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
Ready To Die
The Stooges Lyrics
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Got a depression and I hate it so.
[Chorus]
I'm shooting for the sky
Because I'm ready to die,
Die, die
What a luxury to wear this frown
[Chorus]
Now this lonely skin is wearing thin
How I hate in judge of the world I'm in
[Chorus: x2]
The lyrics of The Stooges's song "Ready To Die" convey a sense of despair and hopelessness. The opening lines, "Got a depression and it won't let go, Got a depression and I hate it so," highlight the singer's struggle with a deep and lingering sadness. It depicts a state of mind that feels trapped in a cycle of unhappiness, relentlessly clinging onto the person and making them despise it even more.
The chorus, with the lines "I'm shooting for the sky, Because I'm ready to die, Die, die," expresses a desire for escape from this depressive state. The singer sees death as a way out, an end to their suffering. They are willing to take drastic measures, reaching for the sky, to break free from the anguish they feel. The repetition of "die" emphasizes the intensity of their longing and their readiness for an ultimate release.
The second verse, "It's a lonesome town and it's got me down, What a luxury to wear this frown," reinforces the feeling of isolation and unhappiness. The town they reside in is depicted as desolate, and the singer finds comfort in their misery, considering it a luxury to wear a constant frown. This suggests a deep resignation and a belief that there is no hope for happiness or escape from their current state.
Overall, "Ready To Die" by The Stooges expresses a dark and heavy emotional state, where depression weighs heavily on the singer, leading them to contemplate the allure of death as an escape from their suffering.
Line by Line Meaning
Got a depression and it won't let go
I am overwhelmed by sadness and it persists in a relentless manner.
Got a depression and I hate it so
I deeply despise the presence of this depressive state in my life.
I'm shooting for the sky
I am aiming high and ambitious in my pursuits.
Because I'm ready to die
I have reached a point where I am willing and prepared to embrace death.
Die, die
The desire for death is so strong that it is repeatedly emphasized.
It's an lonesome town and it's got me down
This place feels isolated and desolate, affecting my mood negatively.
What a luxury to wear this frown
Ironically, I find solace or pleasure in displaying my sadness.
Now this lonely skin is wearing thin
The feelings of loneliness and detachment have become overwhelming.
How I hate in judge of the world I'm in
I strongly resent and criticize the world and society I find myself in.
I'm shooting for the sky
I am aiming high and ambitious in my pursuits.
Because I'm ready to die
I have reached a point where I am willing and prepared to embrace death.
Die, die
The desire for death is so strong that it is repeatedly emphasized.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: IGGY POP, JAMES ROBERT WILLIAMSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind