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
Motor City Madhouse
Ted Nugent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
High energy is all around tonight
Woh, you best beware
There's violence in the air tonight. Huh.
Well, Detroit city, she's the place to be
This mad dog town's gonna set you free
Oh, when do we mount the stage'
Ha ha ha ha ha
Woh, when you see my name
Gonna set this town a flame
That's right
Well, Detroit city's just the place to be
Murder town's gonna set you free tonight
Oh, no, ow!
Woh, those fortified motor cars,
High energy, and it's all ours
Ha ha ha ha ha
Dig this
Woh, such a heavy place for the boys and girls,
It's the murder capital of the world
Yeow!
Well, Detroit city, she's the place to be,
Ted Nugent's Motor City Madhouse is a song that is full of energy and excitement. The first part of the song talks about the high energy that can be felt in Detroit city. The lyrics warn of potential violence, meaning that the city is alive with both positive and negative energy. Nugent sings about the thrill of being in Detroit city, which he calls a mad dog town – a place that will set you free. He is talking about how the city has a wildness and an excitement that he finds invigorating.
The second part of the song is where Nugent begins to talk about the music. He asks when they will mount the stage and cause a mad dog rage, which means that they are ready to play and make the crowd go wild. He talks about how his name alone can ignite the city, setting it aflame. He sings about how Detroit city, which is known as "Murder Town," is just the place to be if you are looking for a high-energy, thrilling experience.
In the third part of the song, Nugent talks about the cars and the people in Detroit city. He says that the high energy in the city belongs to the people, and the fortified motor cars that they drive are also part of the energy. He talks about how Detroit city is a heavy place for both boys and girls, with a level of danger that makes it the murder capital of the world. The song is a celebration of the wild energy and high octane excitement that can be found in Detroit city.
Line by Line Meaning
Woh, welcome to my town
Ted Nugent is welcoming listeners to Detroit, Michigan, which he claims as his own town.
High energy is all around tonight
There's a lot of enthusiasm and excitement in the air in Detroit, leading up to what's about to happen.
Woh, you best beware
Ted is warning people that there is danger present in Detroit and to be cautious.
There's violence in the air tonight. Huh.
Ted feels a sense of aggression and tension in the atmosphere of the city.
Well, Detroit city, she's the place to be
Ted believes that Detroit is the place to be, and he is proud to be from there.
This mad dog town's gonna set you free
Detroit is a chaotic and unhinged city that will set you free from the constraints of normalcy and order.
Oh, when do we mount the stage'
Ted is eager to get on stage and perform for the audience.
Gonna cause a mad dog rage
Ted anticipates that his performance will cause the audience to react in a wild and frenzied way.
Ha ha ha ha ha
Ted is expressing his excitement and anticipation through laughter.
Woh, when you see my name
Ted believes that his reputation precedes him and that people will react to his name when they see it.
Gonna set this town a flame
Ted plans to ignite a spark in the city and incite excitement and chaos through his music.
That's right
Ted assures listeners that he means what he says and that his confidence is not misplaced.
Well, Detroit city's just the place to be
Ted reiterates his belief that Detroit is the place to be.
Murder town's gonna set you free tonight
Ted is acknowledging that Detroit has a reputation for crime and violence and is using it to enhance the excitement of the performance.
Oh, no, ow!
Ted is expressing his enthusiasm and anticipation through exclamations and sounds.
Woh, those fortified motor cars,
Ted is referring to the cars that Detroit is known for producing, which he sees as powerful and emblematic of the city's identity.
High energy, and it's all ours
Ted feels a sense of ownership over the energy and intensity of Detroit and its culture.
Ha ha ha ha ha
Ted continues to express his excitement and enthusiasm through laughter.
Dig this
Ted is drawing attention to what he's about to say next and indicating that it's something significant and interesting.
Woh, such a heavy place for the boys and girls,
Ted acknowledges that Detroit has a rugged and intense reputation, particularly for young people.
It's the murder capital of the world
Ted is referencing Detroit's reputation as a city with a high murder rate and using it as a point of pride and excitement for the performance.
Yeow!
Ted is expressing his excitement and enthusiasm through another sound.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TED NUGENT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind