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 Mötley Crüe, 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 (2012–2015)
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 (2015–2018)
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 (2018–current)
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)
As Good As It Gets
Ratt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And im looking for someone with a vengeance
And i know you were looking too
I thnk i found it in my sweet Melissa
I'm gonna tell you what im gonna do
Yeah she's my lover she's my friend
You don't even come close to thatNow im lookin for that invitation
And if you're lucky you'll get yours too
You kinda like me and i like that
You got me grinning like a cheshire cat
The way you love me i wouldn't bet
I'll tell you something it's as good as it gets
So you went looking for that wanted man
And i know that i was part of the plan
The way you love me i wouldn't bet
I tell you honey it's as good as it gets
She's like no other i can't pretend
I'm gonna give her everything i can
We slip and slide when im deep inside
Come up for air gonna go for a ride
You kinda like me and i like that
You got me grinning like a cheshire cat
The way you love me i wouldn't bet
I'll tell you something it's as good as it gets
You kinda like me and i like that
You're like a train running off the tracks
You always work me up to a sweat
I tell you honey you're as good as it gets
Guitar solo.
You kinda like me and i like that
You got me grinning like a cheshire cat
The way you love me i wouldn't bet
I'll tell you something it's as good as it gets
You kinda like me and i like that
You're like a train running off the tracks
You always work me up to a sweat
I tell you honey you're as good as it gets
YEAH!
Ratt's song "As Good As It Gets" is a catchy rock tune with lyrics that explore the excitement and passion of a new relationship. The opening lines suggest that the singer is looking for someone with tenacity and drive, and believes he has found that in his "sweet Melissa." He is so enamored with her that he declares her to be not only his lover, but also his friend, surpassing anyone else in his life. He is eager to move their relationship forward and seems confident that Melissa feels the same way, as he speaks of seeking an invitation from her. The chorus reinforces the idea that this relationship is the best thing happening in his life right now, and that he is completely satisfied with it.
Later, the lyrics imply that there may have been some competition for Melissa's affections, possibly someone "looking for that wanted man" who included the singer in their plan. Regardless, the singer is confident that he is the one who truly understands and satisfies Melissa. He describes their physical intimacy as "slipping and sliding" and mentions going for a ride, suggesting a high level of sexual chemistry.
Overall, the lyrics of "As Good As It Gets" celebrate the excitement and fulfillment of a new romantic relationship, and emphasize the singer's confidence in his own appeal and Melissa's loyalty. The song's catchy guitar riffs and driving beat underscore the upbeat and positive mood of the lyrics, making it a classic example of '80s arena rock.
Line by Line Meaning
And im looking for someone with a vengeance
I'm searching for a partner with passion and intensity
And i know you were looking too
I'm aware that you're also seeking someone special
I thnk i found it in my sweet Melissa
I believe I've found that person in my love, Melissa
I'm gonna tell you what im gonna do
I'll inform you of my plans
Yeah she's my lover she's my friend
My partner is both my romantic interest and my close companion
You don't even come close to that
You're not even in the same league as my love
Now im lookin for that invitation
I'm searching for an opportunity to deepen my connection
And if you're lucky you'll get yours too
If you're fortunate, you'll also find your own invitation to love
You kinda like me and i like that
You have an affinity towards me and I appreciate it
You got me grinning like a cheshire cat
You make me feel truly happy and joyful
The way you love me i wouldn't bet
I have complete faith in your love for me
I'll tell you something it's as good as it gets
Our love is at its peak and can't get any better
So you went looking for that wanted man
You searched for a desirable partner
And i know that i was part of the plan
I recognize that I played a role in your search
She's like no other i can't pretend
My love is unique and irreplaceable
I'm gonna give her everything i can
I'll do all that I can to show my love and commitment
We slip and slide when im deep inside
We intimately connect on a physical level
Come up for air gonna go for a ride
We take a break from intense pleasure, only to continue on
You're like a train running off the tracks
You ignite an uncontrollable passion
You always work me up to a sweat
You stimulate me to the point of perspiration
I tell you honey you're as good as it gets
I'm proud to be with you and our love is unbeatable
Contributed by Sophia R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@stratamaster78
And im looking for someone with a vengeance
And i know you were looking too
I thnk i found it in my sweet Melissa
I'm gonna tell you what im gonna do
Yeah she's my lover she's my friend
You don't even come close to that
Now im lookin for that invitation
And if you're lucky you'll get yours too
You kinda like me and i like that
You got me grinning like a cheshire cat
The way you love me i wouldn't bet
I'll tell you something it's as good as it gets
So you went looking for that wanted man
And i know that i was part of the plan
The way you love me i wouldn't bet
I tell you honey it's as good as it gets
She's like no other i can't pretend
I'm gonna give her everything i can
We slip and slide when im deep inside
Come up for air gonna go for a ride
You kinda like me and i like that
You got me grinning like a cheshire cat
The way you love me i wouldn't bet
I'll tell you something it's as good as it gets
You kinda like me and i like that
You're like a train running off the tracks
You always work me up to a sweat
I tell you honey you're as good as it gets
YEAH!
Guitar solo.
You kinda like me and i like that
You got me grinning like a cheshire cat
The way you love me i wouldn't bet
I'll tell you something it's as good as it gets
You kinda like me and i like that
You're like a train running off the tracks
You always work me up to a sweat
I tell you honey you're as good as it gets
YEAH!
@j.t.cooper2963
Still layin' it down it 2021!! 💯
@ludurigan
BRILLIANT CHORUS!!!
@anthonycahoon865
They done it again. It's 2015 and Ratt still rocks! I know this album was made before that but still. It's a fantastic album
@JJStar_Rank
Terrific song, one of the best from the album. Chord changes remind me of 'Killed by Death' by Motorhead but still a smashing song.
@joanx9722
Holy hell..I am absolutely crazy about this song and the raw vocals are on point and the musicians are most definitely killing it . Audio, as always, thanks for a freaking MASTERPIECE of song
@ludurigan
This song is so good and I am glad I can comment on this video and say it. I have no idea why on earth the official Ratt youtube channel does not allow comments on most of its videos!
@am2boni
This has to be my favorite song from Infestation.
@ludurigan
same here!
@am2boni
@@ludurigan Right on!!!
@ludurigan
FUCK these guitars sound so good