Their line-up has rotated much over the past couple of decades, with husband and wife Lux Interior and Poison Ivy--the lead singer and lead guitarist, respectively--as the only permanent members.
Lux picked up Ivy when he was driving on the highway. Ivy had raised her hand for an auto stop, Lux stopped his car and ...fate brought them together.
They were part of the early CBGB's punk rock movement that had emerged in New York, although they had formed several years earlier in California. The band is credited as a prominent factor in terms of influence on the gothabilly genre.
Their sound was heavily influenced by early rockabilly and proto-rock'n'roll like Link Wray and Hasil Adkins, 1960s surf music acts such as The Ventures, The Surfaris and Dick Dale, 1960s garage rock artists like The Standells, The Gants, The Trashmen, The Green Fuz and The Sonics, as well as the post-glam/early punk scene from which they emerged. They also were influenced to a degree by The Ramones as well as Screamin' Jay Hawkins, who is often credited for having pioneered their style of theatrical horror-blues.
On February 4, 2009, Lux Interior died of a pre-existing heart condition at the age of 62.
Discography:
Albums & EPs:
Gravest Hits
Songs The Lord Taught Us
Psychedelic Jungle
A Date with Elvis
Stay Sick!
Look Mom No Head!
Blues Fix
Flamejob
Big Beat from Badsville
Fiends of Dope Island
Live albums:
Smell of Female
Rockin n Reelin in Auckland New Zealand
Singles:
"Surfin' Bird" / "The Way I Walk" "Human Fly" / "Domino" "Fever" / "Garbageman" "Garbageman" / "TV Set" "Garbageman" / "Drug Train" "Drug Train" "Goo Goo Muck" "The Crusher" "Faster Pussycat" "I Ain't Nuthin' But a Gorehound" "Can Your Pussy Do the Dog?" "What's Inside a Girl?" "Kizmiaz" "Get Off the Road" "Bikini Girls with Machine Guns" "All Women Are Bad" "Creature from the Black Leather Lagoon" "Eyeball in My Martini" "Let's Get Fucked Up" / "How Come You Do Me?" "Ultra Twist!" "Naked Girl Falling Down the Stairs" "Like a Bad Girl Should" "Big Black Witchcraft Rock"
Compilations
...Off the Bone Bad Music for Bad People How to Make a Monster The Secret Life of the Cramps
Wrong Way Ticket
The Cramps Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do what the law don't allow
One way ticket now
Goin' way way out
Outta sight tonight
Alright alright alright
Wrong way ticket now
Get high somehow
Follow in my wake
Ain't got no brake
Hopped up renegade
Dump that masquerade
Full speed ahead tonight
Alright alright alright
Got a wardance on
C'mon c'mon c'mon
One way ticket Jack
Never comin' back
One track pitch black
Hotrod heart attack
Alright alright alright
Gone gone gone tonight
Alright alright alright
Alright alright alright c'mon
C'mon
C'mon
The Cramps's song "Wrong Way Ticket" talks about rebellion, breaking the rules and leaving society's norms behind to have some fun. The lyrics convey the idea of living your life on your own terms, without worrying about what others might say or think. The song is an invitation to be wild and carefree, to take risks and make mistakes, to embrace the moment and enjoy the ride.
The opening lines, "Wrong way ticket now, do what the law don't allow, one way ticket now, goin' way way out" suggests that the singer is going somewhere forbidden, somewhere where they can be free from the constraints of society. The phrase "wrong way ticket" also suggests that they are going against the norm, choosing a path that others might not understand or approve of. The second verse mentions a "hotrod heart attack," which could be interpreted as living life at full speed and taking risks that might lead to dangerous consequences.
The chorus, "alright alright alright, gone gone gone tonight, c'mon c'mon c'mon," is an affirmation of the carefree attitude of the singer. They are not looking back, not worrying about the future, and fully embracing the present moment.
Overall, "Wrong Way Ticket" is a rebellious and energetic song that encourages its listeners to let go of their inhibitions and have some fun. It's a reminder to live life to the fullest and not be afraid to take risks or go against the norm.
Line by Line Meaning
Wrong way ticket now
I'm going against the norms and doing what others deem as 'wrong'
Do what the law don't allow
I'm rebelling against the laws and doing what I want even if it's illegal
One way ticket now
I'm leaving and there's no coming back
Goin' way way out
I'm leaving so far that no one can find me
Outta sight tonight
I'm disappearing completely tonight
Alright alright alright
I'm excited and all ready to go
Get high somehow
I'm going to get high no matter what; I'll find a way
Follow in my wake
Join me and follow my path
Ain't got no brake
I'm going too fast and I can't slow down
Hopped up renegade
I'm a free spirit who won't be chained by societal norms
Dump that masquerade
I'm done pretending to be someone I'm not
Full speed ahead tonight
I'm going as fast as I can tonight
Got a wardance on
I'm feeling particularly wild and tribal
One way ticket Jack
I'm leaving and not coming back, Jack
Never comin' back
I'll never return to this place
One track pitch black
I'm on a path with no light in sight
Hotrod heart attack
My heart is racing and I'm ready to explode
Gone gone gone tonight
I'm leaving and I won't be back
C'mon c'mon c'mon
Join me and let's go!
Alright alright alright
I'm still excited and ready to go
Writer(s): Ivy Rorschach, Lux Interior Copyright: Hiss & Hearse Publishing
Contributed by Eva R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Tales of Mere Existence
Lux & Ivy is the ultimate relationship goal.
sewerslide 1312mg
Almost gives me hope for " Future"ultimate relationship I've said b4 if I find a woman how loves the cramps as much as I do I will marry her, to bad death and destruction is the only thing that attracts me
Patrick Cannady
They are so underrated. Fabulous band.
Joe Tiger
A very important Band in Rock and Roll History !!!
CC
@Random I bet Ivy was a stunner!
Dr. Frankenstein
Very important!!
Random
Saw them live a couple of times. Just a boy at the time. They were immense. Ivy was gorgeous. Left an impression on a young man.
Vyolet Rose
Joe Tiger Facts 👌🏼
John Swaren
Ivy's guitar skill is incredible. What she's doing here is 100% AMAZING.
Brett Midd
Lux was the only person to ever out Iggy Iggy