Tenacious D's music showcases Black's theatrical vocal delivery and Gass' acoustic guitar playing abilities. Their songs discuss the duo's purported musical and sexual prowess, as well as their friendship and cannabis usage. Their debut self-titled album features absurd and humorous sketches. Music critics have compared the storyteller-style lyrics of their songs to lyrics of rock opera. In addition, they have since recorded two albums, and starred in their own movie, Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny.
Black and Gass, at the time respectively aged 16 and 24, met in Edinburgh, Scotland during the Edinburgh Fringe of 1989. Both were members of the Los Angeles-based theatre troupe, The Actors' Gang which was performing Tim Robbins and Adam Simon's play Carnage. Initially Black and Gass did not get on as Gass felt threatened by Black - as he was the main musician for the Actor's gang - but they eventually worked out their differences, and agreed to form a band. Gass taught Black to play guitar, in exchange for Black's helping him with his acting.
Initially, Black and Kyle covered songs by Bobby McFerrin. Later they chose the name "Tenacious D" - a name derived from a term used by sports commentator Marv Albert about the tenacious defense of the NBA's New York Knicks - decided by the audience of the band's first live show, in 1994 at the now defunct Al's Bar. Other possibilities had included "Pets or Meat", "Balboa’s Biblical Theatre" and "The Axe Lords Featuring Gorgazon’s Mischief", which Gass described as being his personal favorite. In attendance was David Cross who later cast Tenacious D in his sketch comedy television series, Mr. Show.
TV series:
David Cross, with the writer Bob Odenkirk from Mr Show, continued his involvement with Tenacious D by producing three half-hour shows based on the band. The series, entitled Tenacious D, premiered in 1997, immediately following an episode of Mr. Show. While a total of three episodes consisting of two shorts, ten to twelve minutes in length, were produced, only the first was aired that year; the final two episodes did not air until the summer of 2000. The series was canceled after, according to Gass, HBO offered Tenacious D ten episodes, but in doing so, they would have to relinquish their role as executive producers. Gass and Black decided to make a movie instead. Many songs that eventually were included on the band's first album were first featured on the show, though the episodes also contain songs that remain unreleased.
The six shorts were titled "The Search for Inspirado", "Angel in Disguise", "Death of a Dream", "The Greatest Song in the World", "The Fan", and "Road Gig". After the series aired, the band continued to perform. At a show at the Viper Room in Los Angeles, they met Dave Grohl, who remarked that he was impressed with their performance; this led to their cameo in the Foo Fighters' "Learn to Fly" music video. The popularity of Tenacious D further increased as they began to open for high profile acts, including Beck, Pearl Jam, and Foo Fighters.
Lyrics and themes:
The Devil CardSatire and comedy are a major aspect of Tenacious D's lyrical content. Gass said of their approach: "I'd love to do the straight music thing, but that's kind of against our mission, which is to rebel against the serious singer-songwriter mentality." Their songs evoke heavy metal clichés of bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. In particular, the song "Dio" pokes fun at the idea of a torch being passed "Now it's time for him to pass the torch" Songs like "Friendship" parody the lack of real friendship in rock groups with the lyric "As long as there's a record deal, we'll always be friends" Other songs cover the topic of sex; "Kielbasa" discusses anal sex, while "Double Team" boasts of the duos sexual prowess. Tenacious D also employs the technique of deliberate backmasking on "Karate", a technique synonymous with bands like Slayer, who recorded a message in Hell Awaits.. The band's imagery also continues the theme of evil. The front cover of Tenacious D features Black and Gass standing naked below the Devil. Black described it as he and Gass being "schooled by Satan". The pose is similar to that shown on the Devil tarot card. The Devil card signifies sexual desire, uncontrolled energy, vice and addiction.
Tenacious D's music has been criticized for its frequent use of profanity. In addition, other critics have described the band as having exhausted the joke of "cock rock".
Influences:
Black has said that the first song he enjoyed was ABBA's "Take a Chance on Me". He attributes influences from Dio, Black Sabbath, Meat Loaf and Bobby McFerrin. Gass describes their influences as being derived from "big dinosaurs of rock" such as Led Zeppelin. In addition, Gass lists his influences as being Tom Waits, Tony Hawk and Tony Robbins. The band claimed that the inspiration for the song "Tribute" came after Black played Metallica's "One" for Gass, describing it as "the best song in the world", leading to a failed attempt to themselves write an even better song.
Gass has described Tenacious D's comic assertion that they are the best band as being "ridiculous because it's a matter of opinion". Black characterizes Tenacious D's comic nature as an antidote to "the masculinity of rock", adding "There's also something funny about the macho-ness of rock. Like the bands that are the fucking hardest rocking are like, 'We'll fucking kick your ass, dude... with our rock.'"
Tenacious D is featured in the highly anticipated video game "Guitar Hero III". `The Metal' is prominently featured in the game's trailer released at E3 2007.
Tenacious D also did backing vocals on the Styx song "Kiss Your Ass Goodbye". It can be found on the album "Cyclorama" from 2003.
They were included in Rock Band 2 with their song "Master Exploder".
In October of 2009 Jack Black starred as roadie Eddie Riggs in the open world video game Brütal Legend by Double Fine Productions on the XBOX 360 and Playstation 3.
Wonderboy
Tenacious D Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There sits Wonderboy, sitting oh so proudly.
Not much to say when you're high above the mucky-muck.
Yeah, yeah.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power?
Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck man?
[spoken]
archrival and nemesis of Wonderboy, with powers comparable to Wonderboy.
What powers you ask? I dunno how 'bout the power of flight?
That do anything for ya? That's levitation, holmes.
How 'bout the power to kill a yak from 200 yards away...
with mind bullets! That's telekinesis, Kyle.
How 'bout the power to move you?
History of Wonderboy and Young Nastyman,
Riggah-goo-goo, riggah-goo-goo.
A secret to be told, a gold chest to be bold,
And blasting forth with three-part harmony, yeow!
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power?
Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck man?
[spoken]
Well, Wonderboy and Young Nastyman joined forces;
they formed a band the likes of which have never been seen,
and they called themselves Tenacious D. That's right,
[sung]
Me! And KG!
[KG (spoken):] That's me.
[sung]
We're now Tenacious D!
Come fly with me, fly!
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power?
Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck man,
Oh!
[spoken]
Take my hand!
Young Nastyman, and we'll fly!
Bring out your broadsword.
There's the hydra.
Slice his throat!
And grab his scroat.
You take the high road,
I'll take the low.
There, the crevasse,
Fill it with your mighty juice.
The lyrics of "Wonderboy" by Tenacious D narrate a story about a character named Wonderboy, who is perched on a castle made of clouds high above the mucky-muck world below. Wonderboy is held in high regard for his extraordinary power, but the singer of the song doesn't know what it is. He begs Wonderboy to take him far away from the mucky-muck man, who represents the mundane and unexciting aspects of life. Young Nastyman is introduced as an adversary with powers comparable to Wonderboy, and it is revealed that the two eventually join forces to form the band Tenacious D.
The song creates a world where anything is possible, where characters possess extraordinary abilities, and where the mundane world below is forgotten. By singing about Wonderboy and Young Nastyman, the singer escapes the banality of everyday life and enters a fantasy world where he can fulfill his wildest dreams. Wonderboy represents hope and inspiration, a distant beacon that the singer can look up to and aspire to become.
Overall, "Wonderboy" is a celebration of imagination and creativity, as well as a commentary on the need for heroes and inspiration in everyday life. The song urges listeners to reach for the impossible and believe in their own inner power, just like Wonderboy himself.
Line by Line Meaning
High above the mucky-muck, castle made of clouds,
Wonderboy resides in a castle above the filth and dirt of the mundane world.
There sits Wonderboy, sitting oh so proudly.
Wonderboy is confidently seated in his heavenly castle.
Not much to say when you're high above the mucky-muck.
There aren't many complaints or concerns when you're living in a paradise far away from the troubles of the world.
Yeah, yeah.
A simple expression of agreement or affirmation.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power?
The artist asks what makes Wonderboy so mighty and capable.
Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck man?
The singer pleads with Wonderboy to take him away from the mundane world and into his paradise.
Now it's time for me to tell you about Young Nastyman,
The singer introduces Young Nastyman, a rival of Wonderboy.
archrival and nemesis of Wonderboy, with powers comparable to Wonderboy.
Young Nastyman is introduced as the enemy of Wonderboy, but also as someone with similar abilities.
I dunno how 'bout the power of flight?
The artist lists some of Young Nastyman's abilities, including flight.
That do anything for ya? That's levitation, holmes.
The artist points out that Young Nastyman's flight is actually levitation.
How 'bout the power to kill a yak from 200 yards away... with mind bullets! That's telekinesis, Kyle.
The singer describes Young Nastyman's ability to kill from a distance using only his mind.
How 'bout the power to move you?
The artist suggests that Young Nastyman can also influence people's emotions or thoughts.
History of Wonderboy and Young Nastyman,
The song takes a break from the present storyline to give background on the two characters.
Riggah-goo-goo, riggah-goo-goo.
Nonsense syllables sung for effect and humor.
A secret to be told, a gold chest to be bold,
There is a mystery and a treasure to be discovered in this part of the story.
And blasting forth with three-part harmony, yeow!
The characters now sing together in a triumphant, harmonious chorus.
Well, Wonderboy and Young Nastyman joined forces; they formed a band the likes of which have never been seen, and they called themselves Tenacious D.
Wonderboy and Young Nastyman have teamed up to form a music group called Tenacious D.
That's right,
KG, the other half of Tenacious D affirms the accuracy of the story.
Me! And KG!
The duo introduce themselves as Tenacious D's members and creators.
(spoken): That's me.
KG identifies himself as the one speaking.
We're now Tenacious D!
Tenacious D has officially formed and the story continues with them as the artists.
Come fly with me, fly!
The artist again urges Wonderboy to take him to his paradise.
Oh!
An expression of excitement or anticipation.
(spoken): Take my hand! Young Nastyman, and we'll fly!
The artist joins forces with Young Nastyman, and they ask Wonderboy to lead them to paradise.
Bring out your broadsword.
A reference to a heroic battle cry or a medieval-style call to action.
There's the hydra.
The singer identifies the enemy.
Slice his throat!
The singer commands Young Nastyman to slay the enemy.
And grab his scroat.
A vulgar, comic suggestion of claiming the enemy's body parts as a trophy of victory.
You take the high road, I'll take the low.
A plan is formed to attack from different angles.
There, the crevasse, Fill it with your mighty juice.
A comic and suggestive reference to defeating the enemy in battle.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Kyle Richard Gass, Thomas Jacob Black
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@alousypeach
@Deuce 7 Never said I didn’t listen to rock. I’ve got quite a catalog in my adult years.
Let me reiterate.
For a band that doesn’t take themselves too seriously D has got a modicum of well-crafted earworms.
That better? Booboos healed?
And who cares what bands they’ve borrowed from? Don’t get me started on how much Zeppelin jacked from other bands.
It’s kind of how rock works, most of “the classics” are modified rips off of someone else.
And before you hit me with the “nAmE whAt ZePpElin riPpEd ofF” reply —because that’s how these nonsense classic rock dick-rider interactions usually go— google it.
I’m not your mommy.
@alousypeach
For a comedy band, they seriously have some of the most memorable melodies in all of rock
@133Nomad
Comedy is a serious game.
@DanaFullylove
Frfr I love them always have ever since I heard this song
@BlackGothRose
Bro tf u mean comedy band?? TENACIOUS D IS THE MOST ROCKY ROCK IN THE HISTORY OF ROCKS BANDS
@alousypeach
@Deuce 7 I am a musician I just grew up listening to avant-garde & jazz way more than classic rock, get off your high horse lmao
@alousypeach
@Deuce 7 Never said I didn’t listen to rock. I’ve got quite a catalog in my adult years.
Let me reiterate.
For a band that doesn’t take themselves too seriously D has got a modicum of well-crafted earworms.
That better? Booboos healed?
And who cares what bands they’ve borrowed from? Don’t get me started on how much Zeppelin jacked from other bands.
It’s kind of how rock works, most of “the classics” are modified rips off of someone else.
And before you hit me with the “nAmE whAt ZePpElin riPpEd ofF” reply —because that’s how these nonsense classic rock dick-rider interactions usually go— google it.
I’m not your mommy.
@themexicankitchen
Kyle's "That's me!" Line delivery deserves more praise
@jimmyplenderleith9471
I am so glad to hear someone else say that.....that is the main part of the song I wait for.
@fearloathingingeneral2877
I get teared up a lil honestly. They became Tenacious D...
@SpectrogrammaticWarpClown
I haven't been able to stop saying it lol.