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 and Bleed
The Stooges Lyrics
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I've been shoved too long
They even tried to buy my song
But it ain't gonna be that way no more
In my heart
I believe it's true
A man has gotta get at you
Yeah, tell me lies
And place your lovin' arms around me
And there's things a man must need
And don't it make you, make you wanna
Open up and bleed?
Yeah, open up and bleed
I've been lost
I've been pushed too long
I've been down harder than I've been too strong
Yeah baby, gonna find me another way
In my soul
I believe it's true
I didn't do what you wanted me too
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, tell me lies
Place your lovin' all around me
I need it 'round me
I've been pushed
And I know it so
Even my heart has been pushed, I know
Everybody wants to look the other way
In my soul
I believe it's healed
And in my heart there's a hole so deep
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, tell me lies
Place your lovin' all around me
And there's things a man must need
And don't it make you, make you wanna
Open up and bleed
The Stooges' song "Open Up and Bleed" is a poignant and raw exploration of a man's struggle for independence in the face of pressure and manipulation. The lyrics depict the singer's experience of being pushed and shoved for too long, as if his creative expression and autonomy are under siege. The line "They even tried to buy my song" suggests a disturbing attempt to silence or co-opt his voice. Nevertheless, he affirms that this kind of treatment won't work anymore, and he's ready to find another way to express himself.
The central theme of the song seems to be the tension between wanting to be loved and needing to be true to oneself. The singer acknowledges that there are "things a man must need," which could refer to both emotional and creative needs. He invites someone to tell him lies and place their loving arms around him, indicating a desire for affection and intimacy. At the same time, he asks whether it doesn't make them want to "open up and bleed," as if the person's affection is conditional on him sacrificing his authenticity. The repeated lines "And don't it make you, make you wanna / Open up and bleed" underscore the urgency of this dilemma, as well as the need to face it head-on.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been pushed
I've faced difficulties and hardships
I've been shoved too long
I've endured these struggles for too long
They even tried to buy my song
People have tried to use their power and influence to take advantage of me
But it ain't gonna be that way no more
I refuse to let this continue any longer
In my heart
My true feelings are
I believe it's true
I have a strong conviction that this is the case
A man has gotta get at you
A person must be honest with you, no matter how uncomfortable it may be
Everybody wants to look the other day
People tend to avoid facing difficult truths
Yeah, tell me lies
People often choose to lie instead of telling the truth
And place your lovin' arms around me
People often use affection to hide their true motives
And there's things a man must need
Certain basic needs must be fulfilled for one to flourish
And don't it make you, make you wanna
Doesn't it make you feel like
Open up and bleed?
You should reveal your true feelings and emotions, no matter how painful or difficult they may be
I've been lost
I have been directionless
I've been down harder than I've been too strong
I have faced many challenges and setbacks that have weakened me
Yeah baby, gonna find me another way
I need to find a new path to follow
I didn't do what you wanted me too
I didn't conform to others' expectations or demands
And I know it so
I am aware of this fact
Even my heart has been pushed, I know
My emotions have also been subject to pressure and strain
In my soul
I believe deeply
I believe it's healed
I feel that I have overcome my past traumas
And in my heart there's a hole so deep
I still have deep emotional wounds that need to be healed
I need it 'round me
I need emotional support and affection
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: IGGY POP, JAMES WILLIAMSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind