Members
Richard Manitoba - lead vocals (1973-2008)
Ross "The Boss" Friedman - lead guitars/backing vocals (1973- 2008)
Scott "Top Ten" Kempner - rhythm guitars (1973-2008)
Andy Shernoff - bass (1973-1975, 1976-2008), keyboards/backing vocals (1973-2008)
Stu Boy King - drums (1974-1975; died 2018)
Ritchie Teeter - drums (1976-1980; died 2012)
Mark Mendoza - bass (1976-1977)
Mel Anderson - drums (1979)
Frank Funaro - drums (1995-1998)
J.P. Patterson - drums (1998-2008)
Discography
Go Girl Crazy (1975)
Manifest Destiny (1977)
Bloodbrothers (1978)
Fuck 'Em If They Can't Take a Joke (ROIR, 1981)
The Dictators Live, New York, New York (ROIR, 1998)
D.F.F.D. (2001)
Viva Dictators (2005)
Every Day Is Saturday (2007)
Loyola
The Dictators Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Cause she always wants to have her way
And who's getting hurt cause she's taking on the world
What a drag growing up in LA
Loyola, Loyola what a drag growing up in LA
Loyola, Loyola what a drag growing up in LA
Got the keys to her daddy's new car
She can drive all night to the radio's light
Dreaming she's a rock and roll star
Loyola, Loyola, Loyola la la la
Loyola, Loyola, Loyola la la la
She looks in the mirror
She likes what she sees
She straps on her guitar
Tonight she's gonna try
Tonight she's gonna fly
Sittin' in her room with the records on the floor
She's got the colour TV and the posters on the wall
Laughing on the phone with her best girlfriend
It's so much fun when you can't fit in
Loyola, Loyola, Loyola la la la
Loyola, Loyola, Loyola la la la
Loyola, Loyola, Loyola la la la
Loyola, Loyola, Loyola la la la
The Dictators’s song "Loyola" is about the struggles of growing up as a teenage girl in the city of Los Angeles. The song captures the feelings of isolation, rebellion, and dream chasing that are part of the teenage experience. The lyrics refer to a girl, Loyola, who is always talking back to her teacher in class and getting into trouble. She's hurting because she's trying to take on the world. The city of LA is depicted as a burden, as growing up in this environment can be a drag.
Loyola is a 16-year-old girl who reads Circus magazine, dreaming of becoming a rock and roll star. She has the keys to her daddy's new car and can drive all night while listening to the radio, which fuels her dreams. She looks in the mirror and likes what she sees. She straps on her guitar and prepares to fly, to make her dreams a reality.
The song captures the youthful desire to escape the constraints of everyday life and pursue the dream of something bigger, even if that dream seems impossible. The lyrics speak of teenage angst, rebellion, and desire for something new; something that promises excitement, freedom, and creativity. The song overall delivers a message of hope and encouragement to teenagers, saying that if Loyola can make it, you can too.
Line by Line Meaning
Who talks back to the teacher in class
Who dares challenge and defy the authority of the teacher in class, questioning her decisions and opinions?
Cause she always wants to have her way
Because the teacher is adamant on enforcing her own desires and opinions, unwilling to compromise or listen to others.
And who's getting hurt cause she's taking on the world
Who is feeling the negative effects and consequences of the teacher's stubbornness and arrogance that extends beyond the classroom?
What a drag growing up in LA
How boring and unfulfilling is life growing up in Los Angeles, where conformity and materialism reign supreme.
She's just 16 reads Circus magazine
She is a young girl of only 16, indulging in the teenage magazines like Circus that are popular at the time.
Got the keys to her daddy's new car
She has access to the symbol of her father's success and wealth, his brand new car.
She can drive all night to the radio's light
She can spend entire nights driving around with the radio on, feeling free and alive behind the wheel.
Dreaming she's a rock and roll star
She enters a daydream state, imagining herself as a famous and adored rock and roll musician.
She looks in the mirror
She gazes at her own reflection, observing and admiring her own beauty and potential.
She likes what she sees
She takes delight in the positive image and identity she has created for herself.
She straps on her guitar
She gets ready to play her guitar, the tool that enables her to express her innermost thoughts and feelings.
Tonight she's gonna try
Tonight she is determined to put her skills and passion to the test, making her first steps towards her dream of stardom.
Tonight she's gonna fly
Tonight she is going to soar above the mundane and ordinary, reaching new heights of creativity and expression.
Sittin' in her room with the records on the floor
She is comfortably sitting in her bedroom, surrounded by her record collection arranged on the floor.
She's got the colour TV and the posters on the wall
She owns a color TV and has decorated her walls with posters that appeal to her rebellious and nonconformist side.
Laughing on the phone with her best girlfriend
She is enjoying a moment of lightness and joy while talking to her best friend on the phone.
It's so much fun when you can't fit in
It is liberating and exciting to be different and stand out from the bland and uninspired masses.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: SHERNOFF
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind