They released an album together, Kill City (released in 1977).
Williamson also produced Iggy Pop's 'New Values' album in 1979.
Sell Your Love
Iggy Pop & James Williamson Lyrics
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And a full prescription bottle just to keep the customer high
That's how you sell your love
You push your love till nothings's left
Sell your love, sell your love
Sell your love, sell your love
'Cause when you start with nothing, you're hustling all the time
You sell your love off, baby
You push your love till nothings's left
Sell your love, sell your love
Sell your love, sell your love
Of coure I know you needn't follow amateur pursuits
With any luck I'm sure you will soon rise from slut to prostitute
Sell your love, sell your love
Sell your love, sell your love
You push it all to suckers, there's nothing left for friends
And if you don't like your profit, well
Then you just raise the rent
You sell your love off, baby
You push your love till nothings's left
Sell your love, sell your love
Sell your love, sell your love
The lyrics to Iggy Pop & James Williamson's song Sell Your Love are a biting critique of capitalism and the commodification of love and relationships. The singer is addressing someone who is using their sexuality and charm to manipulate and exploit others for financial gain. The first verse describes the person's "expensive smile" and "money eyes," suggesting that they are using their appearance to lure in customers. The reference to a "full prescription bottle" reinforces the idea that this person is willing to do anything to keep their clients hooked and coming back for more.
The second verse highlights the person's background, suggesting that they come from a lower-class background and have learned to hustle and scrape by using their charm and sexuality as commodities. The line "You sell your love off, baby" reinforces the idea that this person sees love and affection as something to be bought and sold, rather than something genuine and authentic.
The final verse is particularly scathing, with the singer suggesting that this person is willing to exploit anyone and everyone for financial gain, even their own friends. The final line "You push your love till nothings's left" is particularly powerful, suggesting that this person is willing to go to any lengths to make money, even if it means sacrificing their own humanity and integrity.
Overall, Sell Your Love is a powerful commentary on the dark side of capitalism and the ways in which it can corrupt and distort our most intimate relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
With your expensive smile and your money eyes
You use your seductive appearance to attract people and your eyes show your greed for money.
And a full prescription bottle just to keep the customer high
You give drugs to the customer to keep them addicted and coming back for your love.
That's how you sell your love
Your love is not genuine and you sell it for money and material gains.
You push your love till nothings's left
You use and exploit your customers until they have nothing left to give.
With a pavement education, you know the bottom line
Your street smarts help you understand that the ultimate goal is to make as much profit as possible.
'Cause when you start with nothing, you're hustling all the time
When you come from poverty, you have to work hard to make a living and make ends meet.
You sell your love off, baby
You commodify your love and sell it for money.
Of course, I know you needn't follow amateur pursuits
You are a professional and know how to work the game and make a profit.
With any luck I'm sure you will soon rise from slut to prostitute
You will continue to advance from low-level prostitution to higher levels of sex work with more lucrative clients.
You push it all to suckers, there's nothing left for friends
You take advantage of your customers and leave nothing for real relationships or friendships.
And if you don't like your profit, well, Then you just raise the rent
You will do whatever it takes to increase your profits, even if it means charging more or exploiting your customers further.
Contributed by Vivian S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.