The Stooges (also known as Iggy and the Stooges) were an American rock grou… Read Full Bio ↴The Stooges (also known as Iggy and the Stooges) were an American rock group that was formed in Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States in 1967. Featuring a bombastic proto-punk sound, they released three studio albums before breaking up in 1974. Despite picking up little to no chart or radio success, the band has proved to be one of the most influential rock groups of the past several decades, inspiring many artists such as the Ramones. The band reunited in 2003, released two further record in 2007 and 2013, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. The band split again in 2016. Their best known lineup consisted of Iggy Pop (vocals), Ron Asheton (guitar), Dave Alexander (bass), and Scott Asheton (drums).

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

Money
The Stooges Lyrics

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The best things in life are free
But you can keep them for the birds and bees
Now give me money
That's what I want
That's what I want, yeah
That's what I want

You're lovin' gives me a thrill

But you're lovin' don't pay my bills
Now give me money
That's what I want
That's what I want, yeah
That's what I want

Money don't get everything it's true
What it don't get, I can't use
Now give me money
That's what I want
That's what I want, yeah
That's what I want, wah

Money don't get everything it's true
What it don't get, I can't use
Now give me money
That's what I want
That's what I want, yeah
That's what I want

Well now give me money
A lot of money
Wow, yeah, I wanna be free
Oh I want money
That's what I want
That's what I want, well
Now give me money
A lot of money
Wow, yeah, you need money
Now, give me money

That's what I want, yeah
That's what I want

Overall Meaning

The Stooges' "Money" is a song that touches on the theme of money and how it is so important in today's world. The lyrics suggest that the best things in life may be free, but they are not what someone truly wants. Instead, the song highlights how money is necessary to pay one's bills, buy the things they want, and ultimately be free. The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Give me money, that's what I want" multiple times, emphasizing the importance of money in a person's life.

The second verse takes a more personal approach, with the lyrics suggesting that while love may bring a thrill to someone's life, it does not pay the bills. This reiterates the idea that money is essential to one's well-being and is worth more than intangible things like love or happiness. The chorus repeats, emphasizing once again that money is what is truly desired.

The final verse builds upon the previous two, with the lyrics stating that while money may not get everything, it is still necessary. The song ends with a plea for a lot of money, emphasizing once again just how important money is in today's society.

Overall, "Money" by The Stooges is a song that emphasizes the importance of money and how it is necessary in order to live a fulfilling life. However, it also acknowledges that money cannot buy everything, but it is still essential to one's well-being.

Line by Line Meaning

The best things in life are free
Although the best things in life don't cost anything, I don't value them as much as I value money.

But you can keep them for the birds and bees
You may enjoy the simple things in life, but they are not enough for me to be satisfied.

Now give me money
I demand that you give me money.

That's what I want
Money is my primary desire.

You're lovin' gives me a thrill
I enjoy being loved, but it doesn't pay my bills.

But you're lovin' don't pay my bills
As much as I enjoy love, it doesn't provide me with the monetary means I need.

Money don't get everything it's true
While money can provide a lot, there are some things that it cannot buy.

What it don't get, I can't use
If money can't buy the things I need, then it is of no use to me.

Now give me money
I continue to demand that you give me money.

That's what I want, wah
Once again, money is my primary desire.

Well now give me money
Again, I demand that you give me money.