Grand Slam had little commercial success, but they did release some songs of note, most of which have been accredited to Thin Lizzy, including "Nineteen", "Sisters of Mercy" and "Military Man" (which was actually released on Gary Moore's 1985 album, called Run For Cover).
Although Lynott had originally intended to include two members of the most recent Thin Lizzy lineup, guitarist John Sykes and (after having been turned down by Motörhead drummer "Philthy Animal" Taylor), drummer Brian Downey. Downey declined, saying he "didn't see the point in making a second-rate Thin Lizzy", and Sykes, after much cajoling (as well as an impressive financial offer) from David Coverdale, left to join Whitesnake.
Lynott, although downhearted, carried on with his project, ending up with a lineup of Doish Nagle (Guitar) (ex The Bogey Boys), Laurence Archer (Guitar), Robbie Brennan (Drums), (ex-Magnum) Mark Stanway (keyboards) and himself on bass guitar and vocals, as well as chief songwriting duties.
Lynott earned the nickname Sergeant Rock at the rehearsals at the E'ZEE studios in London, due to his almost overbearing strictness and dedication to the rehearsal drill.
Lynott was keen to shed the 'second-rate Thin Lizzy' tag, and was adamant that they should only ever perform three Lizzy songs live ("Cold Sweat", from their 1983 album Thunder and Lightning, "Sarah", from Lizzy's 1979 album Black Rose: A Rock Legend, and the crowd favorite, "Whiskey In the Jar", which can be found on Grand Slam's Live 1984 disk.
Grand Slam split up in 1985, due to their lack of commercial success, and inability to secure a record deal, although they were rumoured to be excellent live, and had a large cult fan following.
In 2002 and 2003, keyboardist Mark Stanway produced and released a live CD, Grand Slam: Live 1984, and a compilation of Grand Slam songs, demos and interviews, Studio Sessions.
Frontman Phil Lynott died on 4 January 1986 from liver, heart and kidney failure, due to his lifetime of drug abuse and alcohol excess.
Cold Sweat
Phil Lynott's Grand Slam Lyrics
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And headed for the big race
I felt a chill on my backbone
As I hung up the telephone
Stone cold sober and stone cold sweat
Running down the back of my neck
To lose means trouble, to win pays double
Cold, cold sweat
They say chances on the outside
Are looking pretty slim
I've been so lucky on the inside
I feel I'm going to win
Stone cold sober and stone cold sweat
Running down the back of my neck
Take a little money, there's nothing left to lose
And I got me a heavy bet
Cold, cold sweat
I've got me a whole month's wages
I haven't seen that much in ages
I might spend it in stages
And move out to Las Vegas
Stone cold sober and stone cold sweat
Running down the back of my neck
To lose means trouble, to win means double
And I got me a heavy bet
Cold, cold sweat
I put my money in a suitcase
They say chances on the outside
I got a whole months wages
Stone cold sober and stone cold sweat
Stone cold crazy
Place another bet
Phil Lynott's Grand Slam's song "Cold Sweat" tells the story of a person who is getting ready to participate in a horse race. The lyrics are filled with imagery that reflects the excitement, anticipation, and anxiety surrounding the event. The persona of the song puts all of his money into a suitcase, indicating that the stakes are high. He feels a chill on his spine as he hangs up the phone, indicating nervousness and tension. The line "stone cold sober and stone cold sweat" suggests that the persona is nervous but also alert and focused, as he prepares for the race.
The theme of the song suggests that winning is everything, and the persona has a "heavy bet" riding on his success. He is willing to take risks, with nothing to lose, and everything to gain. The line "to lose means trouble, to win pays double" emphasises this point. The song provides a fascinating insight into gambling and its effects on individuals who are willing to take chances for the chance to win big. Overall, the song captures the thrill of gambling and the anticipation that comes with it, as well as the pressures and anxieties that can accompany the experience.
Line by Line Meaning
I put my money in the suitcase
I saved up my money and put it away for the big bet
And headed for the big race
I went to the race where I could bet my money
I felt a chill on my backbone
I was nervous and scared for what might happen
As I hung up the telephone
After talking to someone about the race, I got more nervous
Stone cold sober and stone cold sweat
I was completely sober but still sweating with fear and anxiety
Running down the back of my neck
The sweat was dripping down from my head and neck
To lose means trouble, to win pays double
If I lose, I'll be in trouble, but if I win, I'll get back twice as much
And I got me a heavy bet
I put down a lot of money for my bet
They say chances on the outside
The odds for winning are not in my favor
Are looking pretty slim
It seems unlikely that I'll win
I've been so lucky on the inside
I've had success with betting before, so I feel confident
I feel I'm going to win
I truly believe that I will come out victorious
Take a little money, there's nothing left to lose
I spent most of my money, so I might as well bet the rest since I have nothing else to lose
I've got me a whole month's wages
I saved up an entire month's salary for this bet
I haven't seen that much in ages
I haven't had this much money in a long time
I might spend it in stages
I'll consider using the money for different things over time
And move out to Las Vegas
I might even consider moving to Las Vegas where there's more opportunity for betting
Stone cold crazy
I am feeling completely insane and out of control with my betting obsession
Place another bet
I am so addicted to betting that I can't stop playing and want to make another bet
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALFRED JAMES ELLIS, JAMES BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind