shortened the groups name to Gillan. With the release of Mr. Universe Ian Gillan was back in the UK charts and through several more line up changes released a string of hit singles and successful albums including Glory Road, Future Shock, Double Trouble, and finally Magic.
Then he announced the band would fold as he needed to rest his damaged vocal cords. In 1983 he joined Black Sabbath to record the Born Again album before rejoining a reunited Deep Purple shortly after completing the Born Again tour in early 1984. He left Purple again in 1989, but rejoined for good in 1992. He remains in the band today.
Gillan is now working on a project to document his 40-year career, tentatively called Gillan's Inn. Tony Iommi, Jeff Healey, various members of Deep Purple and many others will be featured on this 2006 DVD project.
Speed King
Ian Gillan Lyrics
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She was rockin' in the house of blue light
Tutti frutti was, oh, so rooty
Rockin' to the east and west
Lucille was, oh, so real
She didn't do her daddy's will
Come on, baby, drive me crazy
I'm a speed king
You got to hear me sing
Speed king, see me fly
Saturday night and I just got paid
Fool about ain't gonna save
People gonna rock, people gonna roll
Have a party to save my soul
Hard headed woman, soft hearted man
They cause trouble since it all began
Take a little rice, take a little beans
Gonna rock and roll down to New Orleans
I'm a speed king
You got to hear me sing
Speed king, see me fly
Good golly, said, little Miss Molly
She was rockin' in the house of blue light
Tutti frutti was, oh, so rooty
Rockin' to the east and west
Lucille was, oh, so real
She didn't do her daddy's will
Come on, baby, drive me crazy
I'm a speed king
You got to hear me sing
Speed king, see me fly, oh
I'm a speed king
You got to hear me sing
Speed king, see me
Speed king
You got to hear me sing
Speed king, see me, oh, alright
The lyrics to Ian Gillan's song "Speed King" are an ode to the culture of rock and roll, and specifically a celebration of the musicians and music that influenced Gillan himself. The song begins by referencing two classic rock songs, "Good Golly Miss Molly" and "Tutti Frutti," which were popular in the '50s and early '60s. The lyrics suggest that the music of this era was still having an impact on Gillan and his contemporaries in the '70s, as they continued to draw inspiration from the pioneers of rock.
The lyrics go on to reference a variety of other musical motifs and figures, including the blues singer Lucille and the city of New Orleans, which is widely regarded as the birthplace of jazz and blues music. Along the way, the song celebrates the rebellious spirit of rock and roll, with references to hard-headed women and soft-hearted men who have caused trouble since the beginning of time. Ultimately, however, the song is about the joy and freedom that rock and roll can bring, with its driving rhythms and soaring melodies.
"Speed King" is widely regarded as one of Gillan's most iconic songs, and it has been covered by a variety of artists over the years. The song's lyrics and music reflect the cultural movements of the era, and its celebratory attitude towards rock and roll continues to resonate with fans today.
Line by Line Meaning
Good golly, said, little Miss Molly
Expressing amazement at the energy of the girl, little Miss Molly.
She was rockin' in the house of blue light
She was dancing with enthusiasm under the blue light in the dance hall.
Tutti frutti was, oh, so rooty
The music was lively and rhythmic.
Rockin' to the east and west
Dancing in all possible directions that the lively music takes them.
Lucille was, oh, so real
The person who he remembers named Lucille was someone so lively and real.
She didn't do her daddy's will
Lucille did not follow the conservative beliefs of her father.
Come on, baby, drive me crazy
Ian Gillan wants his lover to excite him.
I'm a speed king
Ian Gillan refers to himself as someone who lives life at a fast pace, just like a king.
You got to hear me sing
He's confident in his music, and calls upon everyone around him to listen to it.
Speed king, see me fly
Just like a king, Ian Gillan's life moves fast, with him enjoying every moment of his flying.
Saturday night and I just got paid
It's Saturday night, and Ian's received his paycheck, and he's ready to enjoy himself.
Fool about ain't gonna save
It's not worth saving money when you can enjoy life while you have it.
People gonna rock, people gonna roll
People are enjoying the music and dancing.
Have a party to save my soul
Ian Gillian is enjoying himself as it lifts his soul.
Hard headed woman, soft hearted man
A woman with a strong will and a man with a kind heart have been causing trouble from the beginning of time.
They cause trouble since it all began
Men and women have been creating trouble together from the beginning of time.
Take a little rice, take a little beans
Let's eat and party in New Orleans.
Gonna rock and roll down to New Orleans
Ian and his friends will have a great time partying in New Orleans.
Speed king, see me fly, oh
Ian Gillan calls the attention of the crowd, as he leads them in flying.
Speed king, see me
Ian Gillan is enjoying himself at such a fast pace, that he asks the crowd to watch him.
Speed king
Ian Gillan is reminding the crowd that he is the king of living life at an energetic pace, and is enjoying it.
You got to hear me sing
He's sure that everyone in attendance will love his music once they hear it.
Speed king, see me, oh, alright
Everything's alright as long as everyone's having fun and enjoying life together.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: IAN GILLAN, IAN PAICE, JON LORD, RITCHIE BLACKMORE, ROGER GLOVER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind