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)
I Want A Woman
Ratt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
C'mon baby
C'mon baby
C'mon baby
Yeah!
Don't want to talk about itAnd I don't want to hear what's for sale
Just move on baby
Time has got you by the tail
Your tail
You don't know what you got till it's already gone
And now this gone as you can get
I try to reason with you but there's no reason at all
While I'm banging my head up against a brick wall
I want a woman
Not some little girl
Who had to grow up
In daddy's big world
I want a woman
Who can really love me, yeah
Dead ringer of a woman
You think I'm like a truck
Even I ain't gonna walk on glass
Well no chance
I try to love ya baby
But sometimes you're just a pain in the ass
The problem with you is that I can't get through
And all this proves is I can getI take you up north and then you want to go south
You're just leaving another bad taste in my mouth
I want a woman
Not some little girl
Who had to grow up
In daddy's big world
I want a woman
Who knows how to love me, yeah
Baby that's what I want
I want a woman
Not the teacher's pet
Who tried to grow up
But hasn't made it quite yet
I want a woman
Who makes me feel like nobody can
I want those legs
Groovy lips
(I want a woman)
With high heels
Shake those hips
(I want a woman)
Red dress
What a scene
(I want a woman)
C'mon baby
You'll be my wildest dreams, yeah!
(I want a woman)
I'm thinkin' now down the week so much
Think the chances that that woman's touch
I want a woman
Not some little girl
Who had to grow up
In daddy's big world
I want a woman
That knows how to love me, yeah
Baby that's what I want
I want a woman
Not the teacher's pet
Who tried to grow up
But hasn't made it quite yet
I want a woman
Who makes me feel like nobody can
I want those legs
Red dress
(I want a woman)
Groovy lips
Shake those hips
(I want a woman)
With high heels
C'mon baby
(I want a woman)
What a scene
You'll be my wildest dreams, yeah!
(I want a woman)
The song "I Want a Woman" by Ratt centers around the desire for a mature, affectionate partner rather than a childish, ill-mannered lover. Lead singer Stephen Pearcy is explicitly detailing his needs for a woman who can offer love, companionship, and passion without the emotional and social immaturity of a younger or less-experienced partner. Pearcy is searching for a woman who can appreciate him and reciprocate his feelings, rather than someone who is just after his material possessions or looks.
The opening "C'mon baby" lines create a playful and flirtatious tone, while the repeated refrains of "I want a woman" create a more serious and determined mood. The lyrics also reference some of the difficulties of dating and relationships - the frustration of trying to reason with a partner who doesn't listen, or the pain of feeling unappreciated or ignored. Throughout the song, the singer is looking for a woman who can break through those obstacles and offer a more meaningful connection.
Overall, "I Want a Woman" expresses a desire for love and companionship with someone who is emotionally mature, willing to listen, and able to reciprocate feelings of affection. The song is a classic example of 80s hard rock, mixing head-banging guitar riffs with lyrics that explore common themes of love, heartbreak, and desire, and it remains a popular track among fans of the genre.
Line by Line Meaning
C'mon baby
Repeating the phrase "C'mon baby" to convey excitement and anticipation
Yeah!
Exclaiming with enthusiasm
Don't want to talk about it
Expressing a desire not to discuss a topic
And I don't want to hear what's for sale
Disinterest in hearing about a sales pitch or promotion
Just move on baby
Suggesting for someone to move on from the topic being discussed
Time has got you by the tail
Implying that the person is stuck or caught up in time, unable to progress or change
Your tail
Repeating the phrase to emphasize this point
You don't know what you got till it's already gone
Explaining that sometimes people don't appreciate what they have until they lose it
And now this gone as you can get
Acknowledging that something is so far gone that it can't be salvaged
I try to reason with you but there's no reason at all
Admitting that trying to reason with someone is pointless
While I'm banging my head up against a brick wall
Expressing frustration and effort that goes to waste.
I want a woman
The desire for a mature and loving partner.
Not some little girl
Expressing the desire to have an adult woman who is responsible.
Who had to grow up
Expressing the need for a woman who has seen the tough part of life.
In daddy's big world
Implying the desire for an independent woman who can live equally.
Who can really love me, yeah
Expressing the need for real love and affection from a woman.
Dead ringer of a woman
The woman he wanted was the exact person he dreamed of.
You think I'm like a truck
Addressing his partner, who judges him or thinks he is robotic without emotions.
Even I ain't gonna walk on glass
Despite the things his partner may think, he will never ignore his needs and emotions.
Well no chance
Repeating to emphasize the point that he won't let someone else control him.
I try to love ya baby
While he's frustrated with her, he's still trying to love her.
But sometimes you're just a pain in the ass
Despite the love, the woman's behavior can still be taxing on him.
The problem with you is that I can't get through
Acknowledging the communication gap between them.
And all this proves is I can get
Frustration that nothing changes.
I take you up north and then you want to go south
Attempts to fix things don't work, and the woman wants to change what isn't broken.
You're just leaving another bad taste in my mouth
The overall behavior of the woman leaves a bitter taste in his mouth.
Not the teacher's pet
Expressions the need for a woman with more self-confidence and maturity.
Who tried to grow up
The desperation for a woman who is an adult in every aspect.
But hasn't made it quite yet
The need for a woman with ambition and maturity to achieve her goals.
Who makes me feel like nobody can
The need for a woman who makes him feel special and loved.
I want those legs
Expressing desire in a woman's figure and physical attributes.
Groovy lips
Further examples of wanting a physically attractive partner.
With high heels
Desire for a woman who is sophisticated in dress and appearance.
Shake those hips
Physical attraction and eroticism.
Red dress
Continuing the physical desire for a partner who is striking and stands out.
What a scene
Expressing the intensity of desire.
You'll be my wildest dreams, yeah!
Describing the ideal woman as a fulfillment of his desires.
I'm thinkin' now down the week so much
Thinking about his ideal partner or the relationship constantly.
Think the chances that that woman's touch
Hoping for the chance to be with his ideal partner.
That knows how to love me, yeah
Reiterating the need for a loving and caring partner who can understand him.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network
Written by: CROSBY, CROUCIER, HILL, PEARCY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rhino
Put on your leather pants, slide into your jean jacket, and grab the hairspray! Listen to the 80s Hard Rock & Hair Metal Hits playlist here 🤘🎸🔥 http://bit.ly/Best80sHardRock
@radegojic4862
@@GormanWattsandStarr Original is the best !!!
Not everthing looks good in HD
@radegojic4862
@@GormanWattsandStarr
Truth to say i wish to see both version original and HD i like both version.
@DragonboltBlastter
Still no 2160p reupload?
@DragonboltBlastter
@@GormanWattsandStarr That would be cool (2160p would be even cooler). However I always thought that one needs the (original analogue or digital) master tape (if @RHINO) still has it, to natively remaster it to 2160p. But sure man, would love to see this awsome clip in better quality
@DragonboltBlastter
@@GormanWattsandStarr By the way keep the original aspect ratio 4:3 and not 16:9 or it will look stretched out. I hate it when original channels stretch it to 16:9 (looks unnatural)
@colinweaver8139
That opening riff is hands down one of the best ones in 80's metal!
@andrewmcinnis1123
Guaranteed!! 🔥🔥🤘🤘😊
@victorhunter8900
Ratt always have catchy riffs.
@Titan19701
No thing better