Born in Chicago to Swedish/Italian parents, Lofgren moved to the Washington, D.C., area as a teenager. His first instrument was the accordion. He was also a competitive gymnast in high school, a skill that popped up later in his career.
Lofgren joined Neil Young's band in 1968 at age 17, playing piano on the album After the Gold Rush. Lofgren would maintain a close musical relationship with Young, appearing on his Tonight's the Night album and tour among others. He was also briefly a member of Crazy Horse, appearing on their 1971 LP and contributing songs to their catalogue.
From '71 to '74 Lofgren was active in Grin, the band he founded in '69. After landing a record deal in '71 the band released 4 critically-acclaimed albums but met with little commercial success.
In 1975 Lofgren released his a self-titled solo album featuring songs that went on to become staples of his solo performances; 'Keith Don't Go', 'Back it Up' and the cover of Carole Kings 'Goin' Back'.
Solo albums and tours followed every year through the 70s as Lofgren established himself as a top guitarist and live performer earning the respect and acclaim of his peers.
Bruce Springsteen made the call in 1984 and Lofgren joined the E-Street Band for the 'Born in the USA' tour. Lofgren was instant hit with Springsteens fans through his playing and vibrant on stage persona. Lofgren remains a stalwart of the E-Street Band to the present day.
Lofgren continues to juggle his tenure with the Springsteen Band and a solo recording career, whilst writing and performing with many other artists. His 2008 album 'Nils Sings Neil' was a project featuring Lofgren acoustically covering songs written by Neil Young, his former bandleader in Crazy Horse.
NO MERCY
Nils Lofgren Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
World title lays on the line
Strong and proud he is much older
I am the faster I'm in my prime
Third round late he starts to tire
Open cut over his left eye
Smelling blood attack is relentless
Cry, no mercy, no quarter
No place to hide for me and the man
Lefts and rights never came in harder
No mercy, take it while you can, now!
No mercy take it while you can
Back in my corner they scream "No mercy !"
"Put him away, don't let him recover !"
Someone's eyes drills holes in my head
It is his proud determined mother
Cry, no mercy, no quarter
No place to hide for me or the man
Right and wrong never came in harder
No mercy, take it while you can, now!
No mercy, take it while you can
I wish another could do this thing for me
His eyes are flooded, doubt he can even see
I hungered this title but now it don't seem right
I fight back tears while I destroy his life
Cry, no mercy, no quarter
No place to hide for me and the man
Lefts and rights never came in harder
No mercy, take it while you can, now!
No mercy take it while you can
Cry, no mercy, no quarter
No place to hide for me or the man
Right and wrong never came in harder
No mercy, take it while you can, now!
No mercy, take it while you can
The song "No Mercy" by Nils Lofgren appears to be telling the story of a boxing match. The singer sets the scene for the fight atmosphere that is heavy and loaded with tension as the world title is on the line. The fighter is much older and a little slower, but the singer feels he is faster and in his prime. As the match progresses, the fighter begins to tire and suffer an open cut over his left eye, and the singer can sense this weakness and begins to attack him relentlessly, even as the fighter's girl cries in the back seats. The metaphorical message of the song is clear: sometimes in our quest for success and victory, we can become ruthless and willing to trample on others in order to achieve our goals. The lyrics "No mercy, take it while you can" repeat throughout the song, emphasizing the singer's determination to crush his opponent.
The second verse brings in other voices, such as the singer's corner team who urge him to show "no mercy," and the fighter's mother who looks on with a proud and determined gaze. The singer admits to himself that he wishes someone else could do this thing for him, and that despite hungering for the title, he now feels a sense of guilt and sadness for destroying his opponent's life. The themes of this song are complex and morally ambiguous, as it explores the darker side of competition and striving for one's dreams. It's a cautionary tale about the cost that success can bring.
Line by Line Meaning
Out for the first, the atmosphere is heavy
The beginning of the fight feels intense and overwhelming.
World title lays on the line
The championship is at stake for both fighters.
Strong and proud he is much older
The opponent is older but still fighting with confidence and determination.
I am the faster I'm in my prime
The artist feels he has the advantage due to his youth and speed.
Third round late he starts to tire
The opponent is showing signs of exhaustion in the third round.
Open cut over his left eye
The opponent has suffered a visible injury.
Smelling blood attack is relentless
The singer senses weakness in the opponent and continues to aggressively attack.
In the back seats I see his girl cry
The opponent's loved one is emotionally affected by the fight.
Cry, no mercy, no quarter
The artist has no sympathy for the opponent and will not hold back.
No place to hide for me and the man
Both fighters are fully exposed and must face the consequences.
Lefts and rights never came in harder
The punches are more forceful than ever before.
No mercy, take it while you can, now!
The artist is determined to win, and the opponent should brace for impact.
Back in my corner they scream "No mercy !"
The singer's corner is urging him to keep pushing forward without compassion.
"Put him away, don't let him recover !"
The corner wants the singer to end the fight and not give the opponent a chance to regain strength.
Someone's eyes drills holes in my head
The opponent's supporters are trying to intimidate the singer with their intense gaze.
It is his proud determined mother
The person with the intense stare is the opponent's mother, who is proud of her child's fighting spirit.
No mercy, take it while you can
The artist will not show mercy, and the opponent should be prepared for the consequences.
I wish another could do this thing for me
The singer is conflicted about the brutality of the fight and wishes he did not have to do it himself.
His eyes are flooded, doubt he can even see
The opponent is physically and emotionally drained, and his vision may be affected.
I hungered this title but now it don't seem right
The artist wanted to win the championship, but now that he sees the damage he's caused, it doesn't feel worth it.
I fight back tears while I destroy his life
The artist is conflicted about the harm he's causing the opponent and may feel some guilt.
Right and wrong never came in harder
The artist's moral compass is being tested to the extreme.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NILS LOFGREN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bret Kindell
brings back memories..seen nils at music hall houston late 79 or very early 80. for some reason I can only remember this tune well because it was so electric. one of the best news of my life
grey blues lau
I always love the sound of his strat and what he does with it. He is the main reason for listening to Bruce. :)
TheTodddamour
So in Love with This Song,,World Championship Status..Total Psych Up..Brilliance
Michael Stommel
Von den Ohren ohne Umweg ins Herz........soviel Erinnerungen, ich liebe es einfach!!!!!!!!
Daniel Wade
I fight back tears while I destroy his life... that line hurts.
NoneYa
Yeah.. watch me destroy!
LOST IN MUSIC
Great and therefore in my 70´s playlist
uwe misterman
Jugenderinnerungen werden wachgerüttelt ..klasse ..danke für's hochladen 🙂
Tim Taler
Mega geil !!!!
Nicole Armbruster
I am calling from Germany.
I remember the time in our childs-roo. In the beginning 80s. My brother is younger but we both loved this Song on the radio.