Formed in Miami, Florida by Matt Kramer (vocals), Jason Bieler (guitar), Tom DeFile (bass) and Phil Varone (drums), the band managed to build up a solid following in their native Florida and eventually got signed to Atlantic records. It took a mere eleven days to record the debut album, and although it got rave reviews from critics, went mostly unnoticed by the record buying public.
The band hit it big with The Lizard and its #12 charting ballad "Love Is On The Way". The success of the ballad was a double-edged sword, it gave the band access to a huge new fan base, but several people grouped the band in with the other one hit wonders of the era. Shortly after the band's success DeFile left the band and was replaced by Chris McLernon. Prior to the recording of Water, Kramer also left the band and Bieler took over on vocals. The album was a commercial disappointment in America, but the band continued to have a loyal following overseas. Two more studio albums were recorded before the band decided to call it a day.
Bieler went on to form Super Transatlantic, and surprisingly the original Saigon Kick minus Bieler rejoined with Jeff Blando on guitar for some live shows. Varone also surfaced as the drummer for Skid Row during their 2003 comeback while Kramer pursues a solo career. The group continues to tour sporadically to this very day.
Spidee The Rapist
Saigon Kick Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, Spidee the rapist was a surfer
He had the best board in town
He waxed it far too often
And shocked the girls in town
Oh, Spidee the rapist is our hero
We all want to be more like him
Oh, Spidee the rapist went to Sweden
To find the girl of his dreams
She had a mohawk and a drink
Which is fair game to him
Oh, Spidee the rapist is our hero
We all need to be more like him
Oh, Spidee the rapist is in jail now
But he′s happy that he got laid
The girl has soon since recovered
But now she found out she is gay
Oh, Spidee the rapist is our hero
We all want to be more like him
Oh, Spidee the rapist is our hero
We all want to be more like him
One more time
Oh, Spidee the rapist is our hero
We all want to be more like him
One more time
Oh, Spi...
Spidee the rapist is our hero
We all want to be more like him
Spidee the rapist is our hero
We all want to be more like him
One, two, three, four
Spidee the rapist is our hero
We all want to be more like him
Oh, Spidee the rapist is our hero
We all want to be like him
Stop the... Stop
The lyrics of Saigon Kick’s song Spidee The Rapist are deeply disturbing and offensive, as they appear to glorify sexual assault and rape. The song tells the story of Spidee, a surfer who uses his charm and good looks to seduce women and then sexually assault them. The first verse describes Spidee as having the best surfboard in town, which he meticulously maintains by waxing it far too often. The second verse describes Spidee traveling to Sweden to find the girl of his dreams, whom he then drugs and sexually assaults. The final verse reveals that Spidee is in jail for his crimes, but he is still celebrated as a hero by his fans.
The disturbing lyrics of Spidee The Rapist have been interpreted as a critique of rape culture and toxic masculinity, and the song has been both praised and condemned for its controversial message. Some listeners argue that the song is a satire that exposes the absurdity of sexual violence, while others contend that it is a tasteless and offensive glorification of rape. Regardless of its intended message, Spidee The Rapist remains one of Saigon Kick’s most controversial and divisive songs, and its legacy continues to provoke passionate debate among fans and critics alike.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, Spidee the rapist was a surfer
Spidee the rapist is the kind of person who has a passion for something, in this case, for surfing.
He had the best board in town
Spidee the rapist owned a high-end surfboard that any surfer would dream of having.
He waxed it far too often
Spidee the rapist was meticulous about keeping his surfboard clean and smooth while also suggesting that he would intentionally groom himself excessively.
And shocked the girls in town
Spidee the rapist scared and distressed many young women in the town by his deeds.
Oh, Spidee the rapist is our hero
The artist of the song takes a sarcastic tone and is not stating but mocking that some might think Spidee the rapist is worth admiration.
We all want to be more like him
The sarcastic tone continues, emphasizing that no one truly wants to imitate or emulate Spidee the rapist's behaviour.
Oh, Spidee the rapist went to Sweden
Spidee the rapist traveled to Sweden to look for his 'dream girl,' which he apparently thought would be easier to find in a faraway land.
To find the girl of his dreams
Spidee the rapist was searching for a romantic partner but in a disturbing and inappropriate way.
She had a mohawk and a drink
Spidee the rapist's desired girl had a quirky haircut and was drinking alcohol.
Which is fair game to him
Spidee the rapist believed that any girl who displayed such behaviors was willing to engage in sexual acts with him.
Oh, Spidee the rapist is our hero
Again, the song's sarcasm is in full display as the singer is mocking people who admire Spidee the rapist.
We all need to be more like him
The song's satirical nature is underscored, as no one genuinely desires to be like Spidee the rapist.
Oh, Spidee the rapist is in jail now
Spidee the rapist was eventually caught, tried, and prosecuted and is now behind bars.
But he′s happy that he got laid
Spidee the rapist is satisfied with himself because he was able to have sexual intercourse with his victim.
The girl has soon since recovered
Spidee the rapist's victim is on the road to recovery after her traumatic experience.
But now she found out she is gay
Spidee the rapist's victim was previously believed to be heterosexual, but post-trauma discovered, she was gay. The line is an offensive and absurd attempt at humor.
Spidee the rapist is our hero
The repetition of this line only further highlights the satirical tone of the song.
We all want to be more like him
Again, the repetition of this line is satirical but also serves to emphasize that no one truly desires to have the same path as Spidee the rapist.
One more time
The singer is indicating that they will continue to repeat the song's chorus sarcastically.
Stop the... Stop
The song ends, and the singer is now suggesting we should put an end to this absurdity and deplorable societal norms of admiring wicked behaviours.
Contributed by Violet S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.