Founded by Farrell and original bass guitarist Eric Avery, following the disintegration of Farrell's previous band Psi Com, Jane's Addiction was one of the first bands from the early 1990s alternative rock movement to gain both mainstream media attention and commercial success in the United States. Jane's Addiction's first release was a self-titled live album in 1987 and quickly caught the attention of Warner Bros. Records. The band's first two studio albums, Nothing's Shocking (1988) and Ritual de lo Habitual (1990), were released to widespread critical acclaim, and an increasing cult fanbase. As a result, Jane's Addiction became icons of what Farrell dubbed the "Alternative Nation". The band's initial farewell tour, in 1991, launched the first Lollapalooza, which has since become a perennial alternative rock festival.
The band briefly reunited in 1997, with Flea, of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, replacing Avery on bass guitar. In 2001, a second reunion took place, with Martyn LeNoble—and later Chris Chaney—occupying the role of bass guitarist. In 2003, the band released its third studio album, Strays, before dissolving again the following year.
In 2008, the band's original line-up reunited and embarked on a world tour. Eric Avery, however, subsequently left the band in early 2010 as the group began working on new material. The band released its fourth studio album The Great Escape Artist in 2011, with Chaney returning to the band for its recording and subsequent tour. In 2016, Jane's Addiction were nominated for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Idiots Rule
Jane's Addiction Lyrics
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A fat fuckin' lie
About a law
Idiots obey
They made it easy
Now cheaters have their way
You hi-di-ho's
You're living on your knees
Forget the rule!
Oh - idiots rule!
Forget the rule!
Oh - idiots rule!
Now there's a time...
But I say non like now
There's a time
Where idiots are bound
If there's a pole
Planted in your back
Then you're a fixture
Not a man
Forget the rule!
Oh - idiots rule!
Forget the rule!
Oh - idiots rule!
Idiots!
Idiots rule!
Idiots!
Idiots rule!
Idiots!
Idiots rule!
You know that man
You hate?
You look more like him
Every day everyday
Hi-di-hos!
2 good shoes
Won't save your soul
Idiots rule!
Idiots rule!
The lyrics to Jane's Addiction's song Idiots Rule are a powerful commentary on the idea that the masses can be easily manipulated into ignoring their own best interests and blindly following those in power. The opening lines set the tone for the whole song, with the singer proclaiming that he has been told a "fat fuckin' lie" about a law that "idiots obey," making it easy for "cheaters" to get ahead. The song then takes on a more existential tone, as the singer speaks to the "hi-di-hos," or common people, who he believes are "living on [their] knees" and blindly following the rules that have been set for them.
The chorus of the song is a rallying cry against this kind of blind obedience, with the singer shouting "Forget the rule! Oh - idiots rule!" The lyrics are a call to arms, urging people to reject the status quo and start thinking for themselves. The second verse takes things even further, with the singer declaring that those who are too caught up in the rules of society to question them are nothing more than "fixtures." The song ends with a warning that if people continue to blindly follow the rules, they will end up looking more and more like the people they claim to hate.
Overall, Idiots Rule is a powerful commentary on the dangers of conformity and the importance of questioning the status quo. The lyrics are both defiant and thought-provoking, urging listeners to reject mindless obedience in favor of individual thought and action.
Line by Line Meaning
I got a lie
I'm deceitful
A fat fuckin' lie
A huge and offensive untruth
About a law
Concerning a legal regulation
Idiots obey
Foolish people adhere to it
They made it easy
It's effortless to do
Now cheaters have their way
Dishonest people benefit
You hi-di-ho's
You happy-go-lucky people
You're living on your knees
You're submissive and weak
Forget the rule!
Disregard the decree!
Oh - idiots rule!
Oh, foolish people have authority!
Now there's a time...
There exists a moment...
But I say non like now
But no instance compares to the present
Where idiots are bound
Where foolish people are trapped
If there's a pole
If there's a metal rod
Planted in your back
Embedded into your spine
Then you're a fixture
Then you're immovable
Not a man
Not a human being
Idiots!
Foolish people!
Idiots rule!
Foolish people have authority!
You know that man
You're acquainted with that person
You hate?
You dislike?
You look more like him
You resemble him more
Every day everyday
Every single day
Hi-di-hos!
Happy-go-lucky people!
2 good shoes
Even if you have nice footwear
Won't save your soul
It won't rescue your spirit
Idiots rule!
Foolish people have authority!
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ERIC ADAM AVERY, PERRY FARRELL, DAVID NAVARRO, STEPHEN PERKINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind