Ratt released a self-titled mini-album in 1983 on a local label, the release now often known as just 'Ratt', and they struck up a close personal friendship with members of MΓΆtley CrΓΌe, friendly rivals that shared the same hard partying lifestyle. The aforementioned glam metal scene of southern California brought the fledgling band major inspiration. Ratt then made their breakthrough with their first full studio album, 'Out of the Cellar', which stayed in the Billboard Top 20 for six months. Single "Round and Round" became the signature song of the group. The album has since been certified as multi-platinum by the RIAA and continues to be loved by many metal fans.
They toured with Ozzy Osbourne before joining a Billy Squier jaunt, where they were apparently 'thrown off' because they were more popular than the headline act. Their subsequent output has seen them follow a familiar arena-friendly hard rock route, with accusations over sexist videos contrasting with their ability to sell out concert halls and produce recordings that regularly received platinum and gold certifications. In particular, their highly successful sophomore album, 'Invasion of Your Privacy', proved that they were no "one album wonder".
Still, the changing musical zeitgeist would not be kind to groups such as Ratt, with grunge and alternative rock seizing the spotlight. Ratt's 1990 release 'Detonator' featured several songs co-written with Desmond Child, known for his previous work with Alice Cooper and Bon Jovi among others, and it proved their most adventurous recording to date in some ways. Yet the group's success had clearly waned, and the years on the road had contributed to conflict within the band. Crosby would depart after the September 1991 release of compilation album 'Ratt & Roll 81-91'. In 1993, Pearcy unveiled his new solo outfit, Arcade, confirming the dissolution of the band.
Though the band reformed with a new self-titled album in 1999, also known as Ratt (1999). Pearcy would leave Ratt again not long after, unhappy with the album's sound and the musical chemistry within the band. Original guitarist Robbin Crosby's passing in 2002 caused many fans to fear that the group was gone for good. Nonetheless, the band re-united in 2007 for a successful tour with fellow 80s rockers Poison.
The band toured throughout the latter half of the 00s, as retro interests caused a general popular resurgence of 80s musical and culture, and hopes for a new album grew. Ratt went back into the studios minus original guitarist Robbin Crosby. He had died some years earlier brought on by the long and public battle he waged against drugs, having gotten AIDS from sharing needles. His last television interview was with VH1's 'Behind The Music' program, in which the rocker stated: "Don't feel sorry for me. Don't cry for me at my funeral. I've lived the life of ten men. I've been very lucky."
Ratt released a new album in 2010, titled 'Infestation', with Pearcy on the vocals. A commercial and critical comeback, fans rejoiced at the energetic metal sound. The release hit the #30 slot on the Billboard 200 album chart. It was also the first album since the death of Crosby in 2002.
On October 26, 2010, Ratt announced that the band would be going on indefinite hiatus due to internal tensions.
Reunion with Croucier and second departure of Pearcy (2012β2015)
In January 2012, Pearcy said Ratt was in the process of writing material for a new album, planned to be released that summer. On March 22, bassist Robbie Crane announced his departure from Ratt to focus on Lynch Mob. In April 2012, rumors arose original bassist Juan Croucier would rejoin the band that summer; these rumors were confirmed when Croucier played with Ratt at the M3 festival on May 12.
On April 24, 2014, Pearcy announced that he had left the band again, explaining he was "officially done with having anything to do with them due to the constant turmoil, unresolved business, personal attacks/threats in the public forum, and most of all, the disrespect to the fans."
Legal issues and two versions of Ratt again (2015β2018)
In June 2015, Blotzer formed a band called Bobby Blotzer's Ratt Experience. In August 2015, Croucier formed a touring band that played Ratt's deep cuts, with the band debuting in September.
In September 2015, Blotzer took over control of WBS, a company he set up with DeMartini and Pearcy in 1997 to handle RATT business, over the objection of DeMartini and announced that he had "taken control" of Ratt and his Ratt Experience lineup was the real Ratt and would be embarking a tour in 2016 titled the American Made Re-Invasion Tour.
Until early 2017, Blotzer toured using the name Ratt. The 2016 Re-Invasion tour took Ratt throughout North America. Their tour also took them to the UK, including Hard Rock Hell and London.
Ratt's "New Breed" and unknown future (2018βcurrent)
On June 1, 2018, it was announced by vocalist Pearcy that Ratt would move forward with him and bassist Croucier. It was confirmed that DeMartini had departed from Ratt, with Cavazo and Degrasso following. On July 5, 2018, it was revealed that Pearcy and Croucier would be joined by Black 'N Blue drummer Pete Holmes and guitarists Jordan Ziff and Chris Sanders. In February 2020, guitarist Chris Sanders announced his departure from the band, along with announcing his retirement from the music industry.
In March 2020, the band announced they would be embarking on the Big Rock Summer Tour starting in June, along with Tom Keifer, Skid Row, and Slaughter. On June 17, the tour was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Shortly after, it was announced that all Ratt shows in 2020 were rescheduled for 2021.
In January 2021, Pearcy expressed interest in making one final Ratt album with all the remaining original members. On June 26, Ratt announced the addition of guitarist Frankie Lindia of David Lee Roth's solo band, replacing Chris Sanders.
In September 2022, Pearcy revealed that he would only want to continue Ratt with the remaining classic-era bandmates, but that "it's not gonna happen". He said reuniting with the members would be "all business pretty much", but that "there's no business in the Ratt camp". He also revealed he regretted touring as Ratt with only Croucier from the classic lineup and that he would be continuing to play Ratt songs with his solo band
Website: http://www.therattpack.com/
Discography
Ratt (EP - 1983)
Out of the Cellar (1984)
Invasion of Your Privacy (1985)
Dancing Undercover (1986)
Reach for the Sky (1988)
Detonator (1990)
Ratt & Roll 81-91 (1991)
Ratt (1999)
Infestation (2010)
A Little Too Much
Ratt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You tell me something I don't know
And I tell you something that's real
You think you know everything
About me except just how I feel
You always call me a liar But you can't tell me to my face
It doesn't matter to me
You never loved me anyway
You say, let's stop
I say, let's go
You say, it's hot
I say, it's cold
What's the matter with me?
(A little too much)
I can't help myself
(A little too much)
And there's nobody else
(A little too much)
Hear what I say
(A little too much)
Hear it everyday
You always wanted to cruel so
Finally, why do you have such hate?
You better look in the mirror
Baby, it's time to seal your fate
You say, let's stop
You say, it's hot
I say, it's cold
What's the matter with me?
(A little too much)
I can't help myself
(A little too much)
And there's nobody else
(A little too much)
Hear what I say
(A little too much)
Hear it everyday
(A little too much)
I can't help myself
(A little too much)
And there's nobody else
(A little too much)
Hear what I say
(A little too much)
Hear it everyday
(When you're wrong, you're wrong)
(When you're wrong, you're wrong)
I've had enough of this cold still trying
(When you're wrong, you're wrong)
[Incomprehensible]
(When you're wrong, you're wrong)
You still give me your reason and why
(When you're wrong, you're wrong)
You did what you did to get me
You're wrong, I'm right
Two wrongs don't make a right
You say, let's stop
I say, let's go
You say, it's hot
I say, it's cold
What's the matter with me?
I can't help myself
And there's nobody else
(A little too much)
Hear what I say
(A little too much)
Hear it everyday
(A little too much)
I can't help myself
(A little too much)
And there's nobody else
(A little too much)
Hear what I say
(A little too much)
Hear it everyday
I can't, I can't, I can't help myself
I can't, I can't help myself
The lyrics of Ratt's song A Little Too Much seem to tell a story of a relationship that has gone sour. The first verse shows the frustration of not being understood by the other person, despite attempts to communicate. The second verse shows a sense of betrayal and anger towards the other person, who has been wanting to hurt them. The chorus repeats the phrase "A little too much" several times, which seems to refer to the intensity of emotions that the singer is feeling towards the other person. The bridge of the song talks about how two wrongs don't make a right, which could indicate that the singer recognizes their own mistakes and is willing to make amends, but the other person is not.
The song is full of contrasts, with the singer saying the opposite of what the other person says in several instances ("You say, let's stop/I say, let's go", "You say, it's hot/I say, it's cold"). This could indicate a lack of understanding and communication between both parties. The song's intense lyrics are matched by the high-energy music, with the guitar riffs and drum beats adding to the sense of frustration and tension.
Line by Line Meaning
You tell me something I don't know
You're trying to seem knowledgeable, but I'm already aware of what you're telling me.
And I tell you something that's real
In response, I'm giving you genuine, truthful information.
You think you know everything
You believe you have all the answers, but you're mistaken.
About me except just how I feel
You may have knowledge about me, but you don't truly understand how I'm feeling.
You always call me a liar
You frequently accuse me of being dishonest.
But you can't tell me to my face
Despite your accusations, you lack the courage to directly confront me.
It doesn't matter to me
Your opinions and actions don't have a significant impact on me.
You never loved me anyway
Our relationship lacked genuine love and affection from your end.
You say, let's stop
You want to halt our current course of action.
I say, let's go
I have a differing desire to continue moving forward.
You say, it's hot
You believe that the situation is intense and passionate.
I say, it's cold
I disagree and find the situation to be lackluster and unemotional.
What's the matter with me?
I'm questioning my own behavior and feelings.
(A little too much)
I may be going overboard with my emotions and behavior.
I can't help myself
I feel powerless to control my actions and emotions.
And there's nobody else
No one else can truly understand and relate to my current state.
Hear what I say
Listen and understand what I'm trying to communicate.
Hear it everyday
This is a recurring issue and message in my life.
You always wanted to cruel so
Your desire to hurt me has always existed.
Finally, why do you have such hate?
Now, at last, why do you continue to hold onto so much animosity?
You better look in the mirror
It's time for you to reflect and examine your own actions and motivations.
Baby, it's time to seal your fate
Your actions will have consequences, and it's time to acknowledge and accept that.
(When you're wrong, you're wrong)
You need to accept responsibility for your mistakes and wrongdoings.
[Incomprehensible]
Unable to determine meaning due to unclear lyrics.
You still give me your reason and why
Despite being in the wrong, you continue to explain and justify your actions.
You did what you did to get me
Your actions were motivated by a desire to manipulate and possess me.
You're wrong, I'm right
I know that I'm in the right and you're in the wrong.
Two wrongs don't make a right
Just because you did something wrong doesn't justify or excuse my actions.
I can't, I can't, I can't help myself
Once again, I feel powerless to control my own behavior and feelings.
Contributed by Sydney A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@stratamaster78
Yeah
You tell me something I don't know
And I tell you something that's real
You think you know everything
About me except just how I feel
You always call me a liar
But you can't tell me to my face
It doesn't matter to me
You never loved me anyway
You say, let's stop
I say, let's go
You say, it's hot
I say, it's cold
What's the matter with me?
I can't help myself
(A little too much)
And there's nobody else
Hear what I say
(A little too much)
Hear it everyday
You always wanted to cruel so
Finally, why do you have such hate?
You better look in the mirror
Baby, it's time to seal your fate
You say, let's stop
I say, let's go
You say, it's hot
I say, it's cold
What's the matter with me?
I can't help myself
(A little too much)
And there's nobody else
Hear what I say
(A little too much)
Hear it everyday
I can't help myself
(A little too much)
And there's nobody else
Hear what I say
(A little too much)
Hear it everyday
I've had enough of this cold still trying
(When you're wrong, you're wrong)
[Incomprehensible]
You still give me your reason and why
(When you're wrong, you're wrong)
You did what you did to get me
You're wrong, I'm right
Two wrongs don't make a right
You say, let's stop
I say, let's go
You say, it's hot
I say, it's cold
What's the matter with me?
I can't help myself
And there's nobody else
(A little too much)
Hear what I say
(A little too much)
Hear it everyday
I can't help myself
(A little too much)
And there's nobody else
Hear what I say
(A little too much)
Hear it everyday
I can't, I can't, I can't help myself
I can't, I can't help myself
@Sean-xg3wv
2025!!!
New Years Day! Whoβs here still listening to one of the BEST comeback albums in 80βs hairband history!! In my honest opinion!!π€π»ππ€π»
@calbraid3328
Back at ya. I'm listening to this for the first time!
@Sean-xg3wv
THE BEST COMEBACK ALBUM EVER!!!!π€π»ππ€π»
@guitarist100
First saw Ratt on tour with Ozzy back in 1986 Edinburgh Playhouse Scotland , love those hair metal days !!!!!!!!!!
@humbleking800
Everything about this song is great.
@anibalabad3869
This album came out when i was a freshman in highschool. I became a full on ratt fan in middle school. So this album brings good memorys
@dannyatlas1533
This album was awesome, perfect come back
@BTOverserved
Sounds like the old Ratt....love it!
@joanx9722
Oh Lord yes., it's old school days today and love it.
@bathelion777
Carlos smokes it.....