Singer Iggy Pop and his wild onstage antics were often the focus of attention. The band sold very few records in their original incarnation and often performed to indifferent or hostile audiences. Nevertheless, the Stooges are often regarded as hugely influential both on then-nascent heavy metal and later on punk rock.
As has been said about The Velvet Underground, the handful of people who did actually buy the Stooges' early records at the time ended up forming bands of their own. Velvet Underground member John Cale produced the original incarnation of their self-titled album).
The Stooges drew their sound from a variety of influences: The Who, James Brown, Bitches Brew, Ravi Shankar, Bob Dylan, Booker T and the MGs, The Troggs, The Rolling Stones, The Doors and The MC5.
In 2003, Iggy, Scott, and Ron reformed The Stooges with Minutemen and fIREHOSE bassist Mike Watt filling in. The current lineup has played festivals around the world since, and in 2006 recorded a new album with Steve Albini.
Founding member and guitarist Ron Asheton was found dead at his home in Ann Arbor, MI on January 6, 2009. Iggy Pop posted a message on his website stating "I am in shock. He was my best friend."
Sony Music is preparing to release a remastered version the classic album Raw Power in April 2010. You can find out more information at Iggy & The Stooges Official Website, www.iggyandthestoogesmusic.com.
Search and Destroy
Iggy & The Stooges Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm a runaway son of the nuclear A-bomb
I am a world's forgotten boy
The one who searches and destroys
Honey, gotta help me, please
Somebody gotta save my soul
Baby, detonate for me, ow
Look out, honey, 'cause I'm using technology
Ain't got time to make no apology
Solar radiation in the dead of night
Love in the middle of a fire fight
Honey, gotta strike me blind
Somebody gotta save my soul
Baby, penetrate my mind
And I'm the world's forgotten boy
The one who's searchin', searchin' to destroy
And, honey, I'm the world's forgotten boy
The one who's searchin' only to destroy, hey
Hey, hey
Hey, hey
Look out, honey, 'cause I'm using technology
Ain't got time to make no apology
Solar radiation in the dead of night
Love in the middle of a fire fight
Honey, gotta strike me blind
Somebody gotta save my soul
Baby, penetrate my mind
And I'm the world's forgotten boy
The one who's searchin', searchin' to destroy
And, honey, I'm the world's forgotten boy
The one who's searchin', searchin' to destroy
Forgotten boy, forgotten boy
Forgotten boy said, uh
Hey, forgotten boy, said
Hey, hey, hey, hey
The lyrics of Iggy & The Stooges's song "Search and Destroy" revolve around the persona of a "street-walking cheetah with a heart full of napalm", a "runaway son of the nuclear A-bomb", also known, in his own words, as "the world's forgotten boy". This aggressive and dark persona is searching for something, but that something is not entirely clear. However, it is made clear that he is actively seeking to destroy or to be destroyed. He calls out for help, for someone to save his soul and to penetrate his mind. He also mentions that he is using technology and that, even in the midst of chaos, he is capable of experiencing love.
The song conveys a sense of nihilism, rebellion, and desperation. It's a reflection of the times and the attitudes of the punk rock culture of the 70s. The lyrics express dissatisfaction with the status quo, with the way things are, and a desire to break free from the constraints of society. The persona is willing to use any means necessary, even violence, to achieve his goals. It's a call-to-arms for those who feel marginalized, forgotten, or dismissed by society, and a reminder that they have a voice, that they can fight back, and that they are not alone.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a street-walking cheetah with a heart full of napalm
I am a wild and dangerous individual, fueled by destructive energy
I'm a runaway son of the nuclear A-bomb
I am a product of a destructive environment, and my actions reflect that
I am a world's forgotten boy
I am an outcast, ignored and overlooked by society
The one who searches and destroys
I am on a mission to wreak havoc and destruction wherever I go
Honey, gotta help me, please
I am in desperate need of assistance and intervention
Somebody gotta save my soul
I fear that I have lost my way and need to be rescued from my destructive path
Baby, detonate for me, ow
I need someone to ignite my passion and energy
Look out, honey, 'cause I'm using technology
I am employing advanced methods to achieve my destructive goals
Ain't got time to make no apology
I have no remorse for my actions and will not apologize
Solar radiation in the dead of night
My destructive force is unstoppable and cannot be contained
Love in the middle of a fire fight
Even amidst chaos and destruction, I seek love and passion
Honey, gotta strike me blind
I need someone to rescue me from my destructive thoughts and actions
Somebody gotta save my soul
I am in need of salvation, before it's too late
Baby, penetrate my mind
I need someone to break through and reach me, to help me find a better path
And I'm the world's forgotten boy
I am an outcast, ignored and overlooked by society
The one who's searchin', searchin' to destroy
I am on a mission to wreak havoc and destruction wherever I go
And, honey, I'm the world's forgotten boy
I am an outcast, ignored and overlooked by society
The one who's searchin' only to destroy, hey
My sole purpose is to cause destruction and chaos
Hey, hey
A rallying cry to action
Hey, hey
A rallying cry to action
Forgotten boy, forgotten boy
I am an outcast, ignored and overlooked by society
Forgotten boy said, uh
Once again asserting my outcast status
Hey, forgotten boy, said
Once again asserting my outcast status
Hey, hey, hey, hey
A final rallying cry to action
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: James Osterberg, James Williamson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Emulous79
I'm a streetwalking cheetah with a heart full of napalm
I'm a runaway son of the nuclear A-bomb
I am the world's forgotten boy
The one who searches and destroys
Honey gotta help me please
Somebody gotta save my soul
Baby, detonate for me
OhLook out honey, 'cause I'm using technology
Ain't got time to make no apology
Soul radiation in the dead of night
Love in the middle of a fire fight
Honey, gotta strike me blind
Somebody gotta save my soul
Baby, penetrate my mindAnd I'm the world's forgotten boy
The one who's searchin', searchin' to destroy
And honey I'm the world's forgotten boy
The one who's searchin', only to destroy, heyLook out honey, 'cause I'm using technology
Ain't got time to make no apology
Soul radiation in the dead of night
Love in the middle of… Look out honey, 'cause I'm using technology
Ain't got time to make no apology
Soul radiation in the dead of night
Love in the middle of a fire fight
Honey, gotta strike me blind
Somebody gotta save my soul
Baby, penetrate my mindAnd I'm the world's forgotten boy
The one who's searchin', searchin' to destroy
And honey I'm the world's forgotten boy
The one who's searchin', only to destroy, heyForgotten boy, forgotten boy
Forgotten boy said, hey, forgotten boy, said
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
@Duffy8368
it is a freaking miracle this guy is alive today.
@donlockman3504
Heaven won't take him and the Devil is afraid of him!
@spaceclown7650
Twice as mindblowing when you stop and consider that every other Stooge is not.
@maxsmart9116
@@spaceclown7650James Williamson is still around.
@HandsomeBastard
Why is it a miracle ?
@ashender823
@@HandsomeBastard song came out 61 years ago
think about that
@John-os2kl
The best opening track of an album EVER!
@madiggy77
Sonic Reducer by Dead Boys comes close
@alejandroangeles5515
"I'm a street walking cheetah with the heart full of Napalm... I'm the runaway son of the nuclear A bomb..." One of the best lyrics ever. I mean. You can't beat something like this....
@charlottebrooks3671
Well said.