Though his popularity has fluctuated through the years, many of Pop's songs have become well-known, including "Lust for Life", "The Passenger", "Real Wild Child", "Candy" (a duet with Kate Pierson of The B-52's), "China Girl", "Nightclubbing", "Search and Destroy" and "I Wanna Be Your Dog".
In 2010, The Stooges were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Pop was the lead singer of The Stooges, a late 1960s/early 1970s band that featured brothers Ron and Scott Asheton and Dave Alexander and was highly influential in the development of hard rock. The debut album was produced by the Velvet Underground's John Cale. The band's "I Wanna Be Your Dog" is a garage punk standard.
Raw Power was first released in1973, perhaps the first record that could truly be called punk. It was the confluence of The Stooges ages, hormones, creativity, ability, experience, tastes, lack of supervision, contempt for authority and ambition that has made Raw Power one of the most influential albums of all time.
The Stooges were infamous for performances in which Pop leapt off the stage (hence, the "stage dive"), smeared raw meat or peanut butter over his chest and cut himself with broken bottles. A glimpse of the vibrating intensity of Iggy live can be seen in the Ramones movie "End of the Century." Guitarist James Williamson became a key collaborator, a partnership documented on the 1978 album Kill City.
In 25 years as a solo artist, Pop's best-known songs have included the thumping Lust for Life, to be heard on the soundtrack of the find-a-vein, shoot-it-up movie Trainspotting, I'm Bored and The Passenger (the latter based on a poem written by Jim Morrison). David Bowie played a key role in reinvigorating Pop's post-Stooges career and was a collaborator on the albums Lust for Life and The Idiot. Iggy may be under-rated as a songwriter. Bowie and Tina Turner covered his "Tonight". Bowie also put out his own version of "China Girl," while Grace Jones covered the icey "Nightclubbing".
Asshole Rules the Navy
Iggy Pop Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who sat one morning early in the head
A bee came flying past and it
Stung him on the ass
And this is what the gallant captain said
Asshole rules the Navy, asshole rules the sea
If you want a bit of bum
You'll get no ass from me
Now we'll hear some rhymes
Of Yeoman Second Grimes
Who ran the hook that hoisted up the mail
One day as he stood watch it
Caught him in the crotch
And he cried as he went flying o'er the rail
"It doesn't matter!"
Asshole rules the Navy, asshole rules the sea
If you want a bit of bum
Better get it from your chum -
You'll get no ass from me
And now to end my song I'll sing of AB Long
Whose member was not like his name at all
When asked if he would tell how
He got along so well
His answer simply was as I recall
"It's very simple…"
Asshole rules the Navy, asshole rules the sea
If you want a bit of bum
Better get it from your chum -
You'll get no ass from me-e-e-eee
If you want a bit of bum
Better get it from your chum -
You'll get no ass from me
The lyrics of "Asshole Rules the Navy" by Iggy Pop & A Hawk and a Hacksaw provide a humorous and satirical take on the hierarchical dynamics within the Navy. The song tells three separate stories, each highlighting a different character and their experiences.
The first verse introduces Captain Kitt, who finds himself stung by a bee on his posterior. Faced with this sudden discomfort, he expresses his frustration by proclaiming that "Asshole rules the Navy." This can be interpreted as a metaphor suggesting that those in authority can often act selfishly and ignore the needs of their subordinates. The captain's reply also implies that he refuses to offer any help or sympathy to others, emphasizing a lack of compassion within the hierarchical structure.
The second verse features Yeoman Second Grimes, who is responsible for operating the mail hoist. While performing his duty, the hoist unexpectedly catches him in a sensitive area, causing pain and distress. Despite his mishap, Grimes exclaims, "It doesn't matter!" This line can be seen as a resigned acceptance of the unfortunate circumstances he finds himself in, highlighting the dismissive attitude that can sometimes prevail among those in power. Once again, the mention of the "asshole" reinforces the theme of authority figures prioritizing their own interests over the well-being of others.
The final verse centers around AB Long, whose genitalia contradict his name. When asked about his success in navigating the Navy's challenges, his response is simple: "It's very simple." This statement suggests that Long has found a way to maneuver within the hierarchical system by aligning himself with those in power. This can be understood as a comment on the notion that individuals who conform to the dominant rules and structures can often achieve a certain level of advantage or success.
Overall, the lyrics of "Asshole Rules the Navy" serve as a lighthearted critique of the power dynamics and self-serving behaviors within hierarchical institutions. The repetition of the chorus, "Asshole rules the Navy, asshole rules the sea," reflects the frustration and resignation experienced by those subjected to the authority and whims of those in power. The song pokes fun at the absurdities and unjust aspects of these structures, shedding light on the need for compassion, empathy, and fairness in such environments.
Line by Line Meaning
Let us sing a bit of good old Captain Kitt
Let's talk about the story of Captain Kitt, a respected figure
Who sat one morning early in the head
Who was sitting in his quarters early in the morning
A bee came flying past and it stung him on the ass
Suddenly, a bee flew by and stung him on the buttocks
And this is what the gallant captain said
And here are the words that the brave captain uttered
Asshole rules the Navy, asshole rules the sea
Those who act like jerks have control and influence over the Navy and the sea
If you want a bit of bum, better get it from your chum -
If you desire some sexual pleasure, it's better to seek it from your friend
You'll get no ass from me
I won't provide you with any sexual favors
Now we'll hear some rhymes of Yeoman Second Grimes
Now let's listen to a story about Yeoman Second Grimes
Who ran the hook that hoisted up the mail
He was responsible for operating the hook used to lift the mail
One day as he stood watch, it caught him in the crotch
One day while he was on duty, the hook accidentally caught him in his groin
And he cried as he went flying o'er the rail
In pain, he cried out as he was thrown over the rail
"It doesn't matter!"
"It doesn't matter!" he exclaimed, trying to brush off the incident
Asshole rules the Navy, asshole rules the sea
Those who act like jerks have control and influence over the Navy and the sea
If you want a bit of bum, better get it from your chum -
If you desire some sexual pleasure, it's better to seek it from your friend
You'll get no ass from me
I won't provide you with any sexual favors
And now to end my song I'll sing of AB Long
Lastly, I'll conclude the song by talking about AB Long
Whose member was not like his name at all
Whose genitalia did not match his name, suggesting he was not endowed as his name implies
When asked if he would tell how he got along so well
When questioned about his success in relationships
His answer simply was as I recall
His response, if I remember correctly, was quite simple
"It's very simple..."
"It's very simple..." he stated, implying an uncomplicated explanation
Asshole rules the Navy, asshole rules the sea
Those who act like jerks have control and influence over the Navy and the sea
If you want a bit of bum, better get it from your chum -
If you desire some sexual pleasure, it's better to seek it from your friend
You'll get no ass from me-e-e-eee
I won't provide you with any sexual favors, emphasizing the refusal
If you want a bit of bum, better get it from your chum -
If you desire some sexual pleasure, it's better to seek it from your friend
You'll get no ass from me
I won't provide you with any sexual favors
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
R Robinson
on Livin' On The Edge Of The Night (edit)
Here are corrections to incorrect lyrics - outrageously, stupidly incorrect: The first line is, "ILL WIND off the river". (And that's ill, not I'll.) The second line is, "smoke stacks fade to BLACK". Second verse: "I've made my bed but I can't REST my head". And "so much COULD be misunderstood". Bridge: "WELL maybe it's just my life". An artist crafts his work meticulously , then this is what happens to it. Disgusting.