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.
Naked and Famous
The Presidents of the United States of America Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Or why Los Angeles don't drop into the ocean
I can't unfold the layers of mystery
Or piece together the tragedy of history, cause
Those lucky suckers,
They don't have to work
Make 3D billboards and big
30-foot smurfs.
Everybody wants to be naked and famous,
Everybody wants to be just like me
I'm naked
And famous
I met a poet, said she didn't like the smell of it
Then took her clothes off in a restaurant for the hell of it
I met a DJ who lived in seclusion
Reality and sobriety were her only delusions, and
Those lucky bastards
They didn't have to work
Make 3D billboards and big
30-foot smurfs
Don't get a nosebleed,
Don't get upset
We can't be naked and famous
Just yet
There's a big old dollar sign
On the sunset strip
You can send your friend a postcard
It ain't worth the trip
The lyrics of "Naked and Famous" by The Presidents of the United States of America talk about the glamorization of fame and how everybody wants to be famous, but not everybody can handle it. The lead singer admits that he cannot understand complex phenomena like glacial motion or the tragedy of history, but he realizes that there are people who don't have to work and can make giant 3D billboards and 30-foot smurfs, which are symbols of fame and success. Meanwhile, he is naked and famous, but is not letting fame get to his head.
The song mentions encounters with a poet who does not like the world of fame and takes off her clothes in public for the sake of it and a DJ who lives in isolation and only believes in reality and sobriety. Both of these characters are not interested in being famous, but the lead singer acknowledges that they are fortunate not to have to work and can pursue their passions. However, he also suggests that the pursuit of fame is futile, as there is a big dollar sign waiting for anyone who attempts to make their name on the sunset strip. The song is a commentary on how, in spite of the appeal of fame and success, it can be fleeting and hollow, and is not worth sacrificing integrity and values.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't explain glacial motion
I am unable to accurately describe the movement of glaciers.
Or why Los Angeles don't drop into the ocean
I can't explain why Los Angeles hasn't fallen into the ocean due to its location on a fault line.
I can't unfold the layers of mystery
I am unable to unravel the complex and puzzling aspects of life.
Or piece together the tragedy of history, cause
I cannot fully comprehend or make sense of the sorrowful events of the past.
Those lucky suckers,
Those fortunate individuals,
They don't have to work
They do not have to exert effort for their livelihood.
Make 3D billboards and big
They create three-dimensional promotional signs and large,
30-foot smurfs.
blue cartoon characters that are 30 feet tall.
Everybody wants to be naked and famous,
Everyone desires to be both exposed and well-known.
Everybody wants to be just like me
Everyone wishes to emulate my lifestyle.
I'm naked
I am uninhibited and candid in my actions and behavior.
And famous
I am also established and recognized by society.
I met a poet, said she didn't like the smell of it
I encountered a writer who expressed dislike for the unpleasant atmosphere of society and its issues.
Then took her clothes off in a restaurant for the hell of it
Later, she removed her garments in a public dining place for amusement.
I met a DJ who lived in seclusion
I encountered a music performer who isolated herself from common interaction.
Reality and sobriety were her only delusions, and
Being sober and in touch with actuality were her only misapprehensions, and,
Those lucky bastards
Those fortunate individuals,
They didn't have to work
They did not have to make an effort to earn a living.
Make 3D billboards and big
They create three-dimensional promotional signs and large,
30-foot smurfs
blue cartoon characters that are 30 feet tall.
Don't get a nosebleed,
Do not become intimidated or overwhelmed,
Don't get upset
Do not become agitated or distressed.
We can't be naked and famous
We cannot be both exposed and well-known.
Just yet
At this moment in time.
There's a big old dollar sign
A large currency symbol exists
On the sunset strip
Located on the street known as Sunset with its iconic palm trees
You can send your friend a postcard
You have the ability to purchase a card and mail it to your acquaintances.
It ain't worth the trip
However, the cost and time to travel there is not worth it.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: CHRIS BALLEW, DAVID MICHAEL DEDERER, JASON S. FINN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@AaronDreesRecords
One of the most underrated bands I know of
@edibleresidue
Damn straight, i saw them live a few years back, it was a ballz to the wall punk gig! Super Sick!
@ladyhitchhikerjackmanson8097
All of this.
@zer0_d0wn45
the band rehab is the most underrated band i know of...
@jayfroggy
Yes.
@101Volts
The Presidents did enjoy success, though. They kept up with touring for years after this up until 2015 or so. Other bands like Flipron never really got started with popularity.
@righteousrat
These guys were huge when this LP came out. And it was sooo good. Nearly every song. Why arent they ever mentioned when people talk about the great music from the 90s? Honestly theyre one of those gems you forget about and then one day just randomly think of, like me today
@BattyBeth
righteousrat it was around umm 2014 and my dad and me jammed in the car to this I still just sing it at random times
@ladyhitchhikerjackmanson8097
Every song except maybe the first one. Poor kitty.
@garypinkerton215
Because they were forgettable. I liked them but lets be honest they came and went quick. They had one decent album and really only a couple of decent songs.