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
Open Up & Bleed
The Stooges Lyrics
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I been shoved too long
They even tried to buy my song
But it ain't gonna be that way no more
I been hurt. I been shut inside
I've even tried to fix and die
But I'm just gonna kick out through that door
Yeah, tell me lies, and place your lovin' arms around me
I've been caged, like a wild cat
By fools who don't know where its at
But it ain't gonna be that way no more
In my head there's a cry of pain
I wear my heart out and kill my brain
But I'm just kick out through that door
Yeah, tell me lies and place your lovin' arms around me
Don't it make ya, make ya wanna open up and bleed?
I'm a bitter man
But anyone can see
You wont get me
Down on my knees
The Stooges's song "Open Up & Bleed" is a powerful declaration of strength and resilience in the face of adversity. In the song, the singer has been pushed and shoved for too long, both physically and emotionally. He has been hurt and shut inside, and even tried to die. But he is done with all that, and he's ready to kick down the door and take on the world.
The song is a rallying cry against those who try to suppress and control us, whether it be through lies or through physical confinement. The singer refuses to be caged like a wild animal, and instead chooses to wear his heart on his sleeve and fight back with everything he's got. He may be bitter, but he's also strong, and he won't be brought down to his knees by anyone.
Overall, "Open Up & Bleed" is a powerful anthem of resilience and defiance that speaks to the human spirit's ability to overcome even the most challenging obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
I been pushed.
I have been pushed around and mistreated.
I been shoved too long
Being pushed around has gone on for too long.
They even tried to buy my song
Someone has tried to buy something important to me.
But it ain't gonna be that way no more
I won't allow myself to be treated poorly anymore.
I been hurt. I been shut inside
Emotionally, I am in pain and have been keeping it inside.
I've even tried to fix and die
I have tried to fix my life, but it hasn't worked and I feel hopeless.
But I'm just gonna kick out through that door
Now, I am going to leave my problems behind and move forward.
Yeah, tell me lies, and place your lovin' arms around me
Even if it means hearing lies, I want to feel comforted and loved.
I've been caged, like a wild cat
People have been controlling me, like an animal in a cage.
By fools who don't know where its at
These people don't know what they are doing or what they want.
But it ain't gonna be that way no more
I am taking control of my life and won't let others dictate it.
In my head there's a cry of pain
I am in emotional pain and struggling.
I wear my heart out and kill my brain
I am open with my emotions, but it only causes more mental turmoil.
But I'm just kick out through that door
I am leaving my problems behind and moving forward with my life.
Don't it make ya, make ya wanna open up and bleed?
These struggles and emotions can make someone feel like they just want to let it all out.
I'm a bitter man
My struggles have left me feeling bitter and resentful.
But anyone can see
My situation is obvious to anyone who pays attention.
You wont get me
I won't allow others to control me.
Down on my knees
I won't be submissive or give in to others' demands.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JAMES OSTERBERG, JAMES WILLIAMSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind