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
Gün
The Stooges Lyrics
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I can't stand the fucking sound,
Thinking out in the USA
Yelling at the other guy
Arguing over the pie
Thinking out in the USA
Hold me, squeeze me, friend me
'Cause I'm empty
If I had a fucking gun
I could shoot at everyone
Thinking out in the USA
Everyone's like the police,
Ain't no way to get some peace
Thinking out in the USA
Mothers' can stand their ground,
Ain't nobody else around,
Thinking out in the USA
They ain't no morals to their law,
Doesn't mean a thing at all,
Thinking out in the USA
Roll me, sold me, screw me
Don't sue me
Ah don't sue me baby
People hacked up all the time,
Nobody is thinking why,
Thinking out in the USA
Money is a waste of time,
Course I made sure I've got mine,
Thinking out in the USA
Touch me, rush me, brush me,
I'm blushing
Who ever killed the Indians
All we wanna do is win
Thinking out in the USA
Watch out for the Mexicans
They'll be back to kick our cans
Thinking out in the USA
Now it's time that you get out,
Nuke it out, black it out,
Thinking out in the USA.
Now it's time to blow it up,
Wrap it up and throw it up,
Thinking out in the USA
Everybody's talking loud,
I can't stand a fucking sound,
Thinking out in the USA
Yelling at the other guy
Arguing over the pie
Thinking out in the USA
If I had a fucking gun
I could shoot at everyone
Thinking out in the USA
The Stooges’ song “Gun” is a direct critique of American society and culture of the time, particularly in relation to the issues of gun violence, racism, police brutality and the impact of capitalism. The song draws a picture of an individual trapped in an environment where there is no peace he can get. The person is surrounded by people who talk loud, argue, and shout at each other, an atmosphere in which he cannot fit in. He wishes for a gun he can use to shoot everyone, which symbolizes the level of frustration and anger within an individual in the midst of the chaos that surrounds them. The persona describes a society where the police (who are supposed to be protectors of the people) can act similarly to everyone else with no morals, and mothers stand alone because no one is around to help them.
The song also touches on issues of racism and prejudices towards immigrants, with mentions of Mexicans and Indigenous peoples. At the end, the persona suggests it is time for society to change drastically, either through violence or by completely destroying it.
Overall, “Gun” is a confronting tale of social ills and capitalism that offers a brutal but honest representation of America’s society during the 70s.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody’s talking loud,
People are speaking loudly and it's becoming frustrating to listen to.
I can’t stand the fucking sound,
The loudness of people's voices has become unbearable and is causing discomfort.
Thinking out in the USA
Many people in the USA are expressing their thoughts, opinions and ideas.
Yelling at the other guy
People are screaming and shouting at one another, due to disagreements or conflicts.
Arguing over the pie
People are in a heated dispute or argument over something that they want, like or desire.
Hold me, squeeze me, friend me
'Cause I’m empty
People are seeking attention, affection or companionship because they feel emotionally unfulfilled or empty.
If I had a fucking gun
I could shoot at everyone
The persona is expressing their frustration and anger with the people around them and would want to harm them if they had a gun.
Everyone’s like the police,
Ain’t no way to get some peace
People are behaving like the police, with an authoritative and controlling nature, making it difficult to find peace or tranquility.
Mothers' can stand their ground,
Ain’t nobody else around
Mothers are standing up for themselves and protecting their interests, but it seems that no one is there to support them.
They ain’t no morals to their law,
Doesn’t mean a thing at all
People are disregarding principles and values when enforcing the law, making it worthless and ineffective.
Roll me, sold me, screw me
Don’t sue me
Ah don't sue me baby
The persona is requesting not to be taken to court or sued, despite being used or manipulated.
People hacked up all the time,
Nobody is thinking why
People are being killed or harmed all the time, but no one is questioning why it's happening.
Money is a waste of time,
Course I made sure I’ve got mine,
Thinking out in the USA
The persona is expressing that making money is not a worthwhile activity, but they have ensured that they have enough for themselves.
Touch me, rush me, brush me,
I’m blushing
People are touching, rushing or brushing past the persona and it's causing them to feel embarrassed or shy.
Whoever killed the Indians
All we wanna do is win
Thinking out in the USA
The persona is bringing up the violent history of the country and highlighting that people in the USA only care about winning.
Watch out for the Mexicans
They'll be back to kick our cans
Thinking out in the USA
People are expressing fear or resentment towards Mexicans, believing that they will seek revenge or harm in some way.
Now it’s time that you get out,
Nuke it out, black it out,
Thinking out in the USA.
The persona is expressing a desire for people to leave and to destroy or eliminate everything, causing a complete blackout.
Now it’s time to blow it up,
Wrap it up and throw it up,
Thinking out in the USA
The persona is implying that it's time to destroy or dismantle everything, wrapping it up and disposing of it completely.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: IGGY POP, JAMES ROBERT WILLIAMSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind