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 âCome And Take Itâ 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
Snakeskin Cowboys
Ted Nugent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who the hell you think you are
You?re dancin? around with your high-heeled boots
Don?t think that should get you far
Just hangin? around with your fancy pants on
Ain't got nothin? on me
Thinking you got it right here on the stage
Stick around boys, maybe I can set you free
Snakeskin cowboys
Who the hell you think you are
You?re dancing around with your best pants on
Don?t think that should get too far
Just hangin? ?round with your high-heeled sneakers and
Dancin? all ?round the stage
Well, stick around boys I got some news
I?m gonna set you, I?m gonna set you free
Snakeskin cowboys
Who the hell you think you are
You?re prancin? around with your high-heeled boots
Don?t think that should get too far, no-o
Snakeskin fly-byes
Who the hell you think you are
Just hangin? ?round with your fancy pants on
Ain't got-a nothin? on me
Thinkin? you have a right, here on my stage
Stick around boys, maybe I can set you free
Snakeskin cowboys
Who the hell you think you are
Just strutting around with your fancy hairdos
I know you?d like to be a star no-no
Snakeskin cowboys
Who the hell you think you are
Dancing around with your high-heeled boots
Don?t think that should get too far
Oh, snakeskin fly-byes
Who the hell you think you are
Just dancin? around with your best pants on
Ain't gonna get too far
Oh, snakeskin cowboys?
Transcribed by G!
The song "Snakeskin Cowboys" by Ted Nugent is a critique on the pretentiousness and vanity of individuals who believe they are superior to others due to their fashion or appearance. The verses repeat a chorus-style refrain directed at the "snakeskin cowboys" who prance around in their high-heeled boots, fancy pants, and hairdos, thinking they have a right to perform on stage. Nugent, as the performer, sees through their act, claiming he has nothing to prove and can set them free from their egotism. The use of snakeskin in the lyrics is symbolic of the flashy, ostentatious, and phony nature of these individuals who try to impress others but lack genuine substance.
The song is also a commentary on the music industry and fame. The "snakeskin cowboys" represent those who have no talent, but due to their appearance and ability to put on a show, they are given a platform to succeed. Nugent, who was already successful at the time of the song's release, is signaling to those who want to follow in his footsteps to be genuine to themselves and their music, rather than relying on superficial gimmicks.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooh, snakeskin cowboys
Addressing the people who are dressed in flashy, extravagant, snakeskin outfits.
Who the hell you think you are
Questioning their identity and what makes them think they are special.
You?re dancin? around with your high-heeled boots
Pointing out their attention-grabbing behavior, like dancing in high heels.
Don?t think that should get you far
Suggesting that their behavior will not lead them to success or respect.
Just hangin? around with your fancy pants on
Accusing them of lingering around, dressed in expensive and flashy clothing.
Ain't got nothin? on me
Claiming superiority over them, stating that they are no match for him.
Thinking you got it right here on the stage
Pointing out their arrogance and belief that they are entitled to perform on his stage.
Stick around boys, maybe I can set you free
Challenging them to stay and see what he has to offer, implying that he can help them become better performers or people.
Snakeskin fly-byes
Referring to people who flit around in flashy clothing, like snakeskin fabric.
Just hangin? ?round with your fancy pants on
Calling out their behavior of standing around in expensive and fancy clothing.
Thinkin? you have a right, here on my stage
Challenging their sense of entitlement and perceived right to perform on his stage.
I?m gonna set you, I?m gonna set you free
Reiterating his earlier statement that he can help them become better performers or people.
Just strutting around with your fancy hairdos
Mocking their behavior of showing off with elaborate hairstyles.
I know you?d like to be a star no-no
Accusing them of having a desire to become famous, but suggesting that it will not happen for them.
Dancing around with your high-heeled boots
Pointing out their attention-grabbing behavior, like dancing in high heels.
Don?t think that should get too far
Suggesting that their behavior will not lead them to success or respect.
Snakeskin fly-byes
Referring to people who flit around in flashy clothing, like snakeskin fabric.
Just dancin? around with your best pants on
Mocking their behavior of dancing around in expensive and fancy clothing.
Ain't gonna get too far
Asserting that their behavior will not lead them to success or respect.
Oh, snakeskin cowboys?
Reiterating the original opening address to those dressed in flashy snakeskin outfits.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TED NUGENT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jddilligaff
my older brother gave this Album to me in 1976 I blew the speakers out on the stereo . listen to it still at 55 years old .
@bryanlayman7078
Hell yeah!!
@debbiespence2121
Well I am still listening to it as well and I am 56. It was soooo good back in the day and it is soooo good today! One of my fave's.
@rnasap
When you put that Uncle Ted's cassette in the Pioneer deck, those Jensen Triax's trembled in fear.
@nerdtechstore2023
im 53 my bestfriend when i was 8 lent me the first nugent tape been listening to him since 1975 rock on uncle Ted!!!!
@kenchall6503
Saw him back in 1968 when he was with the amboy dukes. A small club lots of lights, loud, shakin the walls. He was a wild man on that stage. Remember it like it was yesterday.
@jeffmays7192
Derek St Holmes! So underrated!!
@biggeorge2964
Hey baby
@wsc1955
And Ted is overated!
@dawn1316
Agree with