"The McCoys" had enjoyed four years of successful touring, when Rick merged his talents with Johnny Winter in 1969 forming "Johnny Winter And" ("And" referring to "The McCoys").
Rick was the only producer of all gold and platinum Winter Brothers recordings.
In '71 Rick was featured on three records, "Johnny Winter And", "Johnny Winter And-Live" and "Edgar Winter's White Trash". "And" featured the first version of Derringer's "Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo" which was also released as a single, then selected again for "And - Live".
Eventually the busy Derringer joined Edgar's White Trash full-time and produced the gold LP, "Roadwork". Derringer's solo album, "All American Boy" was released in '73 with the now already popular "Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo", this time as a 'hit' single.
Rick was writer/producer of Johnny Winter's "Still Alive and Well" album and was player/producer of the Edgar Winter Group's hit album, "They Only Come Out At Night". The latter featured the No. 1, Grammy nominated monster hit, "Frankenstein" and "Free Ride".
In 1976 Rick created the Derringer Band. He released four albums and in '83 returned to his solo career with the LP, "Good Dirty Fun".
Throughout the 70's and 80's the popular Derringer appeared on numerous albums with artists Alice Cooper, Richie Havens, Todd Rundgren and Steely Dan. The list also includes Cyndi Lauper, Barbra Streisand, Kiss, Mason Ruffner and Madam X.
In the mid-80's, Derringer discovered Weird Al Yancovic, producing music for Grammy-winning albums and videos. Derringer's productions of the Michael Jackson parodies, the No. 1 hit "Eat It", and "Who's Fat", have been Yancovic's most successful recordings.
It was also in the 90's that Rick was selected to be producer/writer/performer of the World Wrestling Federation LP's. Hulk Hogan's theme song, "I Am A Real American" was written and performed by Rick in the 80's as a part of these projects.
Derringer was once again sought after by Edgar Winter and in 1990, performed for the LP, "Edgar Winter and Rick Derringer Live in Japan". Then in 1999 Rick and Edgar were back together again for their collaboration on his "Winter Blues" CD.
Derringer also recorded four blues CD's starting in '93 with "Back To the Blues" followed by "Electra Blues", "Blues Deluxe" and his 2000 release "Jackhammer Blues".
At about that same period Derringer, who seems to be constantly in motion, released his destined-to-be-classic "Tend the Fire" in Europe to rave reviews and is eagerly expected by his loyal fans here in the US.
The year 2001 was another busy one for Rick. His venture back into Rock & Roll with Vanilla Fudge superstars Carmine Appice and Tim Bogert produced a recording of intense synergy - "Doin' Business As..." (for Derringer, Bogert & Appice) with vocals, writing and instrumentals shared by all three. 2004 promises a reprise for Derringer and Appice, with the release of "D-N-A".
After "D B A", the next project was truly a work from the heart and soul of Rick and his wife Brenda. Entitled "Aiming 4 Heaven", it brought forth their devotion to God and put it into song with help from their children, Lory & Martin. That project opened the doors for a worldwide release on Reborn Records, as Rick and Brenda are currently putting the finishing touches on the brand new "Still Alive And Well", their second all Christian CD. With a scheduled release date of May, 2004, their fans are already expressing impatience.
We can't forget the Winter of 2002, where Rick ventured into a whole new musical world - Smooth Jazz. Interest in "Rick Derringer Free Ride" grew quickly at radio, and the second single "Hot And Cool" (in the 'Radio and Records' top 20 for 5 months, and number 42 for the year) showed Derringer right at home in the format. It might come as a surprise, but as he explains, it's the kind of music he's been waiting to do his whole life. His wife Brenda is featured as co-writer on three new songs, and arranger/singer on the title cut.
2006 saw the release of 'Live At Cheney Hall' an energetic outing with Rick Derringer, Bruce Waibel (Firehouse and Greg Allman Band) and Tom Curiale. Rick is known for his live performances and this one is a must for any fan!
It seems like almost too much story to take in at one sitting, but the most surprising part is, he's just getting started.
Description provided by www.rickderringer.com
Cheap Tequila
Rick Derringer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lonely smell that fills the room
Roses in your low-rent tomb
A picture made of cheap perfume
Sad old rag, sad young hag
Clothes that hide the early sag
Sequins on a lame bag
Drink up and be happy
Live just for today
Drown in cheap tequila
And flush yourself away.
Flush yourself away.
Worn out dream, washed up scheme
Blueprint for a death machine
Scared wrists on a movie queen
A picture of a worn out dream.
Drink up and be happy
Live just for today
Drown in cheap tequila
And flush yourself away.
Drink up and be happy
Live just for today
Drown in cheap tequila
And flush yourself away.
Flush yourself away.
Flush yourself away.
The lyrics of Rick Derringer's song "Cheap Tequila" comment on the emptiness and despair that can come with using alcohol to escape reality. The first verses describe a lonely person who fills their room with the smell of "cheap perfume" and lives in a "low-rent tomb." The image painted is one of a sad old rag who covers her early sagging body with worn-out clothes and sequins on a lame bag. All of these things- the smell, the clothes, the decor- create a picture of someone who is trying to mask their sadness with material possessions. The chorus then reminds the listener that they can drink themselves into happiness and forget about the future. The lyrics conjure up images of a worn-out dream that is a blueprint for a death machine. The final lines instruct the listener to "flush yourself away," as if they are being encouraged to pursue their own self-destruction.
The lyrics are not without their own sense of irony- the song is itself a drinking song, and the lively rock beat and guitar solos encourage a listener to do the very thing the lyrics warn against- drowning oneself in alcohol. For this reason, some have interpreted the lyrics as a cautionary tale rather than a celebration of drinking. The song has persisted as a classic rock staple, perhaps because it captures the spirit of 1970s decadence and social upheaval that was happening at the time- a time when young people were trying to find their way in a changing world and often turned to drugs and alcohol to escape.
Line by Line Meaning
Cheap perfume, sweet perfume
The scent of a particular perfume is powerful but not always indicative of quality.
Lonely smell that fills the room
The feeling of loneliness can be just as overpowering as a strong scent.
Roses in your low-rent tomb
The beauty of a rose can be seen even in a less-than-ideal setting.
A picture made of cheap perfume
A memory or image can be just as powerful as a physical object, even if it was created with something cheap and fleeting.
Sad old rag, sad young hag
Even youth and beauty can fade with time, leaving only the sadness behind.
Clothes that hide the early sag
People sometimes try to cover up imperfections and signs of aging, even though they are inevitable.
Sequins on a lame bag
Putting something shiny and flashy on a cheap and unremarkable object doesn't necessarily make it valuable or desirable.
The sparkle of a sad old rag.
Even though something no longer has value or worth, it may still have a certain charm or draw to it.
Drink up and be happy
The idea of happiness can be found in temporary pleasures, like alcohol.
Live just for today
Sometimes it's easier to focus on the present moment rather than think too far ahead into the future.
Drown in cheap tequila
The solution to problems can sometimes be found in escapism rather than practical solutions.
And flush yourself away.
Choosing to escape rather than face reality can have negative consequences.
Worn out dream, washed up scheme
Just like people, dreams and goals can become tired and exhausted with time.
Blueprint for a death machine
The pursuit of something that is ultimately harmful or destructive can have dire consequences.
Scared wrists on a movie queen
Even people who seem glamorous and put-together can have hidden fears and insecurities.
A picture of a worn out dream.
Memories of dreams and aspirations can stay with someone long after they are gone.
Flush yourself away.
The idea of disappearing or escaping permanently may seem enticing, but it is not a viable solution to problems.
Flush yourself away.
Repeating the same destructive behavior may lead to the same destructive results, and ultimately be a waste of time and life.
Contributed by Reagan K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.