Motörhead released 23 studio albums, 10 live recordings, 12 compilation albums and five EPs over a career spanning 40 years. Usually a power trio, they had particular success in the early 1980s with several successful singles in the UK Top 40 chart. The albums Overkill, Bomber, Ace of Spades and, particularly, the live album No Sleep 'til Hammersmith cemented Motörhead's reputation as a top-tier rock band. The band are ranked number 26 on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock. As of 2016, they have sold more than 15 million albums worldwide.
Most often classified as heavy metal, Motörhead has been credited with being part of and influencing numerous musical scenes, thrash metal and speed metal especially. Lemmy, however, always insisted that they were a rock and roll band. He said that they had more in common with punk bands, but with their own unique sound, Motörhead is embraced in both punk and metal scenes. Their lyrics typically covered such topics as war, good versus evil, abuse of power, promiscuous sex, substance abuse and, most famously, gambling, the latter theme being the focus of their hit song "Ace of Spades".
Lemmy died on 28 December 2015 from cardiac arrhythmia and congestive heart failure, after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. The day after his death, drummer Mikkey Dee and guitarist Phil Campbell both confirmed that Motörhead had disbanded. By 2018, all three members of Motörhead's best-known line-up (Lemmy, Taylor and Clarke) had died.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motörhead
Discography
Motörhead (1977)
Overkill (1979)
Bomber (1979)
On Parole (1979)
Ace of Spades (1980)
Iron Fist (1982)
Another Perfect Day (1983)
Orgasmatron (1986)
Rock 'n' Roll (1987)
1916 (1991)
March ör Die (1992)
Bastards (1993)
Sacrifice (1995)
Overnight Sensation (1996)
Snake Bite Love (1998)
We Are Motörhead (2000)
Hammered (2002)
Inferno (2004)
Kiss of Death (2006)
Motörizer (2008)
The Wörld Is Yours (2010)
Aftershock (2013)
Bad Magic (2015)
Cradle to the Grave
Motörhead Lyrics
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bad, ain´t so bad, rather be a boozerStanding at the
crossroads, see where the wind blowsFollowing the white
line, following my noseYou´ve been living on a razor´s
edge, soon as you learned to shaveMake sure you live, be a
long time deadCradle To The GraveAin´t too
good, don´t look good, but it´ll get worseDon´t look good,
don´t feel good, it´s gonna take yearsLife drives you
babe, and leaves you hurtingDon´t matter up or down,
sideways, in or outIf it makes you feel good, do it, and
then get outDon´t spend your life on your own bedCradle To The GraveAin´t so bad, ain´t so bad,
could´ve been a junkieAin´t so bad, ain´t all bad,
could´ve had a monkeyYou can´t take it with you, not
even if you earn itSo find out what you need babe, then
you´d better learn itIt don´t matter who you are,
millionaire or whoreJust get out and scrape that jar,
that´s what they´ve got it forYou´ve been living on a
razor´s edge, one way to behaveMake sure you do it, it´ll
cut you deadCradle To The Grave
The lyrics to Motörhead's "Cradle to the Grave" present a nihilistic view of life, where the singer acknowledges the difficulties and challenges that one faces throughout their life. The first stanza sets the tone for the song, as he sings, "Ain´t so bad, ain´t so bad, could´ve been a loser. Ain´t so bad, ain´t so bad, rather be a boozer." Here, Lemmy seems to suggest that life could always be worse, and that even if someone is seen as a "loser" by society's standards, they could still find some happiness in life, even if it is through alcohol.
The chorus, "Cradle To The Grave", reinforces that message, as it suggests that one's entire life is a journey towards death, and that it is up to the individual to make the most of the time they have. However, the second stanza acknowledges that life can be difficult, as Lemmy sings, "Ain´t too good, don´t look good, but it´ll get worse. Don´t look good, don´t feel good, it´s gonna take years." He notes that life can be a struggle, and that it will take time to overcome its challenges.
The rest of the lyrics offer advice on how to live life to its fullest, regardless of the circumstances one finds themselves in. He suggests that one should do what makes them happy, even if it is unconventional, and that they should not waste their time on things that do not matter in the end. Ultimately, he reminds us that life is short, and that we should strive to make the most of every moment.
Overall, the lyrics to "Cradle to the Grave" offer a bleak yet pragmatic view of life, encouraging the listener to live life to its fullest and not waste any time on things that do not matter.
Line by Line Meaning
Ain´t so bad, ain´t so bad, could´ve been a loser
Things may not be perfect, but they could have been worse. It's important to appreciate what we have.
Ain´t so bad, ain´t so bad, rather be a boozer
Despite the potential negative consequences, some may still choose to indulge. Personal choices should be respected.
Standing at the crossroads, see where the wind blows
At crucial decision-making moments, it's important to carefully consider all options and potential outcomes.
Following the white line, following my nose
Sometimes, the best course of action is to trust your instincts and forge forward, even if the path ahead may seem unclear.
You´ve been living on a razor´s edge, soon as you learned to shave
Life can be risky, and even basic skills or actions can have grave consequences if done carelessly.
Make sure you live, be a long time dead
Life is short, and it's important to make the most of every moment.
Cradle To The Grave
Life is like a journey from birth to death.
Ain´t too good, don´t look good, but it´ll get worse
Life can be challenging and difficult, and the future may not always be bright. However, remaining pessimistic will only make things worse.
Life drives you nuts, babe, ´cos you ain´t certain
Uncertainty can be a major source of stress and anxiety in life.
Kicks you in the guts, babe, and leaves you hurting
Life can be painful and difficult, with unexpected or unfair circumstances taking a toll on our emotional and physical well-being.
Don´t matter up or down, sideways, in or out
Life is full of twists and turns, and it's important to be adaptable and resilient in the face of change.
If it makes you feel good, do it, and then get out
It's important to do what brings us joy and fulfillment in life, but excessive indulgence or recklessness can lead to negative consequences.
Don´t spend your life on your own bed
Life is meant to be lived and experienced, and it's important to get out and explore the world around us.
Ain´t so bad, ain´t so bad, could´ve been a junkie
Things could always be worse, and it's important to remember that even in difficult times.
You can´t take it with you, not even if you earn it
Material possessions are ultimately meaningless, and we cannot take them with us when we pass away.
So find out what you need babe, then you´d better learn it
It's important to understand our own needs and desires in life, and work towards achieving those goals.
It don´t matter who you are, millionaire or whore
Regardless of one's social status or occupation, we all face the same challenges and experiences in life.
Just get out and scrape that jar, that´s what they´ve got it for
Money and resources are meant to be used and enjoyed, but hoarding or obsessing over them can lead to a hollow existence.
One way to behave, Make sure you do it, it´ll cut you dead
Life can be unforgiving, and even seemingly harmless actions can have serious consequences. It's important to live with purpose and care.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: IAN FRASER KILMINSTER, MICHAEL BURSTON, PHILIP CAMPBELL, PHILIP TAYLOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind