They released an album together, Kill City (released in 1977).
Williamson also produced Iggy Pop's 'New Values' album in 1979.
Consolation Prizes
Iggy Pop & James Williamson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That boy's no nelly, he'll break your nose and take your car
And it's consolation prizes, consolation prizes
That's all that's keeping you alive
Keep my weapon clean between your tits
I finally got the message and this is no time to quit
And it's consolation prizes, consolation prizes
Honey what you don't know won't hurt you too bad
You've never seen the real money
You've never played the heavy games
All you've got is your 12 volt brain
Teen magazines won't let me be
I feel so clean but they're all digging dirt on me
And through the lonely nights I'm thinking
And through the lonely nights I'm thinking
She's sweet, my consolation prize
Honey, what you don't know won't hurt you too bad
You've never seen the real money
You've never played the heavy games
All you've got is your 12 volt brain
Is it a hit or is it a hit
It's a consolation prize
Is it a hit or is it a hit
It's a consolation prize
Consolation prizes
Consolation prizes
Consolation prizes
Consolation prizes
Consolation prizes
Consolation prizes
The lyrics to Iggy Pop & James Williamson's song Consolation Prizes describe a dangerous world of survival where a rough, aggressive partner helps the singer navigate the seedy streets. The "suede daddy" is the tough, rugged man who is confident and untouchable on the boulevard, while "that boy's no nelly" is a warning about an even more dangerous character. The singer's partner is the only thing keeping them alive, and the "consolation prizes" are whatever they can get their hands on to make it through each day. The song's narrator is unapologetic about the dangerous path they've chosen, and seems almost resigned to this way of life.
The lyrics contain a darker, grittier edge that is characteristic of Iggy Pop's style. The aggressive, industrial sound of the music complements the rough and violent subject matter of the lyrics. The lyrics also paint a vivid picture of the dangerous environment and the brutal characters that inhabit it. The song speaks to the idea that sometimes we must do whatever we can to survive, even if that means making dangerous choices.
Line by Line Meaning
You're a suede daddy on the boulevard
You are a stylish and confident man who is easily noticed on the street.
That boy's no nelly, he'll break your nose and take your car
That guy is no weakling and could easily win in a fight against you, even stealing your car in the process.
And it's consolation prizes, consolation prizes
That's all that's keeping you alive
The only thing keeping you going in life are the small rewards and meaningless distractions you receive.
Keep my weapon clean between your tits
I will keep my gun hidden and ready to use, sticking it between your breasts for safekeeping.
I finally got the message and this is no time to quit
I have finally understood what's at stake and am determined to keep going.
Honey what you don't know won't hurt you too bad
I won't tell you the brutal truth because I don't want to hurt you too much - you are better off not knowing.
You've never seen the real money
You've never played the heavy games
All you've got is your 12 volt brain
You have never been exposed to the harsh reality of life and business, all you know is simple and shallow ways of thinking.
Teen magazines won't let me be
I feel so clean but they're all digging dirt on me
I am considered popular by the media, but they still manage to find flaws in me and tarnish my image.
And through the lonely nights I'm thinking
She's sweet, my consolation prize
During my lonely and difficult times, I find comfort from thinking about my partner - my small, but significant, reward for persevering.
Is it a hit or is it a hit
It's a consolation prize
This song may not become popular, but it is still a meaningful reward for us, regardless of external validation.
Consolation prizes
Consolation prizes
Consolation prizes
Consolation prizes
Consolation prizes
Consolation prizes
The repetition of this chorus emphasizes the importance of small rewards and meaningless distractions, as they can be the only things keeping you going.
Contributed by Reagan O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.