The band released their self-titled first album in March 1995 via PopLlama Records. After they garnered massive acclaim, Columbia Records quickly signed them. The album peaked at number six on the Billboard 200 and has shipped over three million copies. The RIAA has certified it as triple platinum. Songs "Peaches", "Kitty", "Lump", and "Dune Buggy" received major airplay.
Their 1996 follow-up album, "II", did not reach the same acclaim, though it reached the top forty on the Billboard 2000. Single "Mach 5" also garnered some airplay. The band then fell of the radar for many listeners, dropped by their major label. However, their albums of the new millennium, 'Freaked Out and Small' followed by 'Love Everybody' and 'These Are the Good Times People' (released in 2000, 2004, and 2008, respectively), picked up positive critical reviews, such as from the All Music Guide. Although their touring schedule became more sporadic into the 00s and 10s, they continue to perform and satisfy audiences with their off-beat humor and catchy hooks.
Cleveland Rocks
The Presidents of the United States of America Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Three, Four!
Three, Four!
All this energy callin' me
Back where it comes from.
It's such a crude attitude,
Its back where it belongs.
All the little kids growin' up on the skids are goin':
Jumpin' James Jean, is moonin' James Dean while goin':
Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks,
Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks.
Mama knows but she don't care;
She's got her worries too.
Seven kids and a phony affair,
And the rent is due.
All the little chicks with the crimson lips go:
Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks.
Livin' in sin with a safety pin goin':
Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks,
Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks.
I got some records from World War Two,
I Play 'em just like me grand dad do.
He was a rocker and I am too.
Now Cleveland Rocks, yeah, Cleveland Rocks.
Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks,
Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks,
Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks,
Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks,
Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, CLEVELAND ROCKS!
Ohio.
The lyrics to "Cleveland Rocks" by The Presidents of the United States of America speak of the energy and attitude of Cleveland, Ohio. The song celebrates the city's unique character and its rock culture. The first verse speaks of the energy of Cleveland and how it calls the writer back to where it comes from. The second verse talks about the struggles of the people of Cleveland, especially the kids growing up on the skids, but how they still love their city. The chorus, "Cleveland Rocks," reinforces the idea that Cleveland is a rocking city and the place to be.
The third verse speaks to the love of rock music that is abundant in Cleveland. The writer talks about playing records from World War II, just like their granddad did, who was also a rocker. The final chorus repeats the phrase "Cleveland rocks" multiple times, showing the pride and love for the city. Overall, the song is a tribute to Cleveland as a city that embodies a unique energy, attitude, and love for rock music.
Line by Line Meaning
Three, Four!
The song is starting, let's get ready!
All this energy callin' me
Back where it comes from.
It's such a crude attitude,
Its back where it belongs.
The energy of Cleveland is calling me back, with its unrefined attitude that feels like home.
All the little kids growin' up on the skids are goin':
Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks.
Even the kids who grew up poor in Cleveland still love their city and think it rocks.
Jumpin' James Jean, is moonin' James Dean while goin':
Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks,
Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks.
Even people like Jumpin' James Jean are proud to show their butts to James Dean while rocking out to Cleveland's music scene.
Mama knows but she don't care;
She's got her worries too.
Seven kids and a phony affair,
And the rent is due.
Even though Mama has a lot on her plate, she still knows that Cleveland rocks, but has other priorities as well.
All the little chicks with the crimson lips go:
Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks.
Livin' in sin with a safety pin goin':
Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks,
Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks.
Even the punk chicks with their alternative lifestyle love their hometown and think it rocks.
I got some records from World War Two,
I Play 'em just like me grand dad do.
He was a rocker and I am too.
Now Cleveland Rocks, yeah, Cleveland Rocks.
I may have inherited my granddad's old records, but I still think Cleveland's music scene rocks today.
Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks,
Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks,
Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks,
Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks,
Cleveland Rocks, Cleveland Rocks, CLEVELAND ROCKS!
We can't say it enough - Cleveland Rocks!
Ohio.
Cleveland is the pride of Ohio and we want everyone to know it.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: IAN HUNTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
HeXeN
These guys didn't get nearly enough attention, and their discography is huge and awesome, every bit of it. BRING THEM BACK TO LIFE!
JBtheExplorer
I can't believe the Drew Carey show reruns are never on tv.
IAmNotAFunguy
+JBtheExplorer The play on the channel LAFF TV. If you just have an antenna you may find it on a digital subchannel, likely on your ABC channel.
GregK
+IAmNotAFunguy yep I'm watching it right now. that's why I'm here!
Sean Komorowski
Yep, I watch Drew Carey on OTA (Over the Air) channel Laff whenever I can
GregK
yeah it's on like 12x a day
JBtheExplorer
Seagull G For me it's on zero times a day.
charles cammock
There is nothing better than walking out of Progressive Field
after a win and this is blaring over the speakers. Everyone is singing along, in a great mood, and life is good. I love it. Can't wait for the next time.
RedMan R
2016 Cleveland Cavaliers NBA Champions, that same year, 2016 Cleveland Indians AL Champions, all you really have is your Cavaliers to fall back on Cleveland.
brad alberts
Missed opportunity for the new team name. Cleveland Rocks would have been a sweet name