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
Rich Bitch
The Stooges Lyrics
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Hollis Brown, he lived on the outside of town
With his wife and five children
And his cabin broken down
You looked for work and money and you walked a rugged mile
You looked for work and money and you walked a rugged mile
Your children are so hungry
Your baby's eyes look crazy, they're a tuggin' at your sleeve
Your baby's eyes look crazy, they're a tuggin' at your sleeve
You walk the floor and wonder why
With every breath you breathe
The rats have got your flour, bad blood it got your mare
The rats have got your flour, bad blood it got your mare
If there's anyone that knows
Is there anyone that cares?
You prayed to the Lord above oh, please send you a friend
You prayed to the Lord above oh, please send you a friend
Your empty pocket tell you
That you ain't a got no friend
Your babies are crying louder now, it's pounding on your brain
Your babies are crying louder now, it's pounding on your brain
Your wife's screams are stabbin' you
Like the dirty drivin' rain
Your grass is turning black, there's no water in your well
Your grass is turning black, there's no water in your well
Your spent your last lone dollar
On seven shotgun shells
Way out in the wilderness, a cold coyote calls
Way out in the wilderness, a cold coyote calls
Your eyes fix on the shotgun
That's hangin' on the wall
Your brain is a bleedin' and your legs can't seem to stand
Your brain is a bleedin' and your legs can't seem to stand
Your eyes fix on the shotgun
That you're holdin' in your hand
There's seven breezes a blowin' all around the cabin door
There's seven breezes a blowin' all around the cabin door
Seven shots ring out
Like the ocean's pounding roar
There's seven people dead on a South Dakota farm
There's seven people dead on a South Dakota farm
Somewhere in the distance
There's seven new people born
The Stooges's song "Rich Bitch" is a haunting tale about a man named Hollis Brown who lives on the outside of town with his wife and five children. The song paints a vivid picture of the hardships and struggles of Brown's life, and the desperation he feels as he seeks to provide for his family. Amidst the poverty, hunger, and despair, Brown's mental state begins to deteriorate, eventually driving him to commit a horrific act of violence that claims seven lives.
The lyrics are a powerful commentary on the poverty and inequality that exist in society, and the toll it takes on those who are forced to endure it. The repeated refrain of "You looked for work and money and you walked a rugged mile" emphasizes the difficulty of Brown's situation, and the desperation of those who are forced to live on the fringes of society. The vivid imagery of hungry children, crazed babies, and grass turning black highlight the harsh realities of poverty and the psychological toll it can take on individuals and families.
Overall, "Rich Bitch" is a powerful expression of the human cost of poverty and inequality. Through Brown's tragic story, The Stooges give voice to the struggles faced by millions of people around the world who are living on the margins of society.
Line by Line Meaning
Hollis Brown, he lived on the outside of town
Hollis Brown is poor and lives in a remote area
With his wife and five children
He has a large family to support
You looked for work and money and you walked a rugged mile
Hollis is trying to find employment but struggling to make ends meet
Your children are so hungry / That they don't know how to smile
The family is experiencing poverty, making it difficult for the children to be happy
Your baby's eyes look crazy, they're a tuggin' at your sleeve
Hollis's child is in distress and he can't provide for them
You walk the floor and wonder why / With every breath you breathe
Hollis is struggling to find purpose in his difficult life
The rats have got your flour, bad blood it got your mare
Even basic necessities like food and transportation are hard to come by for Hollis
If there's anyone that knows / Is there anyone that cares?
Hollis feels alone and unsupported by the world around him
You prayed to the Lord above oh, please send you a friend
Hollis is desperate for help and support
Your empty pocket tell you / That you ain't a got no friend
Hollis feels isolated and abandoned in his poverty
Your babies are crying louder now, it's pounding on your brain
The sound of his children's distress is overwhelming for Hollis
Your wife's screams are stabbin' you / Like the dirty drivin' rain
His wife is also struggling and her cries are breaking his heart
Your grass is turning black, there's no water in your well
Hollis's farm is failing, and he can't provide for his family
Your spent your last lone dollar / On seven shotgun shells
Hollis has resorted to extreme measures to provide for his family, even though it may not be legal
Way out in the wilderness, a cold coyote calls
Hollis is isolated, and nature seems to mirror his despair
Your brain is a bleedin' and your legs can't seem to stand
Hollis is in a state of emotional turmoil and physical exhaustion
There's seven people dead on a South Dakota farm
Hollis has resorted to violence to solve his problems, leading to tragedy
Somewhere in the distance / There's seven new people born
The cycle of life and death, poverty and desperation continues
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JAMES OSTERBERG, JAMES WILLIAMSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind