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)
No Surprise
Ratt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why live your life with no surprise
Why live your life with no surprise
Why live your life with no surprise
Hey!
Livin's easy when you think you've got control
Leave your problems behind you, take a hold
I'm gonna show you things you've never seen before
Why live your life with no surprise
I'll tell you something
(Tell you something)
Why waste your time, it's no surprise
You've got everything
You spoke the oldest crossing well over mine
You're running home cause I'm workin' late at night
And the way that you're move me, you make me want to scream
One in a million, you're right out of my dream
Why live your life with no surprise
There's only one thing
(Tell you one thing)
Why waste your time, it's no surprise
You've got everything
If they wanted your charms, you couldn't play their games
If they wanted your life, you couldn't push them away
After fighting for days, they couldn't beg you to stay
Now you're gonna live your own way
Why live your life with no surprise
I'll tell you something
(Tell you something)
Why waste your time, it's no surprise
You've got everything
(Everything)
Why live your life with no surprise
There's only one thing
(Tell you one thing)
Why waste your time, it's no surprise
You've got everything
Why live your life with no surprise
There's only one thing
(Tell you one thing)
The lyrics of Ratt's song "No Surprise" suggest that living life without any surprises is a waste of time. The repeated phrase "Why live your life with no surprise" emphasizes the need for exploration, adventure, and willingness to take risks. The song describes the easy life that one leads when they believe they have control, but the consequences of looking too closely can reveal that everything is not as it seems. The song goes on to suggest that one should leave their problems behind, take hold of something new, and venture into uncharted territory.
The second verse of the song describes a romantic relationship where the singer seems frustrated with their partner's actions. The partner has crossed a line, and the singer is left feeling angry and agitated. Despite the frustration, the singer can't help but feel drawn to their partner, describing them as "one in a million" and right out of their dreams.
The final verse of the song shifts to a broader perspective, suggesting that if someone wants to live their life without surprises, they will also miss out on the opportunity to live their life on their own terms. The song ends with the repeated phrase "why live your life with no surprise" as a final call to action for listeners to embrace life's surprises and live a fulfilling and exciting existence.
Overall, Ratt's "No Surprise" encourages listeners to embrace life's challenges and surprises, take risks, and live life to the fullest.
Line by Line Meaning
Why live your life with no surprise
Questioning the purpose of living a mundane life without any excitement or novelty.
Livin's easy when you think you've got control
Suggesting that an illusion of control over one's life makes living easier.
Don't look too close, you'll find your silver isn't gold
Warning against scrutinizing one's life too closely as it can reveal that things are not as good as they appear to be.
Leave your problems behind you, take a hold
Encouraging the listener to focus on new experiences rather than dwelling on their problems.
I'm gonna show you things you've never seen before
Promising to introduce the listener to new and exciting experiences.
I'll tell you something (Tell you something)
Introducing a new idea or insight that the singer is about to share.
Why waste your time, it's no surprise, You've got everything
Suggesting that the listener has everything they need to enjoy life and should not waste their time on mundane or unfulfilling activities.
You spoke the oldest crossing well over mine
Suggesting that the listener is manipulative or dishonest in their interactions with the artist.
You're running home cause I'm workin' late at night
Implying that the listener is not supportive of the artist's work and prioritizes their own needs above the artist's.
And the way that you're move me, you make me want to scream
Describing the intense and overwhelming effect that the listener has on the artist's emotions.
One in a million, you're right out of my dream
Describing the listener as being perfect or ideal in the singer's eyes.
If they wanted your charms, you couldn't play their games
Suggesting that the listener is too unique or valuable to be manipulated by others.
If they wanted your life, you couldn't push them away
Suggesting that the listener's life is too fulfilling and exciting to be ignored by others who might want a similar experience.
After fighting for days, they couldn't beg you to stay
Implying that the listener is independent and strong-willed, and cannot be swayed or convinced to stay in a situation they do not want to be in.
Now you're gonna live your own way
Celebrating the listener's decision to prioritize their own needs and desires rather than conforming to the expectations of others.
There's only one thing (Tell you one thing)
Introducing another new idea or insight that the artist is about to share.
You've got everything
Reiterating the idea that the listener already has everything they need to live a fulfilling and exciting life.
Lyrics © SMALL HOPE MUSIC
Written by: PEARCY DEMARTINI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind