Arguably Streetheart's most popular single, "Under My Thumb" (1979), was a remake of a song by the Rolling Stones, who were an early Streetheart influence. At the peak of their career, Streetheart toured with several Canadian rock bands including Chilliwack, Rush, Toronto, Harlequin, Max Webster (see Kim Mitchell), Aldo Nova, April Wine, Headpins and with American bands including Sammy Hagar, Styx, Kansas, Blue Öyster Cult, and with Australia's AC/DC.
Streetheart received two Ampex Golden Reel awards, a Music Express Magazine Award, and a Chimo Award (Canadian Country Music Award) and were voted the most popular Canadian act in the Peoples' Choice Awards. In 2003, Streetheart was inducted into the Western Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
JULY 21, 2017
Kenny Shields, who led the Winnipeg rock group Streetheart for four decades, died Friday morning after undergoing cardiac surgery.
Streetheart bandmate Jeff Neill announced the news early Friday with a post on his Facebook account.
"It is with deep sadness and regret that I announce that our dear friend and bandmate Kenny Shields has passed away quietly and peacefully early this morning at the St. Boniface General Hospital in Winnipeg," Neill wrote, adding that Shields' wife Elena, daughter Julia and sister Sharlene were by his side.
"I loved him as a friend and as a special performer," says Howard Mandshein, a friend and fan of Shields who works at CITI-FM in Winnipeg. "Kenny was a performer. Kenny owned the stage. He could give lessons on how to work the stage. Just flawless."
winnipegfreepress.com With files from The Canadian Press
Hollywood
Streetheart Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Such a strange girl, you're sure looking good
Turn on your radio and throw out your gum
I don't know where you're goin'
Or where you're comin' from
Hollywood, what's your real name, girl?
How'd you get the car, those diamonds, and pearls?
I don't believe I wanna be a part of your mystery
Hollywood, Hollywood, Hollywood, Hollywood
Hollywood, is it true what they say
Eat 'em up, spit 'em out
And then you just throw them away?
Hollywood, you love when you make the rules
Step right up, ladies and gentlemen
Here comes the stumbling fool
Hollywood, Hollywood, Hollywood, Hollywood
Hollywood, Hollywood, Hollywood, Hollywood
Hollywood
Hollywood
Hollywood
Hollywood
Hollywood
The song "Hollywood" by the Canadian rock band Streetheart is all about the glitz, glamour and superficiality of Hollywood, California, the epicenter of the American film industry. The lyrics describe the mysterious and alluring nature of Hollywood and the people who live there. The singer of the song warns the listener to be careful of Hollywood’s ways, as it is a place that is full of shallow people and fabricated images.
The lyrics suggest that Hollywood is a place where people fake their identities, and where fame and fortune can be attained by stepping on others. The lines "Eat 'em up, spit 'em out / And then you just throw them away?" allude to the cut-throat nature of the entertainment industry in which people are used and abused for the sake of success.
Streetheart captures the essence of the darker side of Hollywood through the song's music and lyrics, creating an image of the city that is both seductive and dangerous.
Line by Line Meaning
Hollywood, whoa, yeah, yeah, yeah
The song being addressed to Hollywood and the singer expressing their curiosity towards it.
Such a strange girl, you're sure looking good
The singer acknowledging that Hollywood is visually attractive, but still a mystery to them.
Turn on your radio and throw out your gum
A request to tune out distractions and pay attention to the song, indicating that it holds a message about Hollywood.
I don't know where you're goin' or where you're comin' from
The singer's confusion about Hollywood's origins and intentions.
Hollywood, what's your real name, girl?
A request for Hollywood to reveal its true identity.
How'd you get the car, those diamonds, and pearls?
A genuine inquiry about the source of Hollywood's wealth and possessions.
Magazine baby, why you lookin' at me?
The singer questioning why Hollywood is drawn to them, possibly thinking it could be for their status.
I don't believe I wanna be a part of your mystery
The singer acknowledging that they may not want to be associated with Hollywood and its secrets.
Hollywood, is it true what they say
The singer asking if rumors about Hollywood are true, indicating that it may not have a good reputation.
Eat 'em up, spit 'em out, and then you just throw them away?
The singer expressing concern that Hollywood may use and discard people easily without regard for their well-being.
Hollywood, you love when you make the rules
The singer noting that Hollywood enjoys having power and control.
Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, here comes the stumbling fool
The singer cautioning others about entangling themselves with Hollywood despite its potentially harmful habits and tendencies.
Hollywood, Hollywood, Hollywood, Hollywood
Reiteration of the theme of the song: a deep fascination and confusion with regards to what Hollywood is and represents.
Hollywood
A final repetition of the song's title, indicating that the singer is still fixated on the idea of Hollywood despite their reservations.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MATTHEW ROBERT FRENETTE, DARYL FLOYD GUTHEIL, JOHN HANNAH, KENNETH WAYNE SHIELDS, KENNETH MURRAY SINNAEVE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
John LaStrada
Hollywood and rock are not compatible.
Hollywood and rock are like oil and vinegar. They can be put together but they seldom mix.
Can you name an instance where it worked except for the generosity of Ed Sullivan when he gave Elvis, The Beatles and The Stones spots on his show? And that was more for America's approval than an acceptance.
Don't say "Woodstock" -- that was filmed freelance and not by a Hollywood studio. Elvis' movies were travelogues, Sgt Peppers was a mess, Animal House was a comedy with rock songs inserted, Barbra Streisand is not rock. Maybe the only good rock broadcast (and it was cable) was The Last Waltz by The Band.
Midnight Special, American Bandstand, Shindig, Hullabaloo -- mostly lip-sync performances by forgettable singers. MTV -- how long did they cater to rock before they abandoned all the videos? When was the last time you saw Dylan on a TV talk show?
Have you seen any hour or two concerts on broadcast TV with the Dave Matthews Band, Counting Crows, or Bruce Springsteen? Lots of Rolling Stone concerts any on broadcast TV lately? Interviews with any big musicians on PBS? Even Austin City Limits has people late at night I've never heard of.
Hollywood and rock -- not compatible. Why even sing about them? Of course, maybe Streetheart was being sarcastic about it. That's rock and roll.
Elias Ascui
RIP Kenny, what a voice!!
19Gui86
wow this has got to be the most underrated song in the world. its not even my favorite or anything.. but its FUCKING GOOD STILL
gordon mackenzie
If you've played this on 250 Watt systems, then you know how Clear and Awesome this Vinyl really is!!! :)
Luke Hanlon
Yeah mate…I’ve got 1967 wharfdales🤩
Anishinaabe
Thank you! I witnessed the band perform this at Rock Ambleside 2019 in West Vancouver, British Columbia. It sounded incredible. Cheers!
felinefanatic
Awesome guitar rock song!!!
jaytotheell
a damned tight song! fantastic for the highschool dances in my years!
Rigel Moon
I damned sure everybody got up for this one.
DougFM1962
Great tune! I used it for a DVD I made of my flying club leaving Van Nuys, California on our way back to Ottawa, Canada. We flew right past the big Hollywood sign, perfect song for that part of the video.
Lynda Malarsky
That voice, that voice, that voice.