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
Sex & Money
The Stooges Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sex and money
The waves are breaking hard on the shore,
Sex and money
I can't use my thoughts or my dreams,
Sex and money
But darkness is on my mind
The truth is a motherfucker
I'm looking for a reason to live
Sex and money
I only got but two things to give
Sex and money
The sissy sissy, can't you find
Sex and money
Reality ain't written down,
The toughest (???) owns the ground
The others can't come around
Sex and money, sex and money (I want it)
Sex and money, sex and money (I want it)
Sex and money, sex and money (I want it)
Sex and money, sex and money
Nipples come and nipples go
But even love goes for the dough
Sex and money
A bare week, a month or two
Sex and money
Love is fun when there's nothing to do
Sex and money
Like swallowing razorblades
For living this mess I've made
But something just ain't for the sale
I want pie and cherry wine
Sex and money
I wanna have fun all the time
Sex and money
Am I wrong, is it right?
Sex and money
Who put this fucking dirt in my eye?
Sex and money
Yeah, who put this dirt in my eye?
It's a problem to be so wise
And I can't sleep at night anymore
The lyrics of The Stooges's song "Sex & Money" delve into the themes of desire, longing, and the struggles of life. The repeated phrase "Sex and money" represents the two driving forces that seem to consume the singer's thoughts, preventing them from finding peace and sleep at night. It suggests that their mind is occupied with the pursuit of physical pleasure and material wealth, which ultimately leads to a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction.
The line "But darkness is on my mind, When reason is going blind, The truth is a motherfucker" reflects the inner turmoil and confusion experienced by the singer. They feel trapped in their desires, with reason being overshadowed by their baser instincts. The truth, perhaps representing the harsh reality of the world, is described as a "motherfucker," indicating its unforgiving nature.
The lyrics also touch upon the ephemeral nature of love and the prioritization of money over emotional connections. The line "Nipples come and nipples go, But even love goes for the dough" suggests that both physical pleasure and love can be temporary and easily replaced if there is enough money involved. The singer questions the validity of their pursuits, wondering if their obsession with sex and money is right or wrong.
Overall, "Sex & Money" delves into the complex relationship between desire, materialism, and the quest for fulfillment, conveying a sense of confusion and dissatisfaction with the human condition.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't sleep at night anymore
I am restless and cannot find peace in my mind
Sex and money
My desires for physical pleasure and wealth consume me
The waves are breaking hard on the shore
Difficulties in life are constantly challenging me
I can't use my thoughts or my dreams
My ability to think and imagine is hindered
But darkness is on my mind
My thoughts are dominated by negative emotions
When reason is going blind
Logical thinking is becoming obscured
The truth is a motherfucker
Facing reality can be harsh and unpleasant
I'm looking for a reason to live
I am searching for purpose in my existence
I only got but two things to give
I possess only sex and money to offer
The sissy sissy, can't you find
I am trying to find someone who can indulge in my desires
Reality ain't written down
There are no predefined rules for how life should be
The toughest (???) owns the ground
Those who are dominant in strength and power control the world
The others can't come around
People who don't possess sex and money are excluded
Nipples come and nipples go
People and experiences of pleasure are transient
But even love goes for the dough
Even romantic feelings are influenced by material gain
A bare week, a month or two
Love and pleasure only last briefly
Love is fun when there's nothing to do
Love is enjoyable when there are no other distractions
Like swallowing razorblades
Engaging in destructive behavior for the sake of survival
For living this mess I've made
I am responsible for the chaos in my life
But something just ain't for the sale
There are aspects of life that cannot be bought or sold
I want pie and cherry wine
I desire indulgence and pleasure in abundance
I wanna have fun all the time
I crave constant enjoyment and entertainment
Am I wrong, is it right?
I question whether my desires and actions are morally acceptable
Who put this fucking dirt in my eye?
I resent the challenges and obstacles that hinder my pursuit of pleasure
Yeah, who put this dirt in my eye?
I rhetorically question the source of my difficulties
It's a problem to be so wise
Having knowledge and understanding can be burdensome
And I can't sleep at night anymore
My restlessness persists, preventing me from finding peace
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: IGGY POP, JAMES ROBERT WILLIAMSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind