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)
Give It All
Ratt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well no wastin' time, she's got plans for me
She came behind and then showed me her thighs
You know what I mean
Well no way to say she could win the likes of me
The life of me
And give it all to you
I'll find a reason now
Just give it all, just give it all"
I want to give you all my love tonight (give it all)
Just give a sign to me, I'll make it right (give it all)
A fashion plate in a way, she really was
She had style and class understand she'll pay to dance
She moved my soul, don't you know she's here to please
Well I'm on my knees, can't you see, move in on me
Move in on me
She said, "I'd like to wear you out
And give it all to you
I'll find a reason now
Just give it all, just give it all"
Give it all (Give it all)
Give it all (Give it all)
I said give it all (Give it all)
Give it all (Give it all)
Hey!
I want to give you all my love tonight (give it all)
Just give a sign to me, I'll make it right (give it all)
(Give it all)
The lyrics of Ratt's song "Give It All" depict a scenario in which the singer goes on a ride with a woman who has plans for him. She shows off her thighs and attempts to win him over by saying that she can give him everything he wants. The chorus emphasizes that the singer wants to give his love to this woman and is willing to do whatever it takes to make things right. The woman is depicted as someone with style and class, who enjoys dancing and pleasing others.
On one level, the song can be interpreted as a straightforward story of a man meeting a woman and feeling an immediate attraction to her. The sensual imagery of her thighs and the suggestion that she can give him everything he wants creates a sense of desire that is only heightened by the chorus's repetition of the phrase "give it all." However, there is also an undercurrent of sadness to the song, as the singer seems to be searching for something that he cannot quite find.
Overall, "Give It All" is a catchy and memorable song that showcases Ratt's ability to write hook-filled rock anthems that have stood the test of time.
Line by Line Meaning
Taken away on a ride not far from here
I was taken on a journey, not too far from where I currently am.
Well no wastin' time, she's got plans for me
She has a clear plan for our time together and wants to get right to it.
She came behind and then showed me her thighs
She approached me from behind and revealed her thighs, symbolizing her intention to be sexually intimate.
You know what I mean
I'm sure you understand the implication behind her behavior.
Well no way to say she could win the likes of me
The life of me
I didn't think someone like her could attract someone like me.
She said, "I'd like to wear you out
And give it all to you
I'll find a reason now
Just give it all, just give it all"
She expressed her desire to have sexual intercourse with me and promised to find a reason for us to do so.
I want to give you all my love tonight (give it all)
Just give a sign to me, I'll make it right (give it all)
I am willing to give my all to you tonight and I just need a signal from you to proceed.
A fashion plate in a way, she really was
She had style and class understand she'll pay to dance
She had a sense of fashion, style, and class, and was willing to pay to dance.
She moved my soul, don't you know she's here to please
Well I'm on my knees, can't you see, move in on me
Move in on me
She was able to arouse me emotionally and I desire her to come closer to me.
Give it all (Give it all)
Give it all (Give it all)
I said give it all (Give it all)
Give it all (Give it all)
The repeated lyrics signify the singer's strong desire for the woman to give herself to him fully.
Hey!
An enthusiastic exclamation.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ROBBIN CROSBY, STEPHEN PEARCY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
stratamaster78
Taken away on a ride not far from here
Well no wastin' time, she's got plans for me
She came behind and then showed me her thighs
You know what I mean
Well no way to say she could win the likes of me
The life of me
She said, "I'd like to wear you out
And give it all to you
I'll find a reason now
Just give it all, just give it all"
I want to give you all my love tonight (give it all)
Just give a sign to me, I'll make it right (give it all)
A fashion plate in a way, she really was
She had style and class understand she'll pay to dance
She moved my soul, don't you know she's here to please
Well I'm on my knees, can't you see, move in on me
Move in on me
She said, "I'd like to wear you out
And give it all to you
I'll find a reason now
Just give it all, just give it all"
Give it all (Give it all)
Give it all (Give it all)
I said give it all (Give it all)
Give it all (Give it all)
Hey!
I want to give you all my love tonight (give it all)
Just give a sign to me, I'll make it right (give it all)
(Give it all)
Tif Elliott
Ratt is/was a great band. They were very underrated in my opinion.
Dave A.
Invasion had the sickest Ratt riffs!
Shami Fasahat
@Michael Williams bro! love you and your lovely information about Robbin Crosby's solo leads and twin leads...huge fan of RATT and Robbin with love and respect from Pakistan
ColtraneTaylor
@Michael Williams Thanks! That's great info.
Michael Williams
@ColtraneTaylor Robbin Crosby could solo very well once upon a time before the drugs ruined his whole life too. His solos on this album are the following: Never Use Love, Closer To My Heart, What You Give Is What You Get & You Should Know By Now.
Out Of The Cellar: Wanted Man (Twin Lead), Round and Round (Twin Lead), She Wants Money, Lack of Communication, The Morning After (Trading Licks Live Only) & Scene of the Crime (Twin Lead)
Ratt: Tell The World & You Think Your Tough
ColtraneTaylor
@Zac22 The riff OP referred to was Crosby's. DeMartini was a great soloist but not the riff machines that Crosby and Croucier were.
Zac22
Dimartini's licks were sick for sure on this one 👍
caleb productions
Robbin crosby had great songwriting capabilities and emotional guitar work , especially on this album.
Bob Bowie
Rip
Steven Hager
Invasion of your privacy was one of my favorite Ratt albums. Very underappreciated band over time.