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
I Need Somebody
The Stooges Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hoo!
Ooh-ooh
Aah-aah, yeah, baby
Well, I am your crazy driver
Honey, I'm sure to steer you wrong
I am dying in a story
I need somebody, baby
Ya need somebody, too
I need somebody, baby
Just like you
Just like you
Just like you
Well, I'm losing all my feelings
And I'm running out of friends
You know you lied to me in the beginning
Baby, and now you're gonna try to bring me
Try to bring me to the end, but shit, I still, I don't know how to-
I need somebody, baby
I need somebody, too
I need somebody, baby
Just like you
Just like you
Just like you
Well now it's time to leave this signal
The interference is too strong
Yeah I got my reputation
Ride them airwaves, not too long
I need somebody, baby
I need somebody, too
I need somebody, baby
Just like you
Just like you
Just like you
Somebody
Somebody
Somebody
I said please
I said please
I said please
Somebody
Yeah!
Somebody
Some- just like you
Just like you
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Aah, aah, aah
Aah, aah, aah
The Stooges's "I Need Somebody" is a song that addresses the loneliness and emptiness felt by the singer, who is both emotionally and physically drained. The title of the song is an invitation, a plea to a partner who can make life more bearable. Throughout the song, Iggy Pop, the lead vocalist, expresses his desire for someone to be with, telling his partner that she needs somebody too. He is struggling with the pain of losing friends, being lied to, and having no one to turn to. Iggy Pop sings, "Well, I'm losing all my feelings and I'm running out of friends. You know you lied to me in the beginning, baby, and now you're gonna try to bring me to the end," showing how he is emotionally and physically drained.
As the song progresses, he says "now it's time to leave the signal, the interference is too strong," meaning he is trying to break away from the noise of the world that has surrounded him. He sings about his reputation and how he wants to ride the airwaves not too long, implying that he wants to find his place in the world and be recognised for his talents. The song ultimately conveys that life can be extremely hard without someone to share it with, and that we all need somebody to get through our darkest moments.
Overall, the song illustrates a desperate need for connection and companionship. It is an ode to the people who have supported us through the dark times and to the people who have stuck by us despite the turmoil that life throws our way.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I am your crazy driver
I am the wild one in our relationship
Honey, I'm sure to steer you wrong
My decisions will likely be bad for us
I am dying in a story
My life feels like a tragic tale
I'm only living to sing this song just the same, baby
The only thing that gives meaning to my life is music
I need somebody, baby
I require companionship
Ya need somebody, too
You also need someone in your life
Just like you
That person needs to be just like you
Well, I'm losing all my feelings
I am becoming numb to emotions
And I'm running out of friends
I am losing people close to me
You know you lied to me in the beginning
You were dishonest with me from the start
Baby, and now you're gonna try to bring me
You will try to break me down
Try to bring me to the end, but shit, I still, I don't know how to-
You will try to bring me to my breaking point but I don't know how to handle it
Well now it's time to leave this signal
It's time to move on from this situation
The interference is too strong
The problems are too overwhelming
Yeah I got my reputation
I have a reputation to uphold
Ride them airwaves, not too long
I will keep singing my songs but I won't last forever
Somebody
I need someone in my life
I said please
I am begging for this person
Just like you
This person needs to be just like you
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Vocalization
Aah, aah, aah
Vocalization
Aah, aah, aah
Vocalization
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JAMES OSTERBERG, JAMES WILLIAMSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind