Singer Iggy Pop and his wild onstage antics were often the focus of attention. The band had a shambling, energetic sound deliberately reminiscent of past garage rock groups. They sold very few records in their original incarnation and often performed to indifferent or hostile audiences. Nevertheless, the Stooges are often regarded as hugely influential both on then-nascent heavy metal movement and also on punk rock. As has been said about The Velvet Underground, the handful of people who did actually buy the Stooges' early records at the time ended up forming bands of their own and thus changed history. In fact, Velvet Underground member John Cale produced the original incarnation of their self-titled album. The 1969 album 'The Stooges' has received since its release critical acclaim from many reviewers over the years.
The Stooges drew their sound from a variety of influences. Examples include the often transgressive rock and roll artists The Doors, The MC5, The Rolling Stones, The Troggs, and The Who. As well, the band members enjoyed the work of jazz and soul artists such as Booker T and the MGs, James Brown, and Miles Davis (particularly 'Bitches Brew').
In 2003, Iggy, Scott, and Ron reformed The Stooges with Minutemen and fIREHOSE bassist Mike Watt filling in. The 2000s lineup played festivals around the world, and in 2006 recorded a new album with Steve Albini.
Founding member and guitarist Ron Asheton was found dead at his home in Ann Arbor, MI on January 6, 2009. Iggy Pop posted a message on his website stating "I am in shock. He was my best friend."
On June 22, 2016, Williamson made an official statement for the band saying that the Stooges are no more.
"The Stooges is over. Basically, everybody's dead except Iggy and I. So it would be sort-of ludicrous to try and tour as Iggy and the Stooges when there's only one Stooge in the band and then you have side guys. That doesn't make any sense to me."
Website: www.iggyandthestoogesmusic.com
Dirty Deal
The Stooges Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He told me I'm the number one
He knew I was innocent
I knew he was fucking bent
He embraced me like a friend
Showed me all his monuments
I was impressed, what the hell,
Where I come from ain't much to tell
As I signed a dirty deal
System's rigged to favor crooks,
You don't find that in civic books
It's not cool to ask a man
To sign what he don't understand.
Guys found other guys were right
Contract's starting, then the night
And when truth is violent
They'll hand you on a chain link fence
Once you're in there's no appeal
You signed a dirty deal
Beware, beware!
Dirty, it's dirty
Once you're in there's no appeal
You signed a dirty deal
Beware, beware!
Listen!
Let the lame old story down people
I was a dummy, not a clown, people
I'm getting hard to be around people
Warning, warning, beware, beware!
Welcome to the real world
Where trouble loves a pretty girl
Your compound interest drifted, scum
Bite your blood until it runs
Simple people praise the Lord
Smarter people steal and hoard
If I was the president
I couldn't change their evil plans
Stealing all the way I feel
'Cause I signed a dirty deal
Look out! Look out! Look out!
Dirty, it's dirty,
It's dirty, it's dirty out there
The way I feel is I signed the dirty deal
Beware, beware
Dirty deal, dirty deal
The Stooges’ “Dirty Deal” speaks about the insidious nature of the music industry and how it often takes advantage of young and naive artists. The song tells the story of a musician who is approached by a man who claims he can get things done for him. The musician signs a contract without really understanding what he’s getting himself into or what the consequences will be. The man turns out to be corrupt, and the musician finds himself trapped in a dirty, exploitative deal from which he cannot escape.
The song goes on to criticize the dishonest and unethical practices that are rampant in the music industry. The lyrics suggest that the system is rigged to favor the powerful, and that contracts are often filled with legal jargon that the average person cannot understand. Iggy Pop, the lead singer of The Stooges, warns young musicians to be careful and to beware of anyone who promises them the world.
The song’s message still resonates with many musicians, particularly those who are just starting out. The music industry is notoriously cutthroat, and it can be hard for artists to navigate the complicated legal and financial systems that are in place. “Dirty Deal” serves as a reminder that sometimes the price of fame and success is too high to pay.
Line by Line Meaning
Met a creep who gets things done
I encountered a shady individual known for making things happen
He told me I'm the number one
He assured me that I was of great importance
He knew I was innocent
He was aware of my naivety
I knew he was fucking bent
I was aware of his corrupt nature
He embraced me like a friend
He greeted me warmly as if we were close associates
Showed me all his monuments
He proudly displayed all of his accomplishments
I was impressed, what the hell,
I was impressed despite being uncertain
Where I come from ain't much to tell
My background isn't noteworthy
Still in all the way I feel
Despite everything, I can't help how I feel
As I signed a dirty deal
I signed an unethical contract
System's rigged to favor crooks,
The system is structured to benefit corrupt individuals
You don't find that in civic books
This information is not taught in school textbooks
It's not cool to ask a man
It's not appropriate to pressure someone
To sign what he don't understand.
To sign something they don't comprehend
Guys found other guys were right
People realized they were not alone in their beliefs
Contract's starting, then the night
The agreement was set into motion under the veil of darkness
And when truth is violent
When the reality is harsh
They'll hand you on a chain link fence
You'll be thrown to the wolves
Once you're in there's no appeal
Once you're involved, there's no turning back
You signed a dirty deal
You agreed to an unscrupulous arrangement
Beware, beware!
Be cautious, be cautious!
Dirty, it's dirty
This is unethical and unfair
Listen!
Listen up!
Let the lame old story down people
Stop believing in the same old lies
I was a dummy, not a clown, people
I was gullible, but not ridiculous
I'm getting hard to be around people
I'm becoming increasingly challenging to deal with
Warning, warning, beware, beware!
This is a serious warning!
Welcome to the real world
This is how the world really operates
Where trouble loves a pretty girl
The world rewards those who are attractive but cunning
Your compound interest drifted, scum
Your gains were made at the expense of others
Bite your blood until it runs
They'll take everything you have
Simple people praise the Lord
Humble people are devoted to the higher power
Smarter people steal and hoard
The intelligent ones are more focused on personal gain
If I was the president
Even if I had the highest authority
I couldn't change their evil plans
I would still be helpless in stopping their immoral schemes
Stealing all the way I feel
I'm aware of the iniquity, but still going along with it
'Cause I signed a dirty deal
Because I agreed to the immoral contract
Look out! Look out! Look out!
Be careful! Be careful! Be careful!
Dirty, it's dirty,
This is unethical, it's corrupt
It's dirty, it's dirty out there
The world is unfair and dishonest
The way I feel is I signed the dirty deal
I can't help but regret the immoral agreement
Beware, beware
Be cautious, be wary
Dirty deal, dirty deal
This is a corrupt and unethical agreement
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: IGGY POP, JAMES ROBERT WILLIAMSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind