He got his start around 1965 when, as a teenager living in Chicago inspired by contemporary rock n roll, he formed the first version of The Amboy Dukes. The name harks back to a somewhat infamous exploitation novel of the time. When Nugent went back to his Michigan roots in 1967, he assembled what would be the classic line-up of the Dukes, and they built a reputation as a raucous group. Their 1968 album Journey to the Center of the Mind, the title track blasting into the top 20, brought the band national stardom, but they would become bogged down in inter-group conflicts that left the Nuge the sole constant member.
Going solo, Nugent achieve fame as a solo artist for an arena-ready mix of hard rock with blues and psychedelic influences, particularly getting a reputation for wild stage performances by antics such as playing dressed as Tarzan (with just a loincloth on). In the 80s, the Nuge even tried his hand at acting in a haunting episode of the TV drama Miami Vice. It received both a strong critical and fan response.
In 1989, he joined Tommy Shaw of Styx, Jack Blades of Night Ranger, and drummer legend Michael Cartellone to form the hard rock supergroup Damn Yankees, which produced the 90s chart toppers "Come Again", a Billboard's #1, and "High Enough", an emotional power ballad (backed by a string section no less). The latter track led to the creation of a popular music video, the song reaching #3 on the U.S. Hot 100 and #2 on the AOR charts. After the band's folding, the Nuge continued his solo career and even managed yet another stint in a rock supergroup, this one being the TV series produced Damnocracy
Outside of music, Nugent has gained fame and notoriety, leading to widespread controversy, for his support of hunting and for various conservative political causes. His comments vehemently blasting various public figures from Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have brought his name frequently to the headlines. He's also an important member of the NRA (National Rifle Association). He's written four books and numerous articles while also appearing many times in the news media, with his autobiography appropriately titled 'God, Guns, & Rock n' Roll.'
Besides a regular reality type show on cable showcasing Ted's outdoorsman skills, his most recent foray in music was the aformentioned reality television show, titled 'Supergroup', which resulted in the creation of band called Damnocracy. The band's other members were Sebastian Bach (formerly of Skid Row), Scott Ian (Anthrax) Jason Bonham ("Bonham", son of Zeppelin's John Bonham) and Evan Seinfeld (Biohazard). Though coming to an end quickly, it generated a large fan response.
Throughout his career, Nugent has climbed up the Billboard charts with multiple singles and albums. His latest album was titled 'Ultralive Ballisticrock', and he released it in 2013 through Frontiers Records. He continues to tour as of 2014, and plans for yet another album is in the works.
American rocker Ted Nugent has unveiled a lyric video for his new single “Come And Take It” from his upcoming studio album Detroit Muscle, which will be released via Pavement Music on April 29, 2022.
For photographs and more information see Ted Nugent's official website, www.TedNugent.com
I Shoot Back
Ted Nugent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Right was right and wrong was wrong
I shoot back sho’ nuff bad
I shoot back shoot ‘em up
Now is the time
Be loud & proud
Avoid the crowd
Now I shoot back and I shoot ‘em up
Time to shoot back
Sho’ nuff bad
My kids know ‘bout family ties
Reward the truth and punish the lies
Shoot back
Got to shoot back
Time for you to shoot back
‘Cause it’s my life and I’m in charge
Make your stand
Ted Nugent's song "I Shoot Back" is an anthem for taking control of one's life and standing up for what is right. In the first two lines, Nugent speaks of a time in the past when people had a clear sense of right and wrong, and when men were strong enough to stand up for their convictions. However, in the present day, Nugent suggests that people have become complacent and lack the courage to make a stand against injustice. He urges his listeners to be "loud & proud" and to avoid simply following the crowd.
The refrain "I shoot back sho' nuff bad / I shoot back shoot 'em up" can be interpreted in a few different ways, but one possible reading is that Nugent is metaphorically shooting back at those who have wronged him or who would try to take away his rights. In this context, "shooting back" could mean standing up for oneself, being defiant in the face of oppression or adversity. The line "My kids know 'bout family ties / Reward the truth and punish the lies" reinforces the idea of standing up for what is right, and teaching the next generation to do the same.
Overall, "I Shoot Back" is a song that encourages listeners to take control of their lives and be willing to fight for what they believe in. Nugent's use of gun-related imagery may be controversial, but it also underscores the message of strength and defiance that runs throughout the song.
Line by Line Meaning
There was a time when man stood strong
In the past, men were confident in their morals and values.
Right was right and wrong was wrong
It was easier to determine right from wrong in those times.
I shoot back sho’ nuff bad
I will retaliate with force when provoked, without hesitation.
I shoot back shoot ‘em up
I will use guns to defend myself and my beliefs.
Now is the time
The current situation demands immediate action.
Be loud & proud
One should be confident and vocal about their beliefs.
Got to make your stand
One must take a firm stance and defend their beliefs.
Avoid the crowd
It is important to think independently and not follow the herd mentality.
My kids know ‘bout family ties
I have instilled in my children the values of loyalty and family unity.
Reward the truth and punish the lies
I believe in honesty and integrity, and will take action against those who deceive.
Got to shoot back
One must be prepared to defend themselves against any threat.
Time for you to shoot back
It is time for others to stand up for themselves and their beliefs.
‘Cause it’s my life and I’m in charge
I am responsible for my own life and my own actions, and will defend myself and my beliefs accordingly.
Make your stand
Take a firm stance and defend your beliefs, even if it means using force.
Time to shoot back
It is time to take action against those who threaten your safety and beliefs.
Sho’ nuff bad
Defending yourself and your beliefs may have negative consequences, but it is necessary.
Contributed by Addison H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Raphaël Bouchara
So much Groove, Funk and Blues roots in this album
Mark Kirkbride
best album Uncle Ted made.
BB_ LZ
Right up there with Call of the Wild and Tooth, Fang and Claw at any rate.
JayMc
Not really
iFly969
thanks so much for the upload, I couldn't find the song anywhere only the lyrics, btw nice quality
Scott Nowlin
TED THE MOTOR CITY MAD MAN SOBER AND FREE IN THE USA YOU ROCK DUDE
MetalMilitian13
Somebody please please please teach me how to play this song. Tab it, post a video, or at least tell me the chords he uses. I wanna learn this song so bad, but i cant figure it out on my own D:
BB_ LZ
I think Ted covers part of it on his Guitar Instruction Video. It also contains clear instruction on how to properly deal with keyboards...
Mark Kirkbride
+MetalMilitian13 hahahaaa. its challenging. I figured it out. that undulating beat is so frickin intense! practice practice and more practice!