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)
Dance
Ratt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dance
Dance
Dance, dance, dance
Slip and slide, take a ride
You want the best of both worlds
Caviar, it's hard to findYou're not a big city girl
You have dreams to make it big
Right off the Greyhound bus
Roses come from everyone
You're gonna have yourself some fun
When it's all done
You bite your tongue
You're feelin' so young
No cover-ups
You're never alone
If you hear the call
It's all for one
And one for all
Baby we can dance, dance, dance
Feel the heat of the rhythm
Feel the heat of my hand
Dance, dance, dance
I see the way that you're movin'
You need a little romance
You have pride, just try and fight
You'll take on anyone
Stupid pans and fans, no more laughsIt's only ten to one
It's gettin' late to worry 'bout a date
Still you have no one
Twist of fate, you know it's too late
You turn on everyone
When it's all done
You bite your tongue
You're feelin' so young
No cover-ups
You're never alone
If you hear the call
It's all for one
And one for all
Baby we can dance, dance, dance
Feel the heat of the rhythm
Feel the heat of my hand
Dance, dance, dance
I see the way that you're movin'
I think we have a chance
When it's all done
You bite your tongue
You're feelin' so young
No cover-ups
You're never alone
If you hear the call
It's all for one
And one for all
Dance
Dance
Dance
D-d-d-dance
Dance, dance, dance
Feel the heat of the rhythm
Feel the heat of my hand
Dance, dance, dance
I see the way that you're movin'
You need a little romance
Dance, dance, dance
Feel the heat of the rhythm
Feel the beat of the band
Dance, dance, dance
I see the way that you're movin'
I think we have a chance, chance
Dance, dance
We'll dance, dance, dance
We'll dance, dance, dance
The song "Dance" by Ratt is a high-energy, melody-driven track that is meant for dancing. The song describes a girl who moves from a small town into the big city to pursue her dreams. She wants to experience the best of both worlds and is determined to make it big. Despite the odds and challenges she faces in the city, she still manages to have fun and enjoy herself. The lyrics also talk about the need for love and companionship, highlighting that the world is a tough place and having someone to dance with can make all the difference.
The song has a rock/pop sound, with a catchy upbeat tempo that draws in the listener. The lyrics are simple and easy to follow along with, allowing the song to be a go-to karaoke favorite for many. The chorus repeats the word "dance" several times, luring the listener to get up and groove along with the music. However, there is an underlying message of hope and determination that comes through in the verses, which make this song a timeless classic that can be enjoyed by all.
Overall, "Dance" is a song about overcoming obstacles, chasing your dreams, and having a good time. It is a celebration of life and the joys that can be found in it, even in the midst of adversity. The upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics make it a perfect song to dance to and enjoy with others, while the message behind it encourages listeners to keep chasing their dreams and never give up.
Line by Line Meaning
Dance
Encouragement to dance
Dance
Continued encouragement to dance
Dance
Repetition of encouragement to dance
Dance, dance, dance
Repeated encouragement to dance with emphasis
Slip and slide, take a ride
Suggestion to loosen up and be carefree
You want the best of both worlds
Desire for a balance of different things
Caviar, it's hard to find
Looking for something luxurious and rare
You're not a big city girl
Not interested in flashy, metropolitan lifestyle
You have dreams to make it big
Aspirations to achieve great success
Right off the Greyhound bus
Started on the journey to success with little resources
Roses come from everyone
Feeling the love from all directions
You're gonna have yourself some fun
Primed to enjoy the moment and make memories
When it's all done
After everything is said and done
You bite your tongue
Hold back what you wanted to say
You're feelin' so young
Feeling youthful and invigorated
No cover-ups
Open and honest
You're never alone
Supported by others
If you hear the call
If you are summoned
It's all for one
For the common good
And one for all
Everyone has each other's back
Baby we can dance, dance, dance
A suggestion to dance with someone
Feel the heat of the rhythm
Sensations from the energy and tempo of the music
Feel the heat of my hand
Sensation from holding someone's hand
I see the way that you're movin'
Admiration of the way someone dances
You need a little romance
Return to a romantic atmosphere
You have pride, just try and fight
Don't let your ego get in the way
You'll take on anyone
A willingness to stand up for oneself
Stupid pans and fans, no more laughs
Making fun of the haters and naysayers
It's only ten to one
Unfazed by the odds against them
It's gettin' late to worry 'bout a date
Don't stress over finding a date at this point
Still you have no one
Despite not having a date, still enjoying yourself
Twist of fate, you know it's too late
Realizing opportunities missed due to fate and timing
You turn on everyone
Blaming others for the missed opportunities
I think we have a chance
Hopeful that a romantic connection can be made
We'll dance, dance, dance
Promise to dance continuously
Lyrics © SMALL HOPE PRODUCTIONS LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ROBBIN LANTZ INDIV. & DBA RATT CROSBY, STEPHEN E. INDIV. & DBA RATT M PEARCY, WARREN INDIV. & DBA RATT MUSIC DE MARTINI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind