Despite the group's chart success, they had problems with exposure on then-critical MTV, due in part to the band being less than photogenic and "looking like a gang of Hell's Angels." They remained with DGC/Geffen for a sophomore release, Influence in 1992, but neither Rock nor Kalodner continued working with them. By this time, guitarist Apache had left and was replaced with Earl Slick. After Influence failed to match the success of their debut, the group disbanded. They were one of many metal bands whose careers faltered with the early 1990s rise of alternative rock. DGC - initially a label strongly devoted to metal/progressive rock label - began to favor alternative bands. Ron Young later went on to sing in The Four Horsemen, Manic Eden, and Dirt.
The band reformed for some live shows in 2001, and released a new album, Redemption, in 2009. They also introduced new guitar player Joey Brasler (who had played with Etta James, Bob Welch, Cherie Currie) replacing original member Apache. After touring in the US, Europe and the UK during 2010/2011, Little Caesar released their fourth album entitled American Dream on the Unison Music Group label in May, 2012. It was produced by Bruce Witkin. They embarked on a tour of Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and culminating in Wales in December 2012.
On 25 March 2013, it was announced that band would perform at the Download Festival on the 16 June 2013. Frontman Ron Young explained: “20 years ago we were offered to play the festival when it was called Monsters Of Rock. We had to turn it down because our label would not give us the funds to get there. Today, with no label, manager or big-money supporters, we finally made it. We got there because we have some amazing people that prop us up, inspire us, and bless us with their talent, energies – and most priceless, their friendship. They’ve helped us accomplish what we couldn’t do with a lot of powerful people behind us.”
Studio albums
Little Caesar (1990)
Influence (1992)
This Time It's Different (1998)
Redemption (2009)
American Dream (2012)
Eight (2018)
Rock-N-Roll State of Mind
Little Caesar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's warmer than China, it's better than crack
It's burnin' like fire, it's takin' my soul, yeah
So damn addicted to rock 'n' roll
All my life's a mere distraction
I'm about to lose my mind, yeah
I just want some kind of action
White boys stole it back in '55
Turned in to disco in '75
Said it all started with "Blue Suede Shoes", yeah
For years brothers called it just rhythm and blues
But the King's the main attraction
Makin' kids just lose their minds, oh, yeah
White folks had a strange reaction
Rock 'n' roll state of mind
Rock 'n' roll state of mind, ow!
Money can't buy it 'cause it can't be sold
(Check it out)
If you say it's too loud, then you're too fuckin' old
Package it pretty and make it so slick, yeah
'Cause they know what you're sellin'
They know every trick, ooh, yeah
Kids just want some satisfaction
Kids just want to lose their minds, oh!
You can tell by their reaction
I'm in a rock 'n' roll state of mind
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!
Rock 'n' roll state of mind
Hear me talking!
Rock 'n' roll state of mind
Rock 'n' roll state of mind
State of mind
State of mind
State of mind
State of mind, yeah
The lyrics of Little Caesar's song "Rock-N-Roll State of Mind" speak to the addictive nature of rock music, referencing it as a "big monkey" on the singer's back. The lyrics show the power that rock music has to take over someone's life, causing them to become almost obsessive in their desire for it. The lyrics reference the history of rock music, going back to the early days when it was called rhythm and blues and was primarily enjoyed by African Americans, but was later adopted by white musicians and audiences.
The lyrics express a desire for action and a sense of distraction from everyday life, with the singer wanting to lose their mind in the world of rock music. The song speaks to the power that rock music has to bring people together and make them feel alive, regardless of their age or background. The lyrics suggest that there is something almost primal about the attraction to rock music, with kids in particular just wanting to lose themselves in the sound.
Overall, "Rock-N-Roll State of Mind" is a celebration of the power of rock music to take over people's lives and bring them joy and a sense of belonging. While it acknowledges the sometimes controversial history of rock music, it ultimately focuses on the energy and sense of community that it can create.
Line by Line Meaning
Gotta big monkey and he's on my back
I have an addiction to rock 'n' roll that's so strong, it's like having a big monkey on my back.
It's warmer than China, it's better than crack
My addiction to rock 'n' roll is so intense, I feel a warmth that's even stronger than being in China and it's better than the high of crack.
It's burnin' like fire, it's takin' my soul, yeah
The feeling of being addicted to rock 'n' roll is burning like fire and taking over my soul completely.
So damn addicted to rock 'n' roll
I'm extremely addicted to rock 'n' roll.
All my life's a mere distraction
Everything in my life seems unimportant compared to rock 'n' roll.
I'm about to lose my mind, yeah
I'm on the brink of losing my sanity due to my obsession with rock 'n' roll.
I just want some kind of action
I crave the excitement that comes with listening to rock 'n' roll.
Rock 'n' roll state of mind
I'm completely immersed in a mindset that's all about rock 'n' roll.
White boys stole it back in '55
White musicians appropriated rock 'n' roll from black musicians in 1955.
Turned in to disco in '75
The sound of rock 'n' roll changed into disco in the year 1975.
Said it all started with "Blue Suede Shoes", yeah
Many credit 'Blue Suede Shoes' as the beginning of the rock 'n' roll era.
For years brothers called it just rhythm and blues
Black musicians referred to the genre of music we now call rock 'n' roll as simply rhythm and blues for many years.
But the King's the main attraction
Elvis Presley was the most popular and influential figure in rock 'n' roll.
Makin' kids just lose their minds, oh, yeah
Elvis's music caused young people to go crazy with excitement and joy.
White folks had a strange reaction
White Americans had unusual and mixed feelings about the rise of rock 'n' roll music.
Money can't buy it 'cause it can't be sold
The experience of being a fan of rock 'n' roll is not something that can be purchased or sold.
(Check it out)
This is a phrase used to get the listener's attention.
If you say it's too loud, then you're too fuckin' old
If someone complains that rock 'n' roll music is too loud, they are just old and don't understand the passion and energy that young people feel for it.
Package it pretty and make it so slick, yeah
Record companies know how to present rock 'n' roll music in a way that will appeal to a broad audience.
'Cause they know what you're sellin'
Record executives understand that they are selling more than just music - they are selling an experience and a lifestyle.
They know every trick, ooh, yeah
Record companies are very skilled at marketing and know all the tricks to get people to buy their products.
Kids just want some satisfaction
Young people are just looking for something that will make them feel good, and rock 'n' roll provides that satisfaction.
You can tell by their reaction
The way young people respond to rock 'n' roll music makes it clear how much it means to them.
I'm in a rock 'n' roll state of mind
I am completely consumed by my love for rock 'n' roll music.
Hear me talking!
I want people to pay attention to what I'm saying about the power of rock 'n' roll music.
State of mind
This phrase is repeated multiple times to reinforce the idea that rock 'n' roll is not just a type of music, but a way of thinking and feeling.
Contributed by Jeremiah J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.