The band was formed in 1962 by lead singer/organist Larry Tamblyn and guitarist Tony Valentino. The Standells' first hit single was Dirty Water, which reached #11 on the Billboard charts on June 11, 1966.
Other hits included Sometimes Good Guys Don't Wear White, Why Pick On Me, Riot On Sunset Strip (about the 1966 riots resulting from police attacks on hippies), and Try It.
Singer/drummer Dick Dodd, founding drummer of The Bel Airs, who joined the group in 1964 and sang the lead on "Dirty Water", was a former Mouseketeer, and singer/keyboardist Larry Tamblyn, who sang the lead on many of the other Standells songs, is the brother of actor Russ Tamblyn and uncle of Amber Tamblyn, star of Joan of Arcadia. Dodd replaced original drummer Gary Leeds, who went on to fame as Gary Walker of The Walker Brothers. In 1967 John Fleckenstein (formerly of the group Love), joined the Standells. The group appeared in several low budget films of the 1960s, including "Get Yourself a College Girl" and cult classic "Riot on Sunset Strip", in which they performed the movie's title song. Lowell George, who would go on to play with Little Feat, briefly played guitar in the Standells prior to their breakup in 1969.
The Standells also made an appearance on the 1964-1966 television sitcom The Munsters in the episode "Far Out Munster". The band was an integral part of the show, and performed the songs "Come On and Ringo" and The Beatles' "I Want to Hold Your Hand." Furthermore, the group appeared on the television 1964-1965 sitcom The Bing Crosby Show, in the episode "Bugged by the Love Bugs", portraying the fictional rock group of the same name. They performed the songs "Someday You'll Cry" and "Come Here".
Despite the lyrics of "Dirty Water", which states, "Boston, you're my home." The Standells are not from Massachusetts. However, in 2007 the Massachusetts General Court officially decreed "Dirty Water" to be the "Official Victory Song of the Boston Red Sox" . Since 2004, the Standells have attended most every World Series at Fenway Park, including the final winning game in 2013. "Dirty Water" was written by their producer Ed Cobb. It is played after every home victory by the Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins.
Dodd and Valentino left the Standells in 2009. Dick Dodd passed away in 2013.
The Standells still are actively performing today, and have been receiving 'rave reviews' from music critics. They recently headlined in 2013 at the Adams Ave. St. Fair, San Diego, CA, and the Ponderosa Stomp, New Orleans, Lousiana. Original Members Larry Tamblyn and John Fleck are still in the group, along with co-lead singer Mark Adrian and drummer Greg Burnham. The group has recently released a new album Bump on GRA Records. They been booked on an extensive East Coast tour from April - May, 2014. Learn more about the Standells by visiting http://www.standells-official.com and http://www.facebook.com/Standells
Batman
The Standells Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman
Batman, Batman, Batman
Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman
Batman, Batman, Batman
Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman
Batman, Batman, Batman
Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman
Batman, Batman, Batman
Da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da
Batman!
The Standells's song Batman is a repetitive and intense rallying cry for the Caped Crusader. The lyrics are built around a relentless repetition of the word "Batman" which creates a hypnotic and almost chant-like quality to the song that perfectly captures the urgency and energy of the character. The repeated use of the name is clearly meant to enhance the idea that Batman is a force to be reckoned with and his presence strikes fear into the hearts of his enemies. The lack of verses or a typical song structure only intensifies the feeling of a singular, all-encompassing observation of the hero.
The song was released in 1966 during a time when the Batman TV series starring Adam West was at the height of its popularity. The show's influence can be heard throughout the song's instrumentation which features the twangy guitar riffs and snappy drum beats that were common in the show's score. The barebones lyrics speak to the simplicity of the 1960s Batman's mission: to rid the city of Gotham of crime and bring criminals to justice. It is a call to arms and a celebration of the heroics of the Dark Knight.
Line by Line Meaning
Batman, Batman, Batman
The singer is repeating the word Batman, emphasizing the name of the character.
Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman
The singer is again repeating the name of Batman four times, suggesting some sort of anticipation.
Batman, Batman, Batman
The singer is still repeating the name Batman.
Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman
The artist again repeats the name Batman four times in a similar style to the previous line, insinuating excitement or eagerness.
Batman, Batman, Batman
The artist is once again repeating the name of Batman.
Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman
The singer repeats the name Batman four times with more emphasis than before, possibly building up tension.
Batman, Batman, Batman
The singer is still insisting on repeating the name of the character.
Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman
The artist is repeating the name of Batman again, possibly in reference to his arrival or presence.
Batman, Batman, Batman
The artist is repeating the name one last time in the same style as before.
Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman
The artist repeats the name Batman multiple times with an increasing sense of urgency and excitement, leading to the titular shout of Batman.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: NEAL HEFTI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind