Kravitz plays guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, percussion, and sitar. He often plays these instruments on each recorded track, but frequently collaborates with other musicians as well when recording.
His 1989 debut album Let Love Rule was a moderate success. In 1991 he released his second album, Mama Said, which reached the top 40 of the Billboard album charts. In 1993, the album Are You Gonna Go My Way was released, reaching #12 on the Billboard 200 and Kravitz earned a Brit Award for best international male artist in 1994. He released the Circus album in 1995, which reached number 10 on the Billboard chart on the back of his past achievement. With 5 (1999), Kravitz embraced digital technology such as Pro Tools and samplers for the first time. He would win the first of his four consecutive Grammy for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance at the Grammy Awards of 1999.
His cover version of The Guess Who's hit "American Woman" won him another Grammy for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance at the Grammy Awards of 2000. Kravitz released a Greatest Hits compilation in 2000. It proved to be his most successful album. The single "Again" would earn him his third consecutive Grammy for the Best Male Rock Vocal in the Grammy Awards of 2001. Kravitz released his sixth album Lenny in October 2001. He won his fourth consecutive Grammy for Best Male Rock Vocal at the Grammy Awards of 2002. Kravitz's seventh album Baptism was released in May 2004. His album, It Is Time For A Love Revolution was released in 2008. He has always edited his albums on Virgin Records America. The lead single from Kravitz’s ninth album, Black and White America, "Stand" was released on June 3, 2011. (Stand Songfacts).
He is the son of Ukrainian-Jewish American NBC television news producer Sy Kravitz, and Bahamian American actress Roxie Roker, best known as her character Helen Willis on the hit 1970s television sitcom The Jeffersons. Black and White America's title track is an autobiographical look back at his upbringing in New York. (Black and White America Songfacts).
Artist website: www.lennykravitz.com
Rock Star City Life
Lenny Kravitz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Walks like a man,
You think she's older
She understands,
She ain't no joker
She's got the glam,
A rock n' roller
She's got the plan,
Moves like a soldier
Don't give a damn
She's gettin' over
She knows she can
Like Casanova
She knows that she's got the look
And she's gonna play
She knows that she's got the hook
And ya gonna pay
She got attitude
Rock star city life
She got attitude
Rock star city life
She's under age
A real bollita
She loves the stage
La senorita
Inside a cage
You'll find a cheetah
She's all the rage,
A double feature
She got that thing take
The bible from the preacher
You'll need a sage,
To find that creature
She knows that she's got the look
And she's gonna play
She knows that she's got the hook
And ya gonna pay
She got attitude
Rock star city life
She got attitude
Rock star city life
She got an attitude (ooh oh oh)
Rock star city life
She got attitude
Rock star city life
She knows that she's got the look
And she's gonna play
She knows that she's got the hook
And ya gonna pay
She got attitude
Rock star city life
She got attitude
Rock star city life
She got an attitude (ooh oh oh)
Rock star city life
She got and attitude
Rock star city life
Lenny Kravitz's song Rock Star City Life is an anthem for the glamorous and audacious lifestyle of a rockstar. The lyrics "Walks like a man, you think she's older / She understands, she ain't no joker / She's got the glam, a rock n' roller" describe a confident, self-assured woman who exudes an aura of experience and sophistication. She is not one to be underestimated or taken lightly. This is further emphasized in the line, "She's got the plan, moves like a soldier / Don't give a damn, she's gettin' over / She knows she can like Casanova" which implies that she has a clear vision of what she wants and is willing to go after it with tenacity and dedication.
Another aspect of the song that is particularly striking is the sense of rebellion and defiance. The lyrics "She's under age, a real bollita / She loves the stage, la senorita / Inside a cage, you'll find a cheetah" paint a picture of a young, rebellious woman who is living life on her own terms, regardless of societal norms or expectations. She is unafraid to push boundaries and embrace her own unique identity, even if it goes against what others may consider to be acceptable. Overall, the song celebrates the spirit of individuality and self-expression that is often associated with the world of rock and roll.
Line by Line Meaning
Walks like a man,
She exudes confidence and independence, making her seem more mature than she actually is.
You think she's older
Because of her demeanor, people assume she is older than she really is.
She understands,
She has a good grasp on who she is and what she wants.
She ain't no joker
She takes herself seriously and does not mess around.
She's got the glam,
She has a flashy, alluring quality that makes people gravitate towards her.
A rock n' roller
She lives life on her own terms, following her passions in the world of music.
She's got the plan,
She knows exactly what she wants and how to get it, proceeding with confidence and precision.
Moves like a soldier
She is strategic and disciplined in her actions, moving through life with a clear purpose.
Don't give a damn
She doesn't care what anyone thinks or says about her, following her own path despite criticism or judgment.
She's gettin' over
She's overcoming obstacles and rising to the top through hard work and dedication.
She knows she can
She believes in herself and her abilities, knowing that she has what it takes to succeed.
Like Casanova
She is charming and alluring, with a way of captivating those around her and leaving them wanting more.
She knows that she's got the look
She is aware of her physical appeal and uses it to her advantage.
And she's gonna play
She will use her charm and allure to get what she wants.
She knows that she's got the hook
She has a magnetic quality that draws people to her.
And ya gonna pay
Anyone who underestimates her or crosses her will face consequences.
She's under age
Despite her youth, she is already making waves in the music industry.
A real bollita
She is a young woman with a lot of ambition and drive.
She loves the stage
Performing is her passion and where she feels most alive.
La senorita
She is Latina and has a fierce spirit.
Inside a cage
She may be trapped or limited, but she is still a powerhouse waiting to be unleashed.
You'll find a cheetah
She is fast, nimble, and ready to pounce on any opportunity that comes her way.
She's all the rage,
She is the talk of the town, with people buzzing about her talents and accomplishments.
A double feature
She is multi-talented and able to excel in different areas of the music industry.
She got that thing take
She has a special quality or talent that sets her apart from the rest.
The bible from the preacher
She is so captivating that even religious leaders can't help but be drawn to her.
You'll need a sage,
Only someone with great wisdom and understanding can truly see and appreciate her potential.
To find that creature
She is a rare find, a true gem in the music industry.
She got an attitude (ooh oh oh)
She is a force to be reckoned with, with a bold and unapologetic attitude towards life.
Rock star city life
She is living the high life of a successful musician, with all the glamour and excitement that comes with it.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LENNY ALBERT KRAVITZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Paela Peterson
on American Woman
There's you some GUITAR!