The band members included drummer Bill Bateman (also of The Blasters), guitarist Dave Lee, bassist Johnny Ray Bartel (also of The Knitters), guitarist Paul "The Kid" Size, and band leader and harmonica player Lester Butler.
Musical visionaries in their lifetime are often criticized for blasphemously blending musical styles. Such was the case with Lester Butler. His last album, 13, melded the roots of American music, blues and alternative rock. Yet Butler could also get down and blow some hardcore blues, backing luminaries Billy Boy Arnold, King Ernest and Finis Tasby.
His first band, The Red Devils, received the attention of producer Rick Rubin (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Mick Jagger, Tom Petty) while playing their favorite haunt, the King King. With Rubin, they released their only album, which was named after that haunt. Their sound attracted the likes of Jagger, who took them into the studio, but the tracks were never used for Jagger's album Wandering Spirit.
Alex Schultz, fresh from Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers, teamed with Butler to form 13. Though abhorred by blues purists, the group broke ground, especially in Europe where they drew high praise from rock bands, who in turn gave 13 opening slots for their shows.
Butler died of a drug overdose on 10 May 1998, at the age of 38; two people went to prison for putting cocaine in his body when he was out.
You can also find Lester Butler or 13 Featuring Lester Butler on Last.fm.
AUTOMATIC
The Red Devils Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That takes you so fast, and takes you so far
That comes down and lovin, I bet you didn't know
That if you got no money boy, you still can't go.
She's automatic
Automatic
She's my automatic girl
She's the better thing around
Got me a women down the slik, a women down the leave
Women drinking leather, act like a queen
Comes down and lovin', glad you didn't know
That if you got no money boy, you still can't go.
She's automatic
She's automatic
She's my automatic girl
She's the better thing around
SOLO (Harp)
Have you seen my baby, holding round the town
Everybody knows, she's the finest thing around
Come down and lovin', I know you never thought
The automatic woman is the best in town
She's automatic
She's automatic
She's my automatic girl
She's the better thing around
The Red Devils' song "Automatic" is a blues rock track with lyrics that depict the singer's admiration for his "automatic girl" who takes him far and fast. The "automatic girl" is not only beautiful but also independent and strong-willed, which is highlighted in the mention of her ability to function without money. The repetitive use of the word "automatic" serves to emphasize the idea of the singer's infatuation and admiration towards this woman, almost in a robotic or mechanical sense. The lyrics also seem to suggest that the woman is a rare find, and the singer considers himself fortunate to have her.
The second verse of the song shifts focus to another woman, who is also depicted as strong and desirable but with a rebellious edge. The line "Women drinking leather" suggests someone who is not afraid to go against societal norms and dressing. The lyric "Comes down and lovin', glad you didn't know/That if you got no money boy, you still can't go" highlights that this woman appreciates the singer for who he is and not based on his finances.
Overall, "Automatic" is a blues rock song that highlights the admiration of two strong, independent women who thrive without the need for financial support. The song is a testament to the autonomy and strength of women, and that they are not objects to be controlled, but equal individuals who are to be admired and respected.
Line by Line Meaning
I bet you gotta have, like an automatic car
I imagine you need something that moves on its own like an automatic car
That takes you so fast, and takes you so far
Something that can take you a long way, quickly
That comes down and lovin, I bet you didn't know
Also capable of providing intimate affection, but you probably didn't realize that
That if you got no money boy, you still can't go.
However, if you're broke, you won't be able to enjoy it
She's automatic
The woman in question moves on her own
Automatic
And can function without assistance
She's my automatic girl
She's my self-sufficient woman
She's the better thing around
She's the superior option available
Got me a women down the slik, a women down the leave
I have a woman who lives by the stream and another who lives by the forest
Women drinking leather, act like a queen
They both have expensive tastes and behave like royalty
Comes down and lovin', glad you didn't know
And they both provide affection without you even realizing it
That if you got no money boy, you still can't go.
But again, you won't be able to enjoy it if you're broke
SOLO (Harp)
A solo musical break featuring the harp
Have you seen my baby, holding round the town
Have you caught a glimpse of my significant other walking around town?
Everybody knows, she's the finest thing around
Everyone recognizes that she's the most attractive woman in the area
Come down and lovin', I know you never thought
And she's also capable of providing intimate affection, which you might not expect
The automatic woman is the best in town
Overall, a woman who is self-sufficient and can provide affection is the best option
She's automatic
Once again, this woman moves on her own
She's automatic
And is self-sufficient
She's my automatic girl
She belongs to me and is the perfect woman for my needs
She's the better thing around
There's no better option available than this woman
Writer(s): David Lee Bartel, Lester Butler, Johhny Ray Bartel, Bill Bateman, Paul Size
Contributed by Joseph F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.