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
Free & Freaky
The Stooges Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who don't pick up the phone
I sneak around the room
I bitch about and moan
People make me nervous
Pretty soon they'll leave me alone
Free and freaky in the U.S.A.
My sister went to war
She tied a guy up on a leash
I think about it sometimes
While I'm sittin' on the beach
I hate it when people look at me the wrong way
Free and freaky in the U.S.A.
Free and freaky in the U.S.A.
England and France
These cultures are old
The cheese is stinky
And the beer ain't cold
When I go over there I gotta walk bold
Free and freaky in the U.S.A.
Free and freaky in the U.S.A.
Free and freaky in the U.S.A.
Whoa, today, my mind begins to stray
I sit around an old house
Schemin' in the dark
I'm walkin' all alone
In a bath robe, in the park
I feel a touch of evil
But I guess it'll be O.K.
Free and freaky in the U.S.A.
Alabama
Dali Lama
Baby Mama
Free and freaky in the U.S.A.
Free and freaky in the U.S.A.
Rude Madonna
Benihana
Antique father
Free and freaky in the U.S.A.
Free and freaky in the U.S.A.
Free and freaky in the U.S.A.
Free and freaky in the U.S.A.
Free and freaky in the U.S.A.
Free and freaky in the U.S.A.
The Stooges' song Free & Freaky appears to be about the eccentric behaviors and thoughts of the singer. The first verse displays a certain level of social anxiety and disdain for human interaction, as the singer describes himself as someone who refuses to pick up the phone and complains frequently. However, he claims that his disdain for people ultimately leads to them giving him space and anonymity. The chorus repeatedly asserts the singer's desire to be free and freaky in the United States, seemingly as a symbol of the freedom to be oneself and not conform to societal norms.
The second verse describes the singer's sister tying a man up on a leash during war, leading to him pondering this unconventional behavior while relaxing on a beach. The verse ends with a declaration of protest for those who look at him the wrong way. The third verse compares the cultures of England and France to America, ultimately leading to a self-asserting statement of his perceived freedom in the United States. The final verse describes the singer scheming in the dark in an old house, walking alone in a bathrobe in a park, and feeling a touch of evil, followed by the assertion that everything will be okay as long as he remains free and freaky.
Overall, the song seems to be a celebration of unconventional behavior and the freedom to be oneself, even if it leads to others perceiving one as "freaky." Additionally, there is likely a political message in the song's assertion that the United States is a place where one can be truly free, rejecting the traditional values and culture of older nations like England and France.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm the kinda guy
I possess qualities that make me unique
Who don't pick up the phone
I prefer to avoid interaction with others
I sneak around the room
I move in a stealthy manner
I bitch about and moan
I express dissatisfaction through complaining
People make me nervous
I feel anxious around others
Pretty soon they'll leave me alone
I hope to be left alone soon
Free and freaky in the U.S.A.
I live a life of freedom and unconventionality in the United States
My sister went to war
My sibling became involved in armed combat
She tied a guy up on a leash
She restrained a man by fastening a leash to him
I think about it sometimes
I occasionally contemplate that memory
While I'm sittin' on the beach
During times of leisure and relaxation
I hate it when people look at me the wrong way
I become angered when others observe me in a disapproving manner
England and France
European nations with rich history and culture
These cultures are old
Their customs and traditions are long-established
The cheese is stinky
Their cheese has a pungent aroma
And the beer ain't cold
Their beer is not chilled to my preference
When I go over there I gotta walk bold
I need to display confidence when visiting those countries
Whoa, today, my mind begins to stray
My thoughts wander aimlessly today
I sit around an old house
I spend time in an aged dwelling
Schemin' in the dark
I am plotting in a covert manner
I'm walkin' all alone
I am traveling solo
In a bath robe, in the park
Wearing a robe in a public outdoor area
I feel a touch of evil
I sense a hint of wickedness
But I guess it'll be O.K.
But I assume it will be fine
Alabama
Southern state in the United States
Dali Lama
Buddhist spiritual leader
Baby Mama
Mother of someone's child
Rude Madonna
Disrespectful version of the pop icon Madonna
Benihana
Japanese restaurant chain
Antique father
Elderly patriarch
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: IGGY POP, RON ASHETON, SCOTT ASHETON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind