The Misfits disbanded in 1983, and Glenn Danzig went on to form Samhain and then Danzig. Several albums of reissued and previously unreleased material were issued after the group's dissolution, and their music later became influential to punk rock, heavy metal, and alternative rock. After a series of legal battles with Danzig, Only and Doyle regained the rights to record and perform as the Misfits. They formed a new version of the band in 1995 with singer Michale Graves and drummer Dr. Chud. This incarnation of Misfits had more of a heavy metal sound, and released the albums American Psycho (1997) and Famous Monsters (1999) before dissolving in 2000. Jerry Only then took over lead vocals and recruited former Black Flag guitarist Dez Cadena and former Ramones drummer Marky Ramone for a Misfits 25th anniversary tour.
This lineup released an album of cover songs titled Project 1950 and toured for several years. In 2005, Marky was replaced by Robo, who had played with Black Flag in the early 1980s and had also previously been Misfits' drummer from 1982 to 1983. This lineup released a single titled "Land of the Dead" in 2009. The Misfits' lineup of Only, Cadena, and drummer Eric "Chupacabra" Arce released a new album titled The Devil's Rain in October 2011. In 2015, it was announced that Cadena would be taking a break from music after receiving a cancer diagnosis, and was replaced by Only's son Jerry Caiafa II, presented as Jerry Other. That same year Soulfly's Marc Rizzo joined the band, also playing guitar. He filled in for Cadena, before Caiafa would move on to become the sole guitarist for the band.
In September 2016, for the first time in 33 years, Danzig, Only, and Doyle reunited for two headlining shows as the Original Misfits at that year's edition of Riot Fest, along with drummer Dave Lombardo and second guitarist Acey Slade. The Original Misfits lineup continued performing sporadically through 2019.
Each incarnation of the Misfits has made use of horror film and science fiction film-inspired themes and imagery, with makeup, clothing, artwork, and lyrics drawn from B movies and television serials, many from the 1950s through 1970s. Musically the band are often recognized as progenitors of the horror punk and psychobilly subgenres and have drawn from punk rock, heavy metal, and 1950s rock and roll and rockabilly to inform their style. Rolling Stone describes them as "the archetypal horror-punk band of the late 1970s and early '80s", and they are considered icons in punk music and culture.
Hollywood Babylon
Misfits Lyrics
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Hey, you can't come inside
Do the citizens kneel for sex
It's heaven cumming on her chest
Hollywood Babylon
Hollywood Babylon
Unless you want to crop that size
Where did they come from tonight
Who came along for the ride
Hollywood Babylon
Hollywood Babylon
Who came along for the ride
Hey you, you can't come iisde
When do the citizens kneel for sex
It's heaven cummin' on her chest
Hollywood Babylon
Hollywood Babylon
Hollywood Babylon
Hollywood Babylon
The Misfits' song "Hollywood Babylon" can be interpreted as a commentary on the depravity of the entertainment industry in Hollywood and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals who enter the business. The repeated line "Who came along for the ride" suggests that people are drawn to the industry for fame and fortune, but at what cost? The line "Hey, you can't come inside" could be a metaphor for the exclusivity of the industry - only those who are willing to play the game and conform to its standards are allowed in. The mention of citizens kneeling for sex suggests a societal acceptance of deviant behavior, with the line "It's heaven cumming on her chest" being a grotesque portrayal of the objectification of women in the industry.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of Hollywood being a "Flesh ancient monster design," with the idea that the industry has been around for so long that it has become a behemoth that engulfs everything it touches. The line "unless you want to crop that size" implies that there is a certain level of submission required to make it in Hollywood, and that those who don't conform to its standards will be cast aside. The song's use of the phrase "Hollywood Babylon" references the idea that Hollywood is a modern-day Babylon, a place of sin and corruption.
Line by Line Meaning
Who came along for the ride
Wondering who accompanies them in their journey towards fame and success in Hollywood
Hey, you can't come inside
Shutting the doors on the unwanted, the uninvited, and those who don't belong in their glamorous circle
Do the citizens kneel for sex
Pondering whether people in Hollywood have surrendered their values and dignity in exchange for sexual favors or power
It's heaven cumming on her chest
Describing the pleasure and ecstasy of those who engage in immoral, decadent, and lustful behavior with each other
Hollywood Babylon
The corrupted, wicked, and sinful world of Hollywood, where anything goes and everything is a facade
Flesh ancient monster design
Referring to the distorted, twisted, and monstrous image of human beings who have become addicted to fame, money, and attention in Hollywood
Unless you want to crop that size
Suggesting that unless you are willing to compromise your principles, beliefs, and standards, you cannot fit in or survive in Hollywood
Where did they come from tonight
Questioning the origin, background, and motives of those who suddenly appear and seek to join the Hollywood scene
Lyrics © REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: GLENN DANZIG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind