Kick Out the Jams
MC5 Lyrics


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Kick out the jams motherfuckers
Yeah I, I, I, I, I'm gonna
I'm gonna kick 'em out, yeah

Well I feel pretty good
And I guess that I could get crazy, now baby
'Cause we all got in tune
And when the dressing room got hazy, now baby

I know how you want it child
Hot, quick and tight
The girls can't stand it
When you're doin' it right
Let me up on the stand
And let me kick out the jam
Yes, kick out the jams
I have to kick 'em out

Yes, I'm starting to sweat
You know my shirt's all wet
What a feeling
In the sound that abounds
And resounds, and rebounds off the ceiling

You gotta have it, baby
You can't do without
When you get the feeling
You gotta sock 'em out
Put that mic in my hand
And let me kick out the jam
Yes, kick out the jams
I want to kick 'em out

So you got to give it up
You know you can't get enough Miss Mackenzie
'Cause it gets in your brain
It drives you insane
Leaping frenzy

The wailin' guitars girl
The crash of the drums
Make you want to keep-a-rockin'
'Til morning comes

Let me be who I am
And let me kick out the jams




Yes, kick out the jams
I done kicked 'em out

Overall Meaning

"Kick Out the Jams" is a rebellious, energetic song that was originally recorded by the band MC5 in 1969. The song is about letting loose and breaking free from societal rules and expectations. The title of the song itself is a call to action to kick out anything that holds you back, like inhibitions and doubts. The lyrics describe a wild and unforgettable night where the band and the audience are in sync and absorbed in the music. The lead singer's voice is strong and passionate, emphasizing the urgency and the importance of the message.


The song's powerful message made it popular among the counterculture and anti-establishment movements of the time. The song's electrifying guitar riffs and frenzied drum beats energized audiences, and it quickly became a classic anthem of the era. The song's rebellious spirit continues to inspire generations of artists and musicians.


One of the most interesting aspects of "Kick Out the Jams" is its origin. The song was recorded live at the Grande Ballroom in Detroit without any studio overdubs or edits. This gave the song a raw, authentic sound that perfectly captured the energy of the moment. The performance was so high voltage that it was banned by some radio stations for its profanity, making it even more appealing to audiences hungry for something different.


Another interesting fact is that the song's lyrics were written by Rob Tyner, the band's lead singer. Tyner was inspired by a speech given by activist Stokely Carmichael, who used the phrase "kick out the jams" to encourage people to liberate themselves from oppression. Tyner used this phrase as a rallying cry for the band's music.


Line by Line Meaning

Kick out the jams motherfuckers
Demanding the audience to let loose and rock out with them


Yeah I, I, I, I, I'm gonna I'm gonna kick 'em out, yeah
Reaffirming their intent to play loud and hard


Well I feel pretty good And I guess that I could get crazy, now baby 'Cause we all got in tune And when the dressing room got hazy, now baby
Feeling pumped up and ready for a wild performance after getting in sync with the band and immersing in the pre-show hype


I know how you want it child Hot, quick and tight The girls can't stand it When you're doin' it right Let me up on the stand And let me kick out the jam Yes, kick out the jams I have to kick 'em out
Acknowledging the audience's craving for a sexually charged, high-energy show and urging permission to kick off the performance


Yes, I'm starting to sweat You know my shirt's all wet What a feeling In the sound that abounds And resounds, and rebounds off the ceiling
Feeling ecstatic and energized by the experience of playing loud music that creates a palpable, all-encompassing sound


You gotta have it, baby You can't do without When you get the feeling You gotta sock 'em out Put that mic in my hand And let me kick out the jam Yes, kick out the jams I want to kick 'em out
Asserting that the audience's hearts and souls depend on music and that it is the band's duty to deliver a kickass show that channels their desire for raw and unbridled expression


So you got to give it up You know you can't get enough Miss Mackenzie 'Cause it gets in your brain It drives you insane Leaping frenzy
Suggesting that music is irresistible and addictive, that it creates a frenzy of emotions and movements that leave the audience captivated and euphoric


The wailin' guitars girl The crash of the drums Make you want to keep-a-rockin' 'Til morning comes
Highlighting the emotional and physical intensity of rock music and its power to fuel endless all-night parties and exuberant celebrations


Let me be who I am And let me kick out the jams Yes, kick out the jams I done kicked 'em out
Emphasizing the importance of self-expression and unbridled creativity in creating authentic, electrifying music that sparks joy and connection with the audience




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Robert W. Derminer, Wayne S Kramer, Dennis A. Tomich, Frederick Smith, Michael H Davis

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Tim Hurley


on The Pledge Song

Found this outfit called "Sonic Hits" for free streaming.
Pretty impressed with the depth of their catalog and none of those serenity busting ads.

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