Early in his career Setzer was a member of the NYC band Bloodless Pharaohs, and later fronted the popular rockabilly revival band, Stray Cats. The Stray Cats particularly caught America's attention with the 1982 album Built for Speed, which included the two Top Ten hits, "Rock This Town" (#9) and "Stray Cat Strut" (#3), as well as with the follow-up 1983 album Rant 'N Rave, which included the two successful singles "(She's) Sexy + 17" (#5), and "I Won't Stand In Your Way" (#35).
In the mid 1990s, Setzer led a comeback of sorts for swing music and big band music, when he formed Brian Setzer Orchestra. The band has released at least 5 albums to date and one live DVD. This group had one hit, "Jump, Jive, and Wail" around the same time swing revival acts like the Cherry Poppin' Daddies' "Zoot Suit Riot" had been received favorably in mainstream America.
Brian Setzer also recorded some solo albums during Stray Cats' break in the 1980s along with some in the 1990s. In 2001 he released an album titled Ignition with his band '68 Comeback Special. A new solo album titled Rockabilly Riot Vol. 1: A Tribute To Sun Records was released on July 26, 2005, in the United States.
From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Setzer
Johnny Kool
The Brian Setzer Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Then I rolled out of bed with my shirt soaking wet
If I was gonna get movin’, now was the time
So I packed up my bags and my gretsch ’59
It’s a tough life, love
But when push comes to shove
It’s the only life for johnny johnny, johnny kool
Don’t let the big boys grind you down
Johnny johnny, johnny kool
He was a rebel that broke all the rules
Everyone can’t stop talkin’ about
The legend of johnny kool
It was darker than black, not a star in the sky
So I revved on the engine and let that mercury fly
With the wind blowin’ by at a 105
It gave me a thrill just bein’ alive
It’s a tough life, love
But when push comes to shove
It’s the only life for johnny johnny, johnny kool
Played his guitar and he sang like a fool
Don’t let the big boys grind you down
Johnny johnny, johnny kool
He was a rebel that broke all the rules
Everyone can’t stop talkin’ about
The legend of johnny kool
Rumor had it now this cat had it all
He was loud, he was wild, and he sure rocked the hall
Some guy grabbed my arm and I jumped on the stage
And I was rockin’ with a guy who was twice my age
It’s a tough life, love
But when push comes to shove
It’s the only life for johnny johnny, johnny kool
Played his guitar and he sang like a fool
Don’t let the big boys grind you down
Johnny johnny, johnny kool
He was a rebel that broke all the rules
Everyone can’t stop talkin’ about
The legend of johnny kool
The lyrics to The Brian Setzer Orchestra's song Johnny Kool depict the life of a rebellious musician who lives life on the edge, playing guitar and singing with reckless abandon. Johnny is not afraid to break the rules and push boundaries, which makes him a legend in the eyes of his fans. The song starts with Johnny waking up after a rough night and getting ready to hit the road with his guitar in tow. He drives fast, feeling alive and free, as he makes his way to his next gig.
The chorus of the song declares that despite the difficulties of a life on the road, it's the only life for Johnny. He plays his guitar and sings with everything he's got, refusing to let the big boys in the music industry grind him down. The lyrics also mention a rumor about Johnny's wild reputation, and how he had everything a musician could want. Despite being twice his age, Johnny's fans love him and the legend of Johnny Kool lives on.
Overall, the lyrics to Johnny Kool present an image of a passionate, rebellious musician who lives life on his own terms. He is unafraid of the risks and challenges that come with being a musician, and his fans adore him for it.
Line by Line Meaning
I had one cup of coffee and a cigarette
I started my day with a simple pleasure.
Then I rolled out of bed with my shirt soaking wet
I woke up sweating, perhaps from a dream or a hot night.
If I was gonna get movin', now was the time
I realized I needed to start my day and get going.
So I packed up my bags and my gretsch '59
I got ready to hit the road with my trusty guitar.
It's a tough life, love
Being a musician is a challenging path to take.
But when push comes to shove
When things get difficult and challenging.
It's the only life for johnny johnny, johnny kool
Despite the struggles, being a musician is the only life that Johnny wants to live.
Played his guitar and he sang like a fool
Johnny played his guitar and sang with reckless abandon, not caring what others may think.
Don't let the big boys grind you down
Don't let the music industry or others with power and influence discourage you from pursuing your dreams.
He was a rebel that broke all the rules
Johnny was a nonconformist who didn't follow the traditional way of doing things.
Everyone can't stop talkin' about
Many people are talking about Johnny and his music.
The legend of johnny kool
Johnny has become a legendary figure in the music world.
It was darker than black, not a star in the sky
The night was very dark without any visible stars.
So I revved on the engine and let that mercury fly
I sped up my car and was driving quickly.
With the wind blowin' by at a 105
The wind was blowing quickly, perhaps due to driving so fast.
It gave me a thrill just bein' alive
The excitement of being alive and living in the moment was invigorating.
Rumor had it now this cat had it all
There was a rumor that someone, perhaps Johnny, had everything going for them.
He was loud, he was wild, and he sure rocked the hall
Johnny was known for being a talented and wild performer who rocked the stage.
Some guy grabbed my arm and I jumped on the stage
Someone pulled me onto the stage to join in the excitement.
And I was rockin' with a guy who was twice my age
I was having fun and playing music with someone much older than me.
Contributed by Addison V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.