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)
Lovin' You
Ratt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Couldn't move a muscle like I had a heart attack
The night was wild and woolly
Didn't think I'd make it through it
'Cause lovin' you's a dirty job
And I'm the man to do it
Lovin' you is a dirty job, lovin' you is a dirty job
You put me through the ringer and hung me out to dry
You licked me off your fingers just like a piece of pie
You break my heart in pieces
But I've got the glue to glue it
Girl lovin' you's a dirty job
And I'm the man to do it
Lovin' you is a dirty job, lovin' you is a dirty job
Lovin you is a dirty job
Girl lovin' you's a dirty job and
I'm the man to do it
I'm gonna hold you till the end of time
I'm gonna love you 'cause it's now or never
I'm gonna kiss you till I make you mine
Lovin' you is a dirty job, lovin' you is a dirty job
I'm gonna hold you till the end of time
I'm gonna love you 'cause it's now or never
I'm gonna kiss you till I make you mine
Lovin' you is a dirty job, lovin' you is a dirty job
Lovin you is a dirty job
Girl your love is thicker than mud
And you're trying to drag me through it now
Lovin' you is a dirty job, lovin' you is a dirty job
The lyrics of Ratt's song Lovin' You's a Dirty Job portrays the difficulty and toughness of being in a relationship with someone who is high-maintenance and demanding. The singer wakes up exhausted after a wild night with his partner, feeling as if he had a heart attack. He compares his situation to a job, and not just any job, but a "dirty job" that needs to be done, and he's the man to do it. He acknowledges the challenges he faces in the relationship, as he goes through the "ringer" and struggles to mend his broken heart. However, he is determined to hold on to his partner and love her till the end of time, even with the difficulties and messiness that comes with loving this kind of woman.
The lyrics also suggest that his partner is aware of the effect she has on him and willingly "licks him off her fingers like a piece of pie," perhaps to illustrate her control and dominance in the relationship. The metaphor of love being a "dirty job" is compelling and relatable to anyone who has been in a demanding or difficult relationship. It suggests that although love can be quite challenging and messy, it can also be rewarding, and the singer is committed to doing the necessary hard work to make the relationship work.
Line by Line Meaning
I woke up in the mornin', I'm still flat on my back
I woke up extremely tired and physically incapable of moving.
Couldn't move a muscle like I had a heart attack
I am so drained from loving you that I cannot even physically move. It's like I'm having a heart attack.
The night was wild and woolly
The night was chaotic, unpredictable.
Didn't think I'd make it through it
I didn't think I would survive the night.
'Cause lovin' you's a dirty job
Loving you is a difficult and challenging task.
And I'm the man to do it
Despite how difficult it is, I am still the one who will continue to love you.
You put me through the ringer and hung me out to dry
You have exhausted me emotionally and abandoned me.
You licked me off your fingers just like a piece of pie
You treated me like I was disposable and insignificant.
You break my heart in pieces
You have shattered my heart into many fragments.
But I've got the glue to glue it
Nevertheless, I possess the ability to repair my broken heart.
Girl lovin' you's a dirty job
Loving you is messy and complicated.
And I'm the man to do it
But despite its difficulties, I am the one who will continue to love you.
I'm gonna hold you till the end of time
I will love and cherish you forever.
I'm gonna love you 'cause it's now or never
I will love you with all that I am because there isn't any time to waste.
I'm gonna kiss you till I make you mine
I will continue to give you my affection until you belong to me.
Girl your love is thicker than mud
Your love is complex and difficult to navigate.
And you're trying to drag me through it now
And you are expecting me to help navigate and sustain your thick, messy love.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DESMOND CHILD, JUAN CROUCIER, JUAN CARLOS CROUCIER, WARREN DE MARTINI, WARREN JUSTIN DE MARTINI, STEPHEN E PEARCY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind